UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
The National Chapter Advisors’ Training Cluster Attends 2017 Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA) Meeting By Alvin L. Barrington
T he 2017 Association of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis from Wednesday, November 29 through Sunday December 3, 2017. The AFA was founded in 1976 and has made a profound impact on fraternities and sororities that are located on the campuses of colleges and universities throughout the country, by providing resources, professional development, and leadership to higher education and national headquarters professionals. A major highlight at the 2017 AFA Meeting, was that of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. receiving the 2017 Diversity and Social Justice Initiative Award for our Learn 2 Live Program, which is a national effort that aims to facilitate more positive interactions and improve community relations between young people of color and law enforcement through a total of 100 forums in 100 cities across the country (see The Kappa Alpha Psi ® Journal Summer 2017 issue). For more than three decades the National Chapter Advisors’ Training Cluster has attended AFA’s Annual Meetings, played an integral role in support of its purposes, and benefited from the rich and robust educational experiences of fostering and empowering members to serve as advocates for students and their respective organizations. The National Chapter Advisors Cluster Chairman is appointed by the Grand Polemarch and individuals who serve on the National Advisors’ Training Cluster represent the 12 Provinces and are appointed by the Province Polemarchs. The Cluster members are: Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) Annual Meeting was held in Atlanta, Georgia at
Arnold–Southeastern Province; Dr. John Cade–South Central Province; Harrison R. Duke III–Northern Province; Warren A. Green–Eastern Province; Arthur D. Jones–North Central Province; Col. James R. Keel–Middle Western Province; Darryl K. McGee–Southwestern Province; Maurice R. Miller–Eastern Central Province; Earl F. Merritt–Northeastern Province; Dr. Kelvin Satcher–Western Province; Tyrone Smiley– Southern Province; and Christopher R. Wilks– Middle Eastern Province. Ah-hoc Members are: Dr. Kevin W. Bailey, Higher Education Group Chairman, Plez A. Joyner, Chapter Advisors Certification Coordinator; and Calvin L. Smith, Jr. Undergraduate Chapter Semester Reporting Facilitator. The Fraternity’s overarching objective and affiliation with AFA is to ensure that members of the National Chapter Advisors’ Training Cluster are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and cutting- edge technology needed for overseeing, teaching and training the undergraduate chapter advisors that carry out the mandates as outlined in the Fraternity’s Membership Training Academy (MTA) program. In their Chapter Advisors’ Certification Workshops, which are typically held during the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conferences, Province Council Meetings, and/or the Province Polemarch’s Leadership Retreats, members of the Chapter Advisors’ Training Cluster use the Train-the-Trainer Model for teaching and sharing information from AFA
closing ceremonies and workshops that were based on a common goal of addressing and sharing best practices for tracking and monitoring activities sponsored by fraternities and sororities on college and university campuses. A major component of the meeting was that of addressing legal issues that arise as a result of hazing activities and how to handle reporting resulting from such actions. An abundance of educational sessions for personal and professional development were offered. The Fireside Chat sessions were very helpful and engaging. These sessions provided opportunities for campus-based and national headquarters professionals to meet face-to-face to discuss “the Good,” “the Bad” and “the Ugly” relative to improvements and retention of undergraduate chapters located on college and university campuses. In addition to the workshops and special meetings held by AFA, Brother Barrington convened the Chapter Advisors’ Training Cluster annual end of the year meeting. In additional to the National Advisors’ Training Cluster members, individuals from Grand Chapter and International Headquarters attended the meeting and addressed topics of relevance with respect to their particular areas. In particular, Grand Polemarch Battles thanked the Chapter Advisors’ Training Cluster members for the significant role they play in the Membership Training Academy (MTA) program. Additionally, the Grand Polemarch addressed hazing on college and university campuses, continued review and evaluation of MTA, focus on the Undergraduate Leadership Institute and awarding scholarships to our Kappa Scholars.
within their respective Provinces' undergraduate chapter advisors.
The presence of the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi ® was noticed throughout the AFA meeting as they participated in social gatherings, the opening and
Alvin L. Barrington, Chairman; Bobby J.
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
THE JOURNAL SPRING ISSUE | 49
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