2019-2021 Biennial Report

ALPHA OMICRON PI
BIENNIAL REPORT

2019-2021

2 THE BIENNIUM IN REVIEW

Crystal Grafton Combs This biennium began with the excitement
that characterizes all new adventures.
A LETTER Our sisters were out in the world making
FROM OUR a difference, from partnering with philan-
PRESIDENT thropic causes on local and national levels
to developing chapter goals and initiatives
to strengthen our sisterhood and our Pan-
hellenic communities. These actions demon-
strated in real life our Fraternity’s commit-
ment to Character, Ambition, Leadership,
Service, and a Sense of Belonging – the five
Ends (think goals) that we aspire to define
our membership experience.
Then, in the spring of 2020 as our chapters
were celebrating Founders’ Day events,
preparing for the transition of graduating
seniors into alumnae status, and welcom-
ing new members into our sisterhood, the
COVID-19 pandemic swept across North
America. Life as we know it changed in
what seemed like only a moment’s notice.
Schools closed, our homes became our
workspaces, the word of the year became
“pivot,” and pivot we did.
In the time since, our sisters and our chap-
ters have faced unprecedented challenges.
We have also met these challenges with
unprecedented commitment – to one anoth-
er, to our sisterhood, and to our Ritual and
the values that we hold in common. Even
in the midst of a global pandemic, we have
remained committed to delivering an experi-
ence that builds character, inspires ambition,
strengthens leadership, promotes service,
and creates a sense of belonging.
Our professional staff team partnered with
our international volunteers to provide tool
kits and webinars on how to create a virtual
sisterhood experience. We hosted the first

3

ever virtual international alumnae transition ser- Mentor Power Hours, a program designed to
vice to celebrate our graduating seniors. And connect our collegiate and alumnae members
this was only the beginning of our “firsts.” based on their professional interests, enjoyed
We hosted our first virtual international confer- tremendous success. And we hosted our first
ence for Leadership Institute 2020 via Zoom, Alumnae Leadership Conference, a day of virtu-
offering opportunities for our sisters to connect al education and training designed exclusively
during roundtables, education tracks, and group for alumnae chapter members.
sisterhood events; we established the “Pay It In the midst of it all, our sisters have risen to the
Forward” program to provide an opportunity for virtual occasion. We have continued our work to
our alumnae members to offset the costs of in- achieve our Ends. Our members have demon-
ternational fees for our collegiate sisters; every strated character, inspired ambition in one
chapter was assigned a Recruitment Coach to another, worked to strengthen their leadership
provide leadership and support as Panhellen- skills, remained committed to service, and cre-
ic communities shifted to a virtual recruitment ated a sense of belonging for one another even
experience; and we hosted a series of 12 virtual while being physically distanced. This has been
initiation events to welcome nearly 800 new demonstrated time and time again as they have
members into our sisterhood. This is what it talked, laughed, eaten, walked, and danced
means to pivot. their way through life with one another, shar-
As we transitioned into a virtual world with ing space while six feet apart, smiling through
different expectations, the word “pivot” quick- screens, and making memories from behind
ly became synonymous with “possibility.” Our masks. I believe our founders would be proud.
Fraternity continued our transition to a new net- Jessie Wallace Hughan once shared, “May
work structure, realigning our previous structure our candle burn bright and steady through the
to provide better support to our chapters while coming AOII year. May we not forget that in
also providing an enhanced volunteer experi- our candle we carry a sacred flame, a flame to
ence for our alumnae members. We established light the way of love.” At the beginning of this
three new work groups to focus on collegiate biennium, we could not have imagined what
chapter operations, collegiate chapter finances, path our lives would take. As we celebrate this
and our Fraternity’s commitment to diversity, virtual Convention, another first in our history, I
equity, and inclusion. In addition, we welcomed believe that our lights continue to burn bright as
more than 1,000 women to a virtual Leadership we look toward our future. May it be filled with
Academy 2021, with more collegiate chapter sisterhood, friendship, and love.
officers and advisers than ever before connect- Fraternally,
ing for a weekend of leadership training and
personal development. Crystal Grafton Combs, Nu Beta (U of Mississippi)
This unique biennium also offered us the oppor- 2019-21 International President
tunity to connect with our alumnae sisters in a
way that was previously unimaginable. A series
of online training events was developed and
hosted for our Alumnae Chapter Presidents.

On the cover: Chi Phi (U of South Carolina Aiken)

4 PERCENTAGE OF CHAPTERS
ACHIEVING QUOTA
COLLEGIATE
EXPERIENCE 87% 2017-2018
BIENNIAL
REVIEW 80% 2018-2019

81% 2019-2020

90% 2020-2021

14,151 90% of chapters participated in
Continuous Open Bidding.

