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Mike Ayalon's Bio

Mike Ayalon is the CEO of Greek University, an educational platform that has inspired countless institutions across North America in identifying, understanding and resolving current social issues.

As a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and author, Mike has headlined over 400 presentations across 200 college campuses to bring light on pressing problems, such as Sexual Assault Prevention, Hazing Prevention and Campus Safety, Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention, and Motivation in Student Organizations. Mike's strong technological background and varied professional experience in helping to build companies from startup to over $25 Million in annual sales gives him a profound understanding of the ways these issues penetrate all levels of corporate and educational structures today. His unique insight and hands-on approach enable him to create dynamic, positive and results-driven keynotes and workshops that transform people's lives both in an academic and corporate context.

As a TIPS-certified trainer and the former Executive Director of Sigma Pi Fraternity with 125 chapters and over 100,000 members nationwide, Mike has a deep understanding of the current situation on campuses and corporations as well as a structured plan on how to empower our own youth to stop being a part of the problem and become an active part of its resolution. He is a member of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, a programming partner for the North-American Interfraternity Council, and is actively involved in giving back to the community as the 2018 - 2019 Membership Chairman for District 6780 of Rotary International. Mike is a graduate of the School of Management at the University at Buffalo and has a Master's Degree from Cumberland University in Public Service Management.

Paving the Way to Leadership

How can we continue to thrive when we handle one crisis, and then another one immediately follows? Greek organizations and our host institutions are currently making big changes in policy and structure to better serve our members, our students, and our communities. It's time to reinvent Greek Life - meaning we all need to brush up on our problem-solving skills.

We’ve all created New Year's Resolutions at one point in our lives. We have good intentions, yet they never seem to last. Why do we steer away from our goal so quickly? What stops successful organizations that have been powerhouses for decades from reinventing themselves when it is needed? What does success really look like? Are we even learning from our mistakes?

By carefully examining successful people and companies that have reinvented themselves (think: Dell, HP, IBM, and Apple), as well as others that didn’t reinvent themselves and now no longer exist (re: Kodak or Blockbuster), we can understand what is at stake within the Greek community. We will learn problem-solving skills, identify several, realistic solutions that we can implement immediately, and learn what three elements are needed to ensure there will be a lasting impact.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define our priorities as a community.
2. Describe why people reinvent themselves.
3. Compare organizations that have failed to reinvent themselves, as well as others that have successfully made the transition.
4. Define the Beckhard-Harris Change Model.
5. Define the Tuckman Model of Team Development.
6. Describe the six steps of problem-solving.
7. Summarize how we can implement a solution, evaluate the results, and then create lasting change in our community.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"I could not be more impressed and inspired. It is rare to find someone that not only has such a range of experience but ideas and solutions for issues facing Greek Life today. He kept my fellow brothers engaged with his energy, even allowed them to set the course of his presentation. Michael can help bring change and growth to any Greek Life community on any college campus."
- Vincent Gaglioti, IFC President at University of Hartford

Speak Your Truth: Greek Life on Sexual Assault Prevention

Sexual violence is a serious and widespread problem. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault each year. The good news is that prevention is possible, and it's happening. Fraternity and sorority members and their college communities are combating the risk of sexual violence with conversations and programs like this as well as implementing policies and research-based tools that promote safety, respect, and equality.

We're now in a watershed moment. The country is focused on the issue of sexual assault prevention. This is our opportunity to improve understanding and change behaviors on our campus. The time to rally our community is now. We must believe survivors, end the victim blaming, ask for consent, and respect boundaries. Students in Greek Life can embrace their voices to become advocates of change on campus.

