Comments for T.J. Sullivan http://tjsullivan.com A blog for America's college student leaders Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:12:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on You are always wearing your letters by Monica Levy Rowland http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/comment-page-1/#comment-1234 Monica Levy Rowland Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:12:17 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/#comment-1234 AMEN! This is right on point. I cannot tell you how many times I have cringed watching people even in my own organization who just don't get this. Thank you so much for this article. I intend to spread it to the masses! Be Blessed! AMEN! This is right on point. I cannot tell you how many times I have cringed watching people even in my own organization who just don’t get this. Thank you so much for this article. I intend to spread it to the masses!

Be Blessed!

]]> Comment on What if we tried responsibly “wet” student leadership conferences? by Danny Holderby http://tjsullivan.com/what-if-we-tried-responsibly-wet-student-leadership-conferences/comment-page-1/#comment-1233 Danny Holderby Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:43:57 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/?p=1087#comment-1233 I find myself split on this issue. On one side of the issue stands the argument of you're at a leadership conference to learn and grow as a leader, not party with other people. I also look at this issue as the same reason Formal Recruitment is dry. However, I believe part of being a leader is the ability to be responsible when drinking. As undergraduate leaders, this is something we all have to deal with. Do we sit at home when our organization has a social event with another organization or do we act like responsible adults, go, drink responsibly, and be able to have a handle on any situation that may arise. Yes, I will admit to attending conferences where after the events for the day were finished I went out with folks to the local watering holes to have a drink or two. Do I feel like that was irresponsible of me? No. I've been 21 years old each time, and hungover or not, I still got myself up out of bed and handled the day's business. Again, that whole being responsible, and being a leader thing. In closing, I feel like it would definitely be an interesting social experiment to allow alcohol consumption at leadership events. If anything else, it would show who is really in the upper echelon of leadership classes vs. those who put on a good show at conferences then return home to a life of binge drinking and poor decisions. I find myself split on this issue.
On one side of the issue stands the argument of you’re at a leadership conference to learn and grow as a leader, not party with other people. I also look at this issue as the same reason Formal Recruitment is dry.
However, I believe part of being a leader is the ability to be responsible when drinking. As undergraduate leaders, this is something we all have to deal with. Do we sit at home when our organization has a social event with another organization or do we act like responsible adults, go, drink responsibly, and be able to have a handle on any situation that may arise.
Yes, I will admit to attending conferences where after the events for the day were finished I went out with folks to the local watering holes to have a drink or two. Do I feel like that was irresponsible of me? No. I’ve been 21 years old each time, and hungover or not, I still got myself up out of bed and handled the day’s business. Again, that whole being responsible, and being a leader thing.
In closing, I feel like it would definitely be an interesting social experiment to allow alcohol consumption at leadership events. If anything else, it would show who is really in the upper echelon of leadership classes vs. those who put on a good show at conferences then return home to a life of binge drinking and poor decisions.

]]> Comment on You are always wearing your letters by Why I Joined a Traditional Sorority as a Professional « Valerie Heruska http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/comment-page-1/#comment-1232 Why I Joined a Traditional Sorority as a Professional « Valerie Heruska Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:22:20 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/#comment-1232 [...] http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/ [...] [...] http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/ [...]

]]> Comment on You are always wearing your letters by Shelly http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/comment-page-1/#comment-1230 Shelly Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:40:03 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/#comment-1230 I read this and cried. I cannot believe someone said this. You put it in great words. My chapter has had a lot of problems with things like this in the past and this is such an eye opener. Thank you. I read this and cried. I cannot believe someone said this. You put it in great words. My chapter has had a lot of problems with things like this in the past and this is such an eye opener. Thank you.

]]> Comment on What if we tried responsibly “wet” student leadership conferences? by Jeffrey Haeger http://tjsullivan.com/what-if-we-tried-responsibly-wet-student-leadership-conferences/comment-page-1/#comment-1227 Jeffrey Haeger Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:03:54 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/?p=1087#comment-1227 T.J. Once again, your comments are very thought provoking. I don't think there is anything wrong with discouraging alcohol consumption at professional leadership conferences, but your point is crystal clear. In some settings, I think conferences would certainly benefit from the allowance of moderate alcohol consumption because if student participants, want to drink, and we let them, would it not increase their engagement in the program? I think it remains to be seen if it could be done effectively on a consistent basis without negative ramifications, but it could I think it is certainly worth a shot. Allowing people to do what they choose, to a certain extent, will ultimately yield a greater buy-in to leadership conferences everywhere. Jeffrey Haeger The University of Southern Mississippi Sigma Phi Epsilon T.J.