Collegiate Members as of April 1, 2021. CHAPTERS CLOSED

ACTIVE CHAPTERS

141 137 2 • Kappa Gamma, Florida Southern
U (non-viable membership
2019-2020 2020-2021 2019- numbers)
2020
• Omicron Pi, U of Michigan
(non-viable membership
numbers)

CAMPUS AWARDS • Lambda Rho, Texas Christian
U (non-viable membership
66% chapters received award 5 numbers)
recognition from their
college/university. 2020- • Sigma Chi, Hartwick College
2021 (policy violations)
COLLEGE ENROLLMENT
• Delta Kappa, Washington U in
Freshman college enroll- St. Louis (Abolish Greek Life
Movement)
-16.1% ment dropped 16.1% from
2019 to 2020. • Upsilon, U of Washington (non-
viable membership numbers)

• Nu Omicron, Vanderbilt U (non-
viable membership numbers)

NEW MEMBERS PLEDGED 5

5,880 5,706 5,606 5,125

2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021

MEMBERS INITIATED 5,055

5,778 5,391 4,570 2020-2021

2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 6%

MEMBERSHIP SUSPENSIONS (PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERSHIP) 2020-2021

5% 6% 5%

2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020

Phi Sigma (U of Nebraska at Kearney) Tau Gamma (Eastern Washington U)

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TOTAL NUMBER OF ELC VISITS
CONSULTANT PROGRAM

During 2020 and 2021, the Fraternity had to reimagine 215 274
many of our programs and services and one of those
has been how our Educational Leadership Consultant
program could continue to be delivered to our mem-
bers in a meaningful and impactful way. While many 2019-2020 2020-2021

NPC groups suspended their consultant programs, AOII
remained committed to this program and the respon-
sibility of the Fraternity to ensure that there are opportunities to facilitate relevant leadership and life
skills to collegiate and alumnae members. Educational Leadership Consultants participated in three
different types of visits: virtual visits, on-site visits with chapters where the ELC lived on site for the se-
mester, and in-person visits where social distancing guidelines could be maintained.

6 Boston Alumnae

LIFETIME ALUMNAE PROGRAMMING
ENGAGEMENT
BIENNIAL The Alumnae Leadership Program (ALP)
REVIEW training sessions launched in 2020 provide
training for alumnae chapter leadership.
ALUMNAE CHAPTER MEMBERS
• ALP Sessions 2020-2021: 12
2,625 2,723 The first-ever Alumnae Leadership Conference
(ALC) was held on April 24, 2021. This event
2019-2020 2020-2021 allowed alumnae to attend educational tracks
and roundtable sessions and featured a “Con-
FIRST YEAR ON US MEMBERS nections for a Lifetime” theme inspiring alum-
nae members to expand their connections and
187 177 engage with sisters from across the country!

2019-2020 2020-2021 • ALC Attendees 2021: 250

MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS PAY IT FORWARD

160 Total Alumnae Chapters The Pay it Forward program provided alumnae
members the opportunity to make a difference
New Alumnae Chapter: directly for a younger sister by financially sup-
porting a collegiate member of a chapter of
1 Dallas/Fort Worth Alumnae, their choosing. The alumnae members were
Installed April 18, 2021 able to choose to select a specific member
(or members) of that chapter or donate so that
chapter leadership could select a sister/sister(s)
in need to benefit from the Pay it Forward con-
tribution.

• Alumnae Participants: 86
• Chapters Sponsored: 61
• Collegiate Members Sponsored Total: 127
• Funds Collected: $24,726.46

EDUCATION & 7
PROGRAMMING
BIENNIAL Chicago West Suburban Alumnae
REVIEW
MENTOR POWER HOUR
Beta Tau (U of Toronto)
• Mentor Power Hours (MPH) are virtual net-
ALPHALINK & FULFILLING working opportunities for collegiate and
THE PROMISE UPGRADES alumnae members in the same career field,
which began as a session during Leadership
• In August 2019, Fulfilling the Promise Institute (LI) 2020. The session was a hit and
(FTP) was upgraded to be hosted on MPH virtual networking sessions were held
a new learning management system throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
site. This update allows for content
to be shared by the officer/role it is • Members ask and answer career-based
intended for and in more bite-sized, questions, share experiences and expertise,
interactive, and module-style formats. and create relationships with sisters of dif-
ferent chapters, ages, and backgrounds.
• Concurrently with the Fulfilling the
Promise upgrade, AlphaLink, AOII’s • 1000+ members have participated in Mentor
member portal, received a facelift to Power Hours from August 2020 – April 2021
its personal page. The new personal and 196 members interested in continuing
page allows members to easily ac- career discussions one-on-one were able to
cess the most-used members-only elect to be paired with a mentor or mentee.
features and added officer and sister
search features. AMBASSADOR PROGRAMS

• In spring 2021, AlphaLink received • While Spring 2020 ambassador visits
another major update with the rollout were halted due to the pandemic, the 2020-
of a new version of the chapter side 21 academic year called for a shift
page. This update improved user to virtual visits.
experience and added chapter and
Fraternity calendar functionality. • Training Ambassadors performed 26 vis-
its conducting LC/AAC retreats and AAC
training programs focusing on overarching
volunteer responsibilities and operations,
enhancing leadership skills, and interper-
sonal and communication skills.

