Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does the Greek Alumni Association tell the Actives what to do?
A. The short answer is “no”. There is a definite separation between the Active Chapters and the Greek Alumni Association. The Mission of the Greek Alumni Association is comprised of FOUR distinct parts. Only one of the four parts is helping advise Active Greek Chapters at Bloomsburg. Our Board will offer advice based in our collective experiences as both Greek Students and now Greek Alumni. We will use our history combined with what we believe to be “best practices” to advise Actives in regard to navigating challenges they might experience. The Actives are under no obligation to take any of our advice. You can read more on this topic HERE.
Q. Is the Greek Alumni Association now playing the role the University used to play?
A. The answer to this is “yes and no”:
“Yes” in so far as we would like to add some adult influence into Greek Life at Bloomsburg. It’s great that 17 to 24 year old men and women are managing their own organizations, but from time to time…a little fully developed frontal lobe advice can go a long way.
“No” in that we ARE NOT here to dictate anything. We can’t make anything mandatory. We don’t have a Code of Conduct. We want to be advocates and with any luck, all greeks will voluntarily want to be part of the Greek Alumni Association because we have demonstrated value.
In the event of strife between Greek Active Organization, the Greek Alumni Association is willing to play an Arbiter role, provided the parties involved are willing to put that agreement in writing. Otherwise, they will need to figure it out for themselves.
Q. How does the Greek Alumni Association pay the bills?
Primarily, our over 5000 Bloom Greek Alumni members make donations that help us exist as a viable entity. We also hold events and fund raiser that help offset costs. In the beginning, we are keeping costs low, and exercising a “crawl before you walk” strategy. Once we have some success under our belt, we ultimately would like to do more. You can read more about some of those goals in our Mission and other sections of F.A.Q.s and this website.
Q. How do I get involved with the Greek Alumni Association?
A. The easiest way is to start coming to some events and get active. If you like that level, the Board is always looking for folks to serve in subcommittees and help us get things done. From public relations, to event production and management: there is always room for more dedicated Greek volunteers. If you really like it: we would love you to run for a position on the Board. You can get more information about how our Board functions by reading our bylaws HERE.
Upcoming Greek Events
Q. Is every Greek organization that was ever at Bloomsburg represented in the Greek Alumni Association Board?
A. No. The Board is small you can see the present Board HERE. This is by design, because Boards that are too large typically get unwieldy and unable to make timely decisions…if they can make them at all. Instead, we opted for a smallish voting Board, and lots of opportunities for Subcommittees and Groups to complete tasks. From those groups, most future Board members will arise. There is room for every group to have representation in the various subcommittees.
Q. Why do this now?
A. It has been discussed and considered since 2016. When the University was still involved and the Greek Life office was taking responsibility; there really was no logical reason to organize further. However, in the face of disaffiliation, Alumni not keen on the extinction of their organizations modeled other schools around the globe in regard to how they handled similar situations. A strong Alumni Group, to add some consistency for greek students seems to be the solution that has found the most success. Ultimately we would like to hire an INTERN to be our PART TIME Advocate to start, hopefully transitioning into a FULL TIME Advocate and Director before too long.
Q. Does campus know about this, and what do they think?
Yes, campus does know about this and we have recently had some very productive discussions with campus in regard to the present complex situation. We believe that the Alumni Association is potentially a large part of a solution for problems that the University is facing, students are facing, and even area landlords could feel some of the benefits of our involvement. So, if that is the case, we are hopeful that all parties will have open, realistic discussions about the future of the town, the university and the role Greek students play in that successful future.
Q. If I am in a greek organization: what does the Greek Alumni Association add for me?
A. Consistency. Best Practices. History. Variety. Opportunity.
We all remember how “tribal” we were as active Greeks when we were students. But when you graduate, you quickly realize that your kinship and tribe is much larger than just your organization. You have a common bond with ALL GREEKS! You all shared that experience TOGETHER…and this is important.
You can have the best fraternity/sorority in the world, but if the environment at your alma mater is not conducive to foster and appreciate that organization…what do you actually have? Are you more or less likely to return and support your alma mater if they help your Greek Organization flourish and thrive?
Your organization is no doubt great…probably the greatest…but if it tries to stand alone in a harsh environment for Greeks: will they be successful? Or…do they stand a better chance in solidarity with ALL OTHER GREEKS?
The Greek Alumni Association feels the answer to that question is pretty obvious, and we formed to make that solidarity possible.
Q. What’s the plan if Greeks feel they are being singled out or persecuted in an unfair way?
A. This is of the reason we are creating this Greek Alumni Association. Greeks feel there has been, and continues to be legal abuses of the Greek Student and their organizations. Things like requiring Greek students to submit their residence information and contact info…when no other University organizations were asked for the same requirement…was just one such example.
Part of the Greek Alumni Association mission will be the defense of civil liberties of Greek students (and Alumni) of Bloomsburg University. That is not to say we will have a legal defense fund for individuals who may feel they were wronged, but more for instances of systemic persecution or abuse of power by people in authority positions.
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Much like the State of the Union, BGAA creates this report every so often to set benchmarks, show initiatives, and set a path to the future…all in one document.