UNIVERSITY O F THE INCARNATE WORD
®
Greek Life
Strategic Plan
2015-2020
May 2015
Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Strategic Plan | Greek Life
The University of the Incarnate Word
Introduction
During the spring of 2015, University Events & Student Programs (UESP) worked with a team of individuals that
contributed to the 2015-2020 Greek Life Strategic Plan. This plan will launch in the fall of 2015 and will seek to promote
a positive Greek experience at the University of the Incarnate Word.
The plan is intended to compliment the Greek Cardinal Principles (UIW’s Greek benchmark program). This document will
continue to evolve and change moving forward.
Strategic Plan Task Force
Paulina Mazurek
Assistant Director
University Events and Student
Programs
Mercedes Moreno
Greek Life Coordinator
University Events and Student
Programs
Nicole France
Advisor
Alpha Sigma Tau
Traci Quinones Collins
Advisor
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Steven Reyes
Chapter President
Omega Delta Phi
Alyssa Alleyn
Advisor
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Rick Smith
External Business Manager
Athletics
Victor Vasquez
IFC President
Kappa Sigma President
Allison Gabbert
Member
Alpha Sigma Tau
Kristen Pantoja
Chapter President
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Beth Villarreal
Director of Campus Ministry
University Mission and Ministry
David Ortiz
Advisor
Omega Delta Phi
Maria Edwards
Advisor
Delta Beta Chi
Kevin Barnes
President
Chi Phi Alumni Association
Trey Guinn
Advisor
Lambda Chi Alpha
Jessica Medina
Coordinator of Campus Visits
Admissions/Enrollment Services
Alyssa Martin
Member
Alpha Sigma Tau
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Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Mission, Vision and Practice
Greek Life Mission: The University of the Incarnate Word Greek Community promotes an environment that empowers
students to achieve personal and professional excellence through a commitment to scholarship, service, leadership and
community engagement.
Greek Life Vision: The University of the Incarnate Word Greek Community aims to shape exemplary men and women
that will positively contribute to the UIW community and beyond.
Greek Cardinal Principles (GCP)

Scholarship/Academics. As part of the University of the Incarnate Word’s mission, education is expected to be a
vital goal for all campus fraternities and sororities. UESP supports each chapter’s efforts to provide an
environment that is conducive to studying and promoting academic achievement.

Leadership. The Greek Community has a history of building strong leaders. UESP supports each chapter’s efforts
to provide each member with opportunities that will help them grow professionally while learning about
organizational dynamics and decision-making. UESP expects all chapter members to set a positive example for
their peers at all times.

Community Service. Service is one of the core values of the University of the Incarnate Word. UESP supports
each chapter’s efforts in contributing to philanthropy and/or offering time to volunteer for a good cause.

Chapter Management. In order to grow Greek organizations, each chapter is expected to conduct its internal
affairs in a responsible and effective manner. UESP will provide as many resources as possible to assist this goal.
In exchange, all chapters should utilize their resources in order to make decisions that will positively impact the
operations of their organization at present and future.

Campus Involvement. College learning also happens outside the classroom; being involved in student
organizations and university activities can connect students with similar interests and is also a great way to meet
new people. Students who are involved on campus have the opportunity to connect with the university in a new
and different way. Studies show that students engaged in the campus community are shown to have a more
positive collegiate experience.
The purpose of the GCPs are to:
 Foster Greek Unity
 Strengthen Greek Chapter Management
 Foster a presence of UIW Greek Life on and off campus
 Develop recommendations for changes regarding current policies, practices, and programs as well as a timeline for
such initiatives
 Develop and execute assessment initiatives that accurately capture the current state of the Greek Community
Greek Cardinal Principles can be found at www.uiwtx.edu/greeklife
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Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Historical Background
1985
1998
1998
2001
2002
2002
2003
2004
2004
2006
2006
2007
2008
2009
2011
2011
2013
2013
2014
2014
2015
2015
Delta Sigma Delta Sorority is recognized as the first Greek organization at UIW
Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority recognized
Omega Delta Phi Fraternity tried to expand but was denied by UIW for lack of national structure and
potential risk.
UIW Opens Sorority Expansion
 Sigma Kappa – Denied invitation
 Alpha Phi – no reply
 Epsilon Sigma Alpha – Denied invitation
UIW Opens Fraternity Expansion
 Chi Phi – Approved
 Lambda Chi Alpha – Denied
 Kappa Sigma – Denied
Chi Phi is recognized as the first fraternity at UIW
UIW Opens Sorority Expansion
 Delta Phi Epsilon – Approved
 Theta Phi Alpha – Denied
Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority Pulls Out
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity is recognized
Delta Sigma Delta changed its name to Delta Beta Chi
UIW Opens Sorority Expansion
 Alpha Gamma Delta – no reply
 Alpha Sigma Tau – Accepted
Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority is recognized
Delta Xi Nu Sorority is recognized
UIW Opens Fraternity Expansion
 Kappa Sigma – Approved
 Lambda Upsilon Lambda – Approved
 Phi Iota Alpha – Denied
Lambda Upsilon Lambda Pulls Out
Open of Fraternity Expansion
Phi Iota Alpha Recognized
Delta Beta Chi motions to be absorbed by national sorority; does not pass.
Phi Iota Alpha was dismissed for UIW for lack of membership
Omega Delta Phi is invited to UIW as first chapter of a Multi-Cultural Greek Council
Omega Delta Phi is recognized
Multi-cultural Greek Council is formed
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Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Five-year Strategic Plan
The 2015-2020 Greek Strategic plan is a living document that is subject to additions and modifications. The plan will be
reviewed in the spring of 2016 by a task force selected by UESP and will adjust any items as needed. Additional items,
based on the state of Greek life at that time, will be added as needed.
The goals the Greek Life community is striving for the next five years are summarized below; additional details can be
found on subsequent pages.
Goal 1: Establish a positive university-wide presence and communication plan to promote the Greek community.
Goal 2: Promote the personal and professional development of all Greek councils, chapters, and members.
Goal 3: Promote alignment of the actions of the Greek Life community with the mission and core values of The
University of the Incarnate Word.
Goal 4: Identify and develop initiatives that will grow, engage and diversify membership.
Goal 5: Develop and enhance strategic partnerships with internal/external organizations.
Goal 6: Actively evaluate and assess the state of UIW Greek life and continuously advance it.
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Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Goal 1: Establish a positive university-wide presence and communication plan to promote
the Greek community.
1.1
 Work with UIW bookstore to carry UIW Greek Life merchandise.
 Create “Why Greek?” campaign, where current Greek members are
1.2
photographed and quoted as to why they chose, and have remained, in the
Greek community.