• Recruitment Ambassadors performed 24
visits during the biennium, in addition to
countless recruitment coaching calls during
the 2020-21 academic year when the re-
cruitment needs of chapters shifted away
from singular workshops towards coaching
throughout the concentrated recruitment
period.

8

EDUCATION & PROGRAMMING BIENNIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

OFFICER TRAINING AND SUPPORT

• Starting in spring 2020, collegiate chapters were able to administer the International Member-
ship Education Exam online via Fulfilling the Promise. The updated exam included new reflec-
tion questions in addition to the multiple-choice and Ritual portions.

• Amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, updating recruitment resources became a top prior-
ity to assist chapters in adapting recruitment plans and processes. New and adapted resources
were rolled out to assist with recruitment preparation, logistics, and membership selection.

• Volunteers, staff, past ELCs, and Recruitment Ambassadors were recruited to serve as Recruit-
ment Coaches throughout 2020-21. Each collegiate chapter was paired with a Coach who
worked closely with the chapter recruitment team to ensure they had thorough plans and prepa-
ration to adapt to changes in recruitment logistics.

• In order to adapt to the changing needs of chapters conducting business virtually, online new
member courses and quizzes were added to FTP so that new members could learn at their own
pace and still enjoy the sisterhood at their meetings. Resources were also updated to aid New
Member Educators in conducting new member education process virtually.

• In fall 2020, a revamped collegiate officer election process was rolled out to simplify and short-
en the election process and make it more easily adaptable to virtual meeting spaces.

• Town halls and officer roundtables were held spring 2020 and 2020-21 on topics like finances,
new member education, recruitment, continuous open bidding, educational programming, chap-
ter development, and standards. These Pivot with Purpose sessions provided virtual space for
idea-sharing, dialogue, and education as chapter operations adjusted to the challenges of 2020
and beyond.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

• Over 900 sisters attended International Convention 2019 in Orlando, Florida to celebrate a
great biennium. Activities included sisterhood, Ritual, education tracks and chapter recognition.

• Leadership Academy (LA) 2020 focused on the journey of the collegiate membership experi-
ence from new member education through alumnae transition with 479 New Member Educa-
tors, VPs of Chapter Development, and alumnae advisers in attendance.

• LI 2020 was AOII’s first-ever virtual event with almost 900 members attending from home due
to COVID-19. This event featured education tracks, inspiration sessions, MPHs, and the celebra-
tion of our collegiate and alumnae chapters.

• Over 1000 sisters attended LA 2021, our largest and first virtual LA. Attendees invited to experi-
ence LA 2021 were Chapter Presidents, Chapter Advisers, VPs of Communication, VPs of Chap-
ter Development, VPs of Membership Recruitment, VPs of Standards, Dirs. of Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion, and new advisers. Each officer and adviser had a track designed with education
specific to their role to allow tailored education and training as they began their officer term.

9

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

• In summer 2020, calls for racial justice echoed across North America. To this end, a Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion Education Work Group was created, charged with identifying areas for im-
provement, creating educational resources, and recommending initiatives and Fraternity policy
changes to the Executive Board. While the work group represents a cross-section of experienc-
es and backgrounds, the members were charged with gathering perspectives and insight from
across our AOII sisterhood.

• The 13-member work group began work in August 2020, formulating methods to collect feed-
back and data from members about the DEI needs of the Fraternity, assisting in the creation and
training of a new collegiate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion role, and recommending
policy and operational changes.