Utilizing the most effective, theory-based practices developed by the Sexual Assault Center in Nashville, Tennessee, changes are officially in progress. From the individual perspective, we are building consent, bystander intervention, and strong relationship skills. From an organizational standpoint, we will engage in campus leadership to promote a campus culture of consent, safety, and respect. From a community perspective, we will see initiatives taken to strengthen and support enforcement, response, and reporting- both on and off campus. This session is only one small component of a comprehensive strategy. To change behavior in the long term, your challenge is to develop a peer-to-peer awareness campaign to reinforce positive norms and skills related to consent and bystander intervention.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define sexual assault and other related terms.
2. Identify forms of consent.
3. Define Bystander Intervention.
4. Identify how you should respond when a sexual assault disclosure is made.
5. List the steps you can take on your campus to prevent sexual assaults.
6. Locate the resources available on your campus.
7. Formulate ideas on student-led peer to peer awareness campaigns on consent and bystander awareness for your campus.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, incoming first-year class, the entire student body

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"The NYIT students were all in agreement: Michael definitely met and exceeded our expectations as a community. Students gave positive feedback on all presentations given and took home valuable lessons, which can already be seen within the community. Michael was a powerful speaker, engaging with the audience and connected with the students. These presentations had inspired the students and has initiated a noticeable change during our recruitment season. We recommend Michael to any Greek community seeking a way to educate and inspire their members into becoming future leaders."
- Colvin T. Georges Jr., Assistant Director, Student Involvement & Inclusion at NYIT Long Island

The Hazing Agenda: Don’t Hate, Collaborate.

By reading any newspaper across the country, you'll see that hazing continues to affect Greek organizations, sports teams, and even the school band. Simply put, it is threatening our very existence. According to the National Study of Student Hazing, 55% of college students have been hazed, and 47% were hazed BEFORE they came to college. The unfortunate part is that 9 out of 10 students didn't consider themselves hazed. You often read about the hazing incidents that cause physical injury (or even death). What about the mental aspects of hazing? What are the ramifications to our students?

It's essential for you to understand why hazing happens in our organizations. We’ll review the early history of hazing in society and determine what contributes to the hazing mentality- such as Bandura's Theory on moral disengagement and Cimino's sociological factors that contribute to hazing. We’ll discuss the hazing laws in your state and discuss notorious hazing incidents that have occurred from 2012 – 2019.

We’ll teach you how to recognize hazing in your organization, bystander intervention techniques, and how to report hazing when you see it. You will learn ways to eliminate hazing in your chapter by offering a large number of replacement activities that promote team building and unity.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the origins of hazing.
2. Describe why hazing happens and the ramifications
3. Illustrate the progression of hazing-related media coverage from 2012 to 2019.
4. Summarize the hazing laws in your state.
5. Recognize hazing activities and develop bystander intervention techniques to stop hazing before it starts.
6. Produce substitute activities that bring the desired results of brotherhood and interaction among your members.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, sports team members

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"From the moment I met him, I recognized that he was the kind of person that I wanted to surround myself and my students with. One of my favorite things about working with Mike was his ability to connect with my students on a level that has stuck with them years past his time with them. Amazing!"
- Dr. Thea Zunick, Director of Student Life at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

TIPS for the University™: Sound Choices About Alcohol Usage

Each year, 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, and 696,000 college students are assaulted by a student who had been drinking according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. TIPS for the University is a 2.5 hour program that helps you make sound choices when faced with difficult decisions about alcohol use. Working together and with administration, you will address drinking behaviors specific to your school and develop intervention techniques appropriate to your campuses.

TIPS for the University provides you with the knowledge and confidence necessary to reduce high-risk drinking behavior among your peers. More than 1,200 campuses nationwide have implemented TIPS for the University. Make your institution part of this successful training initiative.

TIPS for the University builds on the concerns you feel for the safety of your peers. Our TIPS trainers use a non-judgmental approach to help students. The TIPS program presents a new approach to dealing with others, and it does so in a unique way: by asking you to become actively engaged in the training process. The process includes observation, practice, and feedback.

TIPS trained participants will return to the University community with an increased sense of confidence and security. You will learn how you can bring about positive changes in guests' drinking behavior and how your people skills can work to the benefit of their guests and themselves.

You will receive your own workbook to use the day of the presentation and keep after the course is completed. You will take a test which covers the important points that were discussed. TIPS certification cards will be mailed to you upon successful completion of the program.

Learning Objectives. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Develop decision-making skills that help you weigh the consequences of their actions and those of your peers.
2. Evaluate and moderate your own behavior to avoid problems with alcohol.
3. Build confidence to intervene to prevent alcohol-related incidents on campus such as property damage, injury, underage drinking and drunk driving.
4. Build interpersonal skills that increase your ability to intervene in difficult alcohol-related situations.
5. Create respect and concern for others leading to a more positive campus environment.
6. Develop leadership qualities that help you influence your peers to avoid problem behaviors.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, the entire student body. TIPS Certified Trainer #61713. Ask us for copies of case studies and credentials from Towson University Greek Life, Millikin University, Canisius College, Georgia Tech, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, and more.

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael is single-handedly the best speaker I have ever witnessed. He is very knowledgeable about Greek relations. He is very passionate about what he does and it shows when he speaks. I am very pleased that we were able to work together and get Michael to Southern Arkansas University."
- Corbin Franklin, President Interfraternity Council, Southern Arkansas University

What, Like It’s Hard? Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention

There are University and organizational policies in place to keep your members and guests safe at all times. However, among college students, daily drinking is more frequent, and daily marijuana usage has significantly increased from 1994 to 2014. You will need to understand the risks associated with alcohol and drug usage, the opioid epidemic, group culture, and how all students can safely intervene when someone is struggling with addiction.

Over 35% of college students report binge drinking in the last two weeks (5 or more drinks in a row). Over 42% report that they have been intoxicated in the last month. Given these statistics, it's essential to discuss the challenges associated with these numbers openly and what you can do about it within our organizations.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Illustrate the trends in drug and alcohol usage among college students, and specifically the opioid epidemic.
2. Demonstrate how drugs affect the body and its functions.
3. Investigate how drug abuse conflicts with your purpose and values.
4. Define blood alcohol content.
5. List intoxication rate factors.
6. Evaluate behavioral cues in your members or guests and then safely intervene.
7. Evaluate group culture that leads us to dangerous situations.
8. Identify how much pure alcohol is in various types of drinks.
9. Summarize how we can keep our members and guests safe.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, incoming first-year class, the entire student body

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"The students were highly motivated and engaged throughout the entire presentation. Mike is passionate and thought provoking. He addresses students and challenges them in a way where they feel inspired and ready to confront social norms on campus. I know that we will work with Mike again in the future!"
- Nicole Morse, Assistant Director of Student Leadership & Activities, St. Joseph's University

Boss Moves

Were you thrown into your position in your Fraternity, Sorority or company with little training or knowledge of the position? One of the biggest problems you face is that you are constantly reinventing the wheel, and then repeat the same mistakes made in the past because of a lack of transition and training. Effective recruitment techniques, fundraising programs, scholarship initiatives, risk management procedures, and other organizational memory are all lost when members leave. It is crucial to properly train their respective replacements.

You will learn how to identify and train future leaders, ensure successful officer and job transition, and adequately set new goals for the upcoming year based on best practices from over 125 chapters in North America, including student leadership training and retreats. You will understand what effective committee structure looks like and why it’s important. You will review effective meeting and communication techniques and underscore the importance of organizational financial responsibilities. Finally, we’ll examine the role of frequent and honest communication within your connections.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Illustrate the importance of officer/job transition.
2. Create an officer transition retreat.
3. Demonstrate how to identify and train future leaders in your organization.
4. Identify your organization strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
5. Develop organizational objectives over the next year.
6. Summarize the importance and design of an effective committee structure.
7. Identify communication opportunities with your stakeholders for the best results.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

The Secret to Greek Recruitment

Are you doing the same recruitment events year after year with little to no results? Is the recruitment chairman doing all of the work in your chapter? Do you have a ton of members graduating this year with no help in sight? Are you only finding members that want to have social events but contribute very little to your philanthropy, community service, fundraising