Enhance the Greek Life web and social media experience.
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
 Educate Greeks and non-Greeks on the history of UIW Greek life and its
chapters.
 Work with Residence Life to establish a pilot program for Greek life housing.
 Work with the admissions office to include Greek information on print
materials and tours.
 Create print materials and video footage describing the details and benefits of
Greek involvement to be used at orientation, preview days, and other campus
events.
 Chapters should submit awards, recognitions, conference participation, etc. (of
individual or chapter) for publicity.
 Create a community that instills a sense of belonging within chapters and the
larger Greek community.
 Request for fraternity/sorority banners to hang over railing in the new Student
Engagement Center.
Goal 2: Promote the personal and professional development of all Greek councils,
chapters, and members, while encouraging collaboration between groups.
 Host an annual Greek Leadership Retreat for all Council Board members and
2.1
chapter presidents.
 Establish criteria for Greek man/woman of the year that will enhance the
2.2
involvement of these recipients.
 Implement incentives for PHC/IFC leadership in order to increase commitment
2.3
(council business shirts, lapel pin, graduation stole/cord, president’s gavel).
 Provide panel discussion opportunities with successful Greek-affiliated
2.4
professionals from our internal/external community.
2.5
 Incorporate Greek leaders into university-wide committees and projects.
 Create a community where councils and chapters address Greek issues by
2.6
implementing innovative initiatives and programs.
2.7
 Charter a chapter of Order of Omega at the University of the Incarnate Word.
2.8
 Develop a three- tiered leadership program for new members, emerging
leaders, and executive officers that will promote the personal and professional
growth of individual members and establish/maintain a healthy chapter.
Projected Completion or
achievement by
Fall 2015
Fall 2015
Fall 2015
Spring 2016
Fall 2016
Fall 2016
Fall 2016
Fall 2016
Spring 2017
Fall 2017
Projected Completion or
achievement by
Fall 2015
Spring 2016
Spring 2016
Spring 2016
Fall 2016
Spring 2017
Fall 2017
Fall 2017
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Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Goal 3: Promote alignment of the actions of the Greek Life community with the mission
and core values of The University of the Incarnate Word.
 Foster a spirit of philanthropy and civic engagement and giving back to the
3.1
university and Greek community.
o Establish an All Greek Community Service Program/initiative annually.
 Create opportunities for spiritual experiences and/or growth
o Work with University Mission & Ministry to hold a Greek life mass/service at
3.2
the start of each semester.
o Work with University Mission & Ministry to offer spiritual support to all
chapters.
 Develop annual incentives for members of the Greek community that reach
3.3
academic excellence.
 Foster a culture of social responsibility (related to alcohol, drugs, etc) among
3.4
Greek members.
Goal 4: Identify and develop initiatives that will grow, engage and diversify membership.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
 Establish a Multicultural Greek Council at The University of the Incarnate Word.
 Work with national offices/national boards/alumni to train councils on
recruitment standards and strategies.
 Work with national offices/national boards/alumni to train councils on
retention strategies.
 Create a recruitment guide to better educate prospective members on the
Greek Life recruitment process.
 Encourage Greek members to participate in conversation related to
national/international Greek Life issues and trends.
 Purchase card swipes for each chapter to accurately capture and report
chapter involvement.
 Participate in international orientation to expose international students to the
Greek life system.
 Explore the possibility of establishing an affiliate program for first semester
freshman.
 Address issues of attrition and inactivity
 Work with the alumni office to establish a ceremony by which graduating
Greeks cross-over into UIW Greek alumni and expose them to other alumni
benefits.
Goal 5: Develop and enhance strategic partnerships with internal/external organizations.
5.1
5.2
5.3
 Create a Greek Advisory Board comprised of Greek members, alumni, faculty &
staff.
 Strengthen relationships between UIW Greek Life and Greek affiliated
associations and groups (PASA, NIC, NPC, AFLV, AFA, etc).
 Work with International Services to create a Global Greek Program where
Greek chapters “adopt” honorary members.
Projected Completion or
achievement by
Spring 2016
Spring 2016
Fall 2016
Spring 2017
Projected Completion or
achievement by
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
Fall 2016
Fall 2016
Spring 2016
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
Fall 2016
Fall 2016
Spring 2016
Projected Completion or
achievement by
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
Spring 2017
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Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Goal 6: Actively evaluate and assess the state of UIW Greek life.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
 Monitor the effectiveness of policies, programs, and education and seek to
improve it as necessary.
 Distribute a Greek Newsletter at the end of each semester to advisors,
nationals, members and parents to promote communication.
 Create and openly distribute annual Greek life report.
 Openly distribute annual Greek Cardinal Principle standings.
 Assess Greek initiatives and programs by gathering quantitative and qualitative
date.
Projected Completion or
achievement by
Fall 2016
Fall 2015
Fall 2015
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
8