• Key DEI Actions & Initiatives:
• June 3, 2020: AOII volunteers and staff implemented an action plan to create a Work Group;
Align, Educate & Participate resources shared on AOII’s website
• June 9, 2020: Executive Board voted to remove the preferential treatment given to legacies
during recruitment
• June 2020: Diversity Policy updated by Executive Board
• August 2020: DEIE Work Group and charge approved by XB; Creating a More Anti-Racist
Organization training held for staff and key volunteers
• October 2020: A Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion collegiate chapter officer was
created for election for the 2021 calendar year. Collegiate chapter leaders received this in-
formation during an October 2020 election training.
• October-December 2020: The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Education Work Group hosted
a series of focus groups for collegiate and alumnae members that discussed diversity and
inclusion to ensure that everyone’s experiences and opinions were heard.
• December 2020: The AOII Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Education Work Group devel-
oped a survey for all members to share their experiences and thoughts around DEI in Alpha
Omicron Pi. The survey was open and promoted to members from November 30-December
19 and was completed by 1,389 sisters.
• January 9-10, 2021: Members of the DEIE Work Group participated in Leadership Academy
2021 by facilitating sessions for AOII’s newly elected Directors of Diversity, Equity and Inclu-
sion.
• April 2021: Members of the DEIE Work Group presented findings and recommendations
based on focus groups and surveys.

ADVISING WITH AMBITION

• A training series aimed at new advisers, Advising with Ambition, was implemented in February
2021. Monthly virtual training sessions facilitated by the Training Ambassadors covered the ba-
sics of being on the AOII team, using resources, and serving as an adviser and coach to colle-
giate officers.

• In February and March 2021, 56 volunteers participated in this new training.

10 Delta Nu (U of Nevada Reno)

TALENT &
CULTURE
BIENNIAL
REVIEW

Sigma Omicron (Arkansas State U) Charleston Alumnae

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• AOII’s professional staff was restructured in 2019 to include a Director of Talent and Culture,
bringing expert focus to recruiting and retaining exceptional talent as well as supporting and
sustaining our Culture Principles for all who serve the Fraternity in a hired or volunteer position.

• In accordance with AOII’s DEI focus, implemented a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)
model for all employees, including our essential workers at the corporation level (house direc-
tors, facilities, housekeeping, and food service teams) that ensured AOII was offering profes-
sional benefits such as investment in retirement account access, health insurance access, fair
market salary, and paid leave/time off.

• Revised and implemented talent management program and regular performance review pro-
gram for professional and corporation employees which focuses on organizational culture and
values.

• Created The Pulse, a quarterly talent and culture report and communication piece for our Frater-
nity Leadership Committee (FLC).

• Chaired the Collegiate Chapter Operations Work Group, focusing on redesigning chapter struc-
ture and operations to provide a strong connection between collegiate and alumnae leadership
roles and high-performing chapter operations, personal skill development that is relevant to
professional, volunteer, and academic success, and which will highlight an undeniable relevance
between AOII leadership experience and the world at-large.

11

COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLICATIONS, MARKETING
PUBLICATIONS & & PARTNERSHIPS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
BIENNIAL REVIEW • Seven issues of To Dragma were released,
two in print and five in a digital format in-
Calgary Alumnae cluding special editions highlighting Chapter
Advisers and the impact of COVID-19. Other
THE AOII BRAND issues focused on mental health, the
Women’s Vote Centennial and service.
• The Fraternity brand was refreshed
with additional colors and patterns. • AOII began using Salesforce Marketing
Cloud, an email marketing platform which
will assist with automating email commu-
nication and new opportunities for tailored
messaging to our membership.

• Marketing partnerships are vital to Alpha
Omicron Pi’s marketing initiatives and part-
nerships have flourished over the Biennium
including Geico, College Fresh and many
more. The dedication from our partners en-
able the continued advancement of events,
new programs and important projects.

• Continued to promote and support AOII’s
philanthropy partner, the Arthritis Founda-
tion, through education and programming
initiatives.

SOCIAL MEDIA, PUBLIC RELATIONS & MEDIA MONITORING

• Social media is a main component of connecting with members and stakeholders across the
globe. Many social media campaigns have been featured throughout the biennium including,
but not limited to, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, volunteer appreciation,
arthritis awareness, Pride Month, Archives Corner, Why AOII, and Women’s Health Week. All
follower and engagement goals were surpassed to ensure the growth of creating continued
connections for our members.

• This Inspire Ambition video series has featured 11 inspiring AOIIs and their professional careers.
Throughout 2020-21 it was continued via Zoom due to physical distancing. The opportunity to
showcase these sisters has helped create more community on social media and allow sisters to
celebrate one another.

• Sisterhood Now, a recruitment-focused promotional toolkit and video series was created to
support chapters as they navigated through a new virtual environment.

• Salesforce Social Studio was implemented to better review, research and analyze AOII’s image
on social media and in traditional media outlets.

• A new communication piece, Media Roundup, was created for FLC to provide an overview of
timely and relevant media articles about AOII and general Greek life news.

12

AOII
PROPERTIES
BIENNIAL
REVIEW

Iota (U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Phi Upsilon (Purdue U)

HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2019, Property Management was transferred from an external vendor to an in-house depart-
ment to better serve our members and facilities. In order to properly staff this transition, two
positions were added to our professional staff team: Director of Property Management and
Assistant Director of Property Management roles.