Once again, your comments are very thought provoking. I don’t think there is anything wrong with discouraging alcohol consumption at professional leadership conferences, but your point is crystal clear. In some settings, I think conferences would certainly benefit from the allowance of moderate alcohol consumption because if student participants, want to drink, and we let them, would it not increase their engagement in the program? I think it remains to be seen if it could be done effectively on a consistent basis without negative ramifications, but it could I think it is certainly worth a shot. Allowing people to do what they choose, to a certain extent, will ultimately yield a greater buy-in to leadership conferences everywhere.

Jeffrey Haeger
The University of Southern Mississippi
Sigma Phi Epsilon

]]> Comment on Are you giving middle-third members what they want? by Jeffrey Haeger http://tjsullivan.com/what-middle-members-want/comment-page-1/#comment-1226 Jeffrey Haeger Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:53:26 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/?p=1084#comment-1226 T.J. I find your comments regarding this subject very interesting. I am in a position of leadership within my organization, but your comments dealing with balance, harmony, fellowship, and choice hit home with me, because at the end of the day, it is seeking those things for myself and for every other member of the organization that motivates me to do my best as a leader. Jeffrey Haeger The University of Southern Mississippi Sigma Phi Epsilon T.J.

I find your comments regarding this subject very interesting. I am in a position of leadership within my organization, but your comments dealing with balance, harmony, fellowship, and choice hit home with me, because at the end of the day, it is seeking those things for myself and for every other member of the organization that motivates me to do my best as a leader.

Jeffrey Haeger
The University of Southern Mississippi
Sigma Phi Epsilon

]]> Comment on What if we tried responsibly “wet” student leadership conferences? by Dan Faill http://tjsullivan.com/what-if-we-tried-responsibly-wet-student-leadership-conferences/comment-page-1/#comment-1224 Dan Faill Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:22:12 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/?p=1087#comment-1224 I've read this post twice and can't stop thinking about it. It's relevant and actually what I strive to teach my students - responsible decision making. Whenever I attend a conference, especially one with colleagues I don't see that often, it's nice to sit down and catch up over a cocktail. I think it's important for students to see professionals in that environment. There's an on-campus bar where I work and there are some amazing drink deals - and yes, SA professionals and faculty attend. It's a well-managed place and drink limits are placed upon everyone. I see students there all the time, and after they get over seeing you drink, they realize that you're a person too. All of a sudden you're not this professional who works 40-80hrs a week for them, you've broken the barrier they placed on you. Sometimes it's that one instance where students who normally wouldn't come to you are now comfortable coming to your office. Recently I had fraternity men come into my office to talk about their problems surrounding alcohol use/abuse. All because we struck up the conversation at the on-campus bar, I shared a bit of my background and stories, and now they're getting professional help for alcohol and other drugs. That wouldn't have happened if we stayed "dry". On a separate note, specific to this post, one of my fondest memories of WRGA was running into all of the "superstar" facilitators and keynote speakers in Knuckles. And then having some great in-depth conversations, taking learning to the next level. Was it disappointing when people testing their limits and found out they had too much? Yes. But it happens, and it's our jobs to help them realize that smart choices can occur in every environment. I'm still an advocate for the "podium call-out" for groups/individuals that make poor choices, but I am an avid believer that we should use them, and sorry for putting this in here, but we should use them as "teachable moments" for everyone, especially those who make mistakes. Just my two cents... Thanks for the thought-provoking post TJ! I’ve read this post twice and can’t stop thinking about it. It’s relevant and actually what I strive to teach my students – responsible decision making. Whenever I attend a conference, especially one with colleagues I don’t see that often, it’s nice to sit down and catch up over a cocktail. I think it’s important for students to see professionals in that environment. There’s an on-campus bar where I work and there are some amazing drink deals – and yes, SA professionals and faculty attend. It’s a well-managed place and drink limits are placed upon everyone. I see students there all the time, and after they get over seeing you drink, they realize that you’re a person too. All of a sudden you’re not this professional who works 40-80hrs a week for them, you’ve broken the barrier they placed on you. Sometimes it’s that one instance where students who normally wouldn’t come to you are now comfortable coming to your office. Recently I had fraternity men come into my office to talk about their problems surrounding alcohol use/abuse. All because we struck up the conversation at the on-campus bar, I shared a bit of my background and stories, and now they’re getting professional help for alcohol and other drugs. That wouldn’t have happened if we stayed “dry”.