• In 2019, 43 attendees were hosted at House Director (HD)/Corporation Relations Advisor (Cor-
pRA) training. In 2020, we hosted our first ever virtual HD/CorpRA training where our atten-
dance reached over 50 participants.

• In 2019, a Director of Properties Operations was added to the professional staff team to focus
on special projects and oversee the Assistant Directors of Properties.

• House Dedication ceremonies were held at Chi Psi (California Polytechnic State U) and Sigma
Alpha (West Virginia U) (rededication)

• New housing completed at: Tau Mu (Texas A&M U), Alpha Chi (Western Kentucky U), Chi Psi
(California Polytechnic State U), and Beta Nu (Illinois State U)

• Resources were created and distributed surrounding COVID-19. Member Acknowledgement,
Housing Guidelines, Health and Safety Posters, Move-In/Move-Out procedures, as well as
additional guidelines and procedures for local staff members were implemented across all AOII
facilities.

• New Member Housing, Development Fee Agreements, and Write off form launched online.

13

PURPOSE Alpha Phi (Montana State U)

The purpose of AOII Properties is EXPENSES (AS OF MARCH 26, 2021)
to support the Fraternity and its col-
legiate chapters by promoting the • $4,953,370.42 in expenditures made for new
health, safety, and welfare of new housing and renovations of chapter suites, lodges
members and initiated members of and housing
those chapters and ensuring the exis-
tence of competitive chapter facilities • $1,215,540.10 in expenditures for interior design
through the coordinated management projects
of the real property interests of the
Fraternity, AOII Properties, and chapter • $1,885,198.65 in expenditures for maintenance
corporations. and safety

• Corporations Managed: 136 • $88,127.05 increase in cleaning services and
• Total Facilities Managed: 97 supplies due to COVID-19
• Residential Properties: 58
• Lodges: 4 • $54,556.01 increase in Wi-Fi upgrades and ser-
• Residence Hall Floor w/ Chapter vices due to COVID-19

Room: 15
• Apartment / Suite / Townhouse: 20
• No Facility: 39

FIRE/ENVIRONMENTAL/HEALTH & SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
& NON-ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (ABOVE 10K)

• Alpha Delta, U of Alabama • Lambda Sigma, U of Georgia

• Alpha Phi, Montana State U • Nu Beta, U of Mississippi

• Alpha Pi, Florida State U • Omega Sigma, Oklahoma State U

• Beta Phi, Indiana U • Omega Upsilon, Ohio University

• Chi Epsilon, Ohio State U • Phi Upsilon, Purdue U

• Delta Beta, U of Louisiana Lafayette • Pi Delta, U of Maryland

• Delta Nu, U of Nevada, Reno • Tau Gamma, Easter Washington U

• Delta Sigma, San Jose State U • Upsilon, U of Washington

• Gamma Omicron, U of Florida • Xi, U of Oklahoma

• Iota Sigma, Iowa State U • Xi Omicron, U of Arkansas

• Lambda Beta, California State U, Long Beach • Zeta, U of Nebraska-Lincoln

14 KEY OPERATING TRENDS

FRATERNITY Overall revenue for the biennium is projected to
FINANCIAL be approximately 4.5% lower than total reve-
POSITION nue experienced during the 2017-19 biennium.
Though there were many factors involved, this
Alpha Gamma (Washington State U) revenue decrease was primarily driven by:

HIGHLIGHTS a. Corporation Fee refunds and discounts
provided to our collegiate membership due
A stable financial position has been to closed facilities or amended mid-pandemic
maintained over the biennium, amidst operations.
millions of fee relief and refunds provid- b. Reduced attendance fees for LI, Conven-
ed directly to our membership, continued tion, and LA 2021 as such were held virtually,
timely payment of fixed financial obli- yet meeting space contracts that were signed
gations like rents and mortgages, and pre-pandemic were not entirely waived by our
sustained investments in member-en- hospitality vendors.
riching initiatives like facility and property c. Revenue generated from any purchases
enhancements, the Educational Leader- containing the AOII trademark made from li-
ship Consultant Program, Mentor Power censed vendors declined throughout 2020-21.
Hours, network teams, and new chapter Similarly, overall expenses are also projected
development. to decline by approximately 4.2% compared to
As a consolidated group (Alpha Omi- expenses experienced during the 2017-19 bien-
cron Pi Fraternity, Properties, and indi- nium. This decline was primarily influenced by:
vidual Chapter Corporations), AOII has a. Requirements and sustained efforts to
preserved the value of our owned real eliminate or severely reduce chapter service
estate and property compared to the expenses such as volunteer transportation
end of the 2017-19 biennium. Meanwhile, and hotel costs due to stay-at-home orders
the amount of real estate/property debt and physically distanced operations.
has been paid down to be over 6% lower b. Renegotiated contracts with food vendors
than the end of 2017-19. The combination thereby reducing food and meal plan costs
of these two trends is laying the ground- for meals not provided to AOII membership
work for prudent future real estate in- through House Corporations.
vestments. c. Virtual events and virtual distribution of To
Dragma reduced expected costs of printing
and operational supplies.
This steeper decline in revenue, compared
to that of expenses, over the biennium was
the most challenging and restricting factor as
finance-based decisions were considered.
Despite our stable cash position, operating
margins and related debt ratios (discussed in
the 2021-23 Proposed Biennium Budget in The
Call to Convention) were stretched as thin as
possible to ensure that members continued to
receive a high-value return on their investment
of time and money in AOII.

15

CONSTITUTION Delta Theta (Texas Woman’s U)
INTERPRETATION
AND REVISION BIENNIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COMMITTEE
• Expanded membership of CIRC from three
(CIRC) members to five.

Chi Psi (California Polytechnic State U) • Responded to inquiries from collegiate and
alumnae officers and advisers, network
OTHER PROJECTS volunteers, and staff regarding the interpre-
tation and application of Governing Docu-
• Pursuant to Task Force #1 approved ments provisions.
by Council at Convention in 2019, se-
lected a member of CIRC to serve on • Finalized and published the Constitution and
the International Governance Practic- Bylaws following approval of amendments
es, Review and Education Task Force. by Council at International Convention in
2019.
• Selected a member of CIRC to serve
on the Resolutions Committee for • Reviewed the Standing Rules and Book of
Convention 2021. Policies to propose revisions to the Execu-
tive Board to enhance clarity and to conform
APPEALS with the amended Bylaws.

• Conducted procedural review of • Reviewed the Constitution and Bylaws
three charter revocations. and collaborated with the Executive Board
and individual members of Council to draft
• Conducted procedural reviews amendments for consideration at Interna-
of membership suspensions as tional Convention in 2021.
requested.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
• Answered questions from staff to
ensure fair and efficient hearing and Melissa Schoenfeld, Chair; Janet Brown; Leslie
appeals processes. Sponder Seagram; Debbie Tam; Mary Williams;
Sally Wagaman, Parliamentarian (ex officio);
Crystal Grafton Combs, International President
(ex officio)

16

EDUCATION
COMMITTEE

(EC)

Alpha Pi (Florida State U)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Lori Goede, Chair; Laura Dunlap; Lindsey
Forbes; Leah Horton; Amy Simonini

Kappa Tau (Southeastern Louisiana U)

BIENNIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Implemented Ambition for a Lifetime, a quarterly series of value-based articles written for the
purpose of inspiring and engaging alumnae members to live, lead, learn and serve.

• Collaborated with the Education Department by providing a representative from the EC to help
establish the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Education Work Group for the Fraternity and to
serve as a liaison.

• Provided a representative from the EC to serve on the Collegiate Chapter Operations Work
Group to help establish a new collegiate chapter officer structure.

• Developed an Educational Plan with long- and short-term goals to help set expectations inter-
nally, as a committee, and to establish purpose and focus for committee members.

• Assisted in creation and implementation of network training modules, designed to support and
educate the volunteers appointed to the new specialist roles within the new network structure.

• Continued the use of a Call for Programs, which was established in 2018, to select facilitators
with fresh perspectives to present engaging educational sessions for both International Conven-
tion 2019 and Leadership Institute 2020.

• Created and facilitated trainings at Leadership Academy 2020, which was designed to model
a member experience starting at the new member period for our VPs of Chapter Development,
New Member Educators, and advisors.

• Created and facilitated training for our first-ever virtual education event, Leadership Institute
2020, with a focus on the relevance of AOII in today’s world and our emerging leaders.

• Regularly reviewed and discussed ELC reports to identify trends that pertained to the education-
al needs of our chapters and our members.

• Created and facilitated training for our first virtual Leadership Academy 2021 which allowed us
to provide training and educational sessions for a larger population of collegiate officers, chap-
ter advisors and new advisors.

17

HISTORIAN/
ARCHIVIST

Kappa Chi (Northwestern State U)

Stella Perry and Nancy Leland, Convention 1937

INTERNATIONAL HISTORIAN

Allison Allgier

Chicago Northwest Alumnae

BIENNIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• The Archives Corner video series on Facebook and Instagram was launched in August of 2019
with 14 installments to date.

• Archives Facebook postings were launched highlighting many of our Past International Presi-
dents including a quote, a photo from her time as National/International President, and a photo
of her Rose Banquet dress on display in the AOII museum.

• The Historian made five visits to AOII Headquarters this biennium to work in the archives,
develop social media content and plan for future projects.

• Articles have been written for To Dragma and In the Loop.
• Preparatory work was completed regarding DEI efforts.
• The Historian and the Director of Communications/Archivist were invited as speakers for the

Alumnae Leadership Program, as well as the Alumnae Leadership Conference.
• Continued work was done to capture the oral histories for all PIPs.
• Content was developed to support the 125th Anniversary Celebration plans.
• Significant work underway for Archives Museum update.

18 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

HUMAN Kathleen Donohue, Chair; Ramsey Folb; Becky
RESOURCES Gamble; Sandra Larkin; Kristen Levine; Mary
COMMITTEE Reynolds; Kayla Schneider; Marissa Vujnovich

(HRC) BIENNIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Lambda Tau (U of Louisiana at Monroe) • Partnered with communications staff to pro-
mote volunteer vacancies in In the Loop and
Sarasota Alumnae with on the AOII website.
Parliamentarian Sally Wagaman (middle)
• Provided training at Convention 2019, LI
2020, and LA 2021.

• Facilitated outreach for potential Executive
Board candidates and supported Executive
Board election process.

• Updated Interview Guide for international
volunteer process.

• Implemented Talent Management Program
for international volunteers.

• Championed regional network re-structure.
• Revised job descriptions for all 16 interna-

tional volunteer roles.
• Created monthly newsletter to share super-

visor best practices.
• Conducted targeted 1:1 outreach about

international volunteer roles to almost 250
sisters.
• Filled 185 positions for the following roles
(as of March 2021):

• Collegiate Finance Workgroup, Consti-
tution Interpretation and Revision Com-
mittee, Education Committee, Human
Resources Committee, International His-
torian, Network Directors, Network Spe-
cialist- Membership Experience, Network
Specialist- Membership Growth, Network
Specialist- Operations & Programming,
Network Specialist- New Chapter Devel-
opment, Panhellenics Committee, AOII
Properties Board Directors, Rituals, Tradi-
tions and Jewelry Committee

19

PANHELLENICS SERVICE WITH NPC
COMMITTEE
• Chairman: Carole Jones
• Inter/national Presidents Group: Crystal

Grafton Combs
• New College Panhellenics Chairman: Mary

Ann Stark
• College Panhellenic Area Advisors: Jenna

Lutz, Mary Ann Stark
• Parliamentarian: Sally Wagaman
• Fraternity and Sorority Political Action

Committee: Caroline Craig Lazzara, Carole
Jones, Deene Souza
• RFM Specialists: Kaya Miller, Jackie
Petrucci, Jenna Lutz
• NPC Recruitment Contingencies Task Force
Member: Jackie Petrucci
• Community College Expansion Think Tank
Member: Gayle Fitzpatrick

Theta Iota (California State U, San Marcos)

BIENNIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• As one of the 26 member groups of NPC, Alpha Omicron Pi collaborated to:
• Address the importance of ending hazing on all college campuses as a member of the
Anti-Hazing Coalition, continuing to advocate for the passage of the END ALL Hazing Act.
• Organize the creation of the NPC Access and Equity Advisory Committee which was
charged with recommending ways to increase access to the sorority experience and equity
across NPC policies and procedures.
• Work with The Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform
to launch two companion research studies that will evaluate cultural competency and diver-
sity, equity and inclusion within NPC-affiliated sorority chapters.

• Assisted and supported all AOII collegiate chapters with the transition to virtual recruitment
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusted policies to accommodate multiple recruitment struc-
tures and adapted the total setting policy to allow for continued growth during the pandemic.

• Hosted multiple training sessions with Panhellenic Delegates and Advisors during the biennium.
• Established the Carole Jurenko Jones Award to honor a sorority alumna who has made a last-

ing impression and significant contribution to the Fraternity and/or interfraternal movement.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Jenna Lutz, Chief Panhellenic Officer/Chair; Gayle Fitzpatrick, Council of Delegates Member; Crystal
Grafton Combs, International President; Bailey Read; Rebecca Easterling; Megan Ehrisman; Lana
Hinds; Amy Kumpel; Kaya Miller; Jackie Petrucci; Caitie Regan

20

BIENNIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

RITUALS, • Necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic,
TRADITIONS, RT&J was dedicated to making our Rituals,
AND JEWELRY Ceremonies, and Services accessible online
COMMITTEE to chapters.
• Adapted the Welcome of Collegiate Se-
(RT&J) niors into Alumnae Status for online use,
conducted twice internationally by the
COMMITTEE MEMBERS International President.
• Adapted the Ritual for Initiation for inter-
Ginger Banks, Chair (through 12/2019); national online use that was conducted
Mary Bryant, Chair (beginning 1/2020); 12 times for over 550 women. Twelve
Robin Beltramini (appointed 1/2020); online pre-initiation workshops and 16
Kay Elam, Rene Fitzgerald (appointed post-initiation workshops were conduct-
1/2020); Karen Hickman; Dr. Shokooh ed by RT&J members.
Miry; Toni Morgan (appointed 1/2020); • Adapted for fall of 2020: 10 Rituals, three
Leigh Perry (through 11/2019); Crystal Ceremonies, six Services, two work-
Combs, International President (ex offi- shops, and a video for online use by
cio); Allison Allgier, International Histori- collegiate and alumnae chapters, acces-
an/Archivist (ex officio) sible on Fulfilling the Promise.
• Developed a new annual Ritual for
Installation of International Volunteers
and a Ceremony for Presentation of
Badge to be used by collegiate chapters
after online initiations.

• Continued updating the Rituals Book, Book
of Rituals Instructions, and Ritual Education
Manual with proposed release in 2022.

• Surveyed Keeper of the Ritual (KORs) offi-
cers, KOR Advisers, and Alumnae Chapter
Presidents prior to conference calls for in
each Network twice annually.

• Continued Ritual Education Docents (REDs) Task Force and transitioned program to HQ Educa-
tion Department supervision under new name: Ritual Education Ambassadors (REds).

• Appointed two RT&J members to serve as liaisons to alumnae chapters.

• Conducted Ritual training/education sessions for collegiate and alumnae chapters throughout
biennium, ELCs in 2019 and 2020, at LA 2020 and 2021, at LI 2020, and ALC 2021.

• Conducted the Candle Lighting Service, Opening Ritual, and Ritual for Closing Convention Ritual
during Convention 2019; developed adaptations for virtual Convention 2021 Rituals and Services.

• Proposed changes to the Standing Rules and Book of Policies (which the Executive Board ap-
proved), including “How to Wear the Badge” and Ritual attire.

• Approved and made available an All-Ruby Badge to commemorate AOII’s 125th Anniversary.
• Convened for an RT&J virtual meeting in December 2020.

21

BIENNIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation invests in our sisters and inspires a lifetime of giving to innova-
tive leadership, educational and philanthropic causes. During the 2019-2021 biennium the Founda-
tion granted more than $2.1 million through Fraternity grants, Ruby Fund, Scholarships and Arthritis
grants.

• Awarded 216 academic scholarships totaling $416,950.
• Awarded more than $102,000 in Ruby Fund grants.
• Provided grant support to the Fraternity of more than $383,000 for education and leadership

programs.
• We celebrate our collegiate and alumnae sisters who work tirelessly to raise funds to support

our philanthropy. With your help, $1.3 million was awarded in arthritis grants. Support of the
Arthritis Foundation is highlighted by our national presenting sponsorship of Juvenile Arthritis
Camps and supporting sponsorship of National JA Conference among other programs.
• As a response to the financial crisis caused by COVID-19 the Ruby Fund was expanded to
include all sisters.
• Launched 3 new named scholarships.

The accomplishments above were made possible by the generosity of our donors! Our fundraising
accomplishments include:

• 10 new Second Century Society members including AOII Foundation in their estate planning.

• Raised more than $120,000 through Giving Tuesday and Pi Day days of giving.

• Received largest bequest gift to date, nearly $1 million from Nancee Vine, Phi Omicron (Hanover
College).

• Held first ever Sisterhood Retreat with more than 70 attendees who are members of the 1897
Society and our Lifetime Giving Societies.

• Exceeded 100 members to the 1897 2019-21 FOUNDATION BOARD
Society annually.
• Foundation President: Andrea Dill, Chi Psi
• Engaged more than 85 sisters in volunteer • Treasurer: Rissa Reddan, Omega
leadership roles annually. • Secretary: Meagan Davies, Alpha Chi
• Directors: Kandy Bernskoetter, Sigma;
• Held scholarship reception virtually al-
lowing scholarship recipients to meet the Barbara Bruning, Theta Psi; Kath Conver,
donors/contacts. Nu Iota; Nancy Hohmann, Phi
• International President: Crystal Grafton
• Engaged more than 350 sisters through Combs, Nu Beta
virtual donor cultivation events: Pi Parties
(geographical social events) and Rose Vine
Social Hours featuring speakers such as
Anne Byrn, Lambda Sigma (U of Georgia).

ALPHA OMICRON PI

alphaomicronpi.org