On a separate note, specific to this post, one of my fondest memories of WRGA was running into all of the “superstar” facilitators and keynote speakers in Knuckles. And then having some great in-depth conversations, taking learning to the next level. Was it disappointing when people testing their limits and found out they had too much? Yes. But it happens, and it’s our jobs to help them realize that smart choices can occur in every environment. I’m still an advocate for the “podium call-out” for groups/individuals that make poor choices, but I am an avid believer that we should use them, and sorry for putting this in here, but we should use them as “teachable moments” for everyone, especially those who make mistakes.

Just my two cents… Thanks for the thought-provoking post TJ!

]]> Comment on What if we tried responsibly “wet” student leadership conferences? by Keith Ellis http://tjsullivan.com/what-if-we-tried-responsibly-wet-student-leadership-conferences/comment-page-1/#comment-1223 Keith Ellis Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:56:16 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/?p=1087#comment-1223 TJ, I agree with this idea 100%, in fact I would love for Universities to move more toward a method of modeling responsible use of alcohol instead of expecting students to learn it on their own. I have said for a long time that if our students could see us and interact with us in a social setting where we could model responsible use maybe they would begin to understand that you can have 1 or 2 drinks and have a great times, you dont need to drink the whole 6 (or 12) for alcohol to "relax" you, etc. People give SEIFC a hard time for their somewhat liberal approach to not trying to stop alcohol consumption, but my men have come back every year having learned a lot, but also feeling trusted to be adults and have a good time. That always comes with expectations that they attend and participate fully in the conference, but once sessions are done I'm not going to tell them what to do and what not to do. TJ, I agree with this idea 100%, in fact I would love for Universities to move more toward a method of modeling responsible use of alcohol instead of expecting students to learn it on their own. I have said for a long time that if our students could see us and interact with us in a social setting where we could model responsible use maybe they would begin to understand that you can have 1 or 2 drinks and have a great times, you dont need to drink the whole 6 (or 12) for alcohol to “relax” you, etc.

People give SEIFC a hard time for their somewhat liberal approach to not trying to stop alcohol consumption, but my men have come back every year having learned a lot, but also feeling trusted to be adults and have a good time. That always comes with expectations that they attend and participate fully in the conference, but once sessions are done I’m not going to tell them what to do and what not to do.

]]> Comment on You are always wearing your letters by Mary Osbourne http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/comment-page-1/#comment-1221 Mary Osbourne Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:51:30 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/you-are-always-wearing-your-letters/#comment-1221 This is one of the most powerful and moving things I have ever read. As a Panhellenic President I could not be more thrilled to see this. This is one of the most powerful and moving things I have ever read. As a Panhellenic President I could not be more thrilled to see this.

]]> Comment on What if we tried responsibly “wet” student leadership conferences? by Wade http://tjsullivan.com/what-if-we-tried-responsibly-wet-student-leadership-conferences/comment-page-1/#comment-1220 Wade Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:50:20 +0000 http://tjsullivan.com/?p=1087#comment-1220 This is good thought provoking insight TJ. I think along with a more responsible approach to the alcohol available in leadership conferences, maybe an addressing the binge drinking going on in high schools today. I'm 35 and this was an issue when I was 12. Maybe prosecute the adults who facilitate this kind of behavior when applicable. I, myself am a proponent of 18 as the legal drinking age and am always in favor of the active recruitment of sober-minded individuals in our student organizations. I wish there was more of an effort in Greek Life to recognize the brothers and sisters who abstain from either underage drinking or alcohol consumption as a whole. Give these kids a break on insurance fees for preventive measures or hold more dry events. Maybe track how many DUI or MIPS among members are collected and reach out to those kids. I think it's impossible to stamp out irresponsible behavior but that doesn't mean we should stop trying. I'm encouraged that you're continuing the momentum shift of students to a more responsibly & rewarding system. Just be sure to continue to address the sickness as well as the symptoms. Just my two cents. This is good thought provoking insight TJ. I think along with a more responsible approach to the alcohol available in leadership conferences, maybe an addressing the binge drinking going on in high schools today. I’m 35 and this was an issue when I was 12. Maybe prosecute the adults who facilitate this kind of behavior when applicable.

I, myself am a proponent of 18 as the legal drinking age and am always in favor of the active recruitment of sober-minded individuals in our student organizations. I wish there was more of an effort in Greek Life to recognize the brothers and sisters who abstain from either underage drinking or alcohol consumption as a whole. Give these kids a break on insurance fees for preventive measures or hold more dry events. Maybe track how many DUI or MIPS among members are collected and reach out to those kids.

I think it’s impossible to stamp out irresponsible behavior but that doesn’t mean we should stop trying. I’m encouraged that you’re continuing the momentum shift of students to a more responsibly & rewarding system. Just be sure to continue to address the sickness as well as the symptoms. Just my two cents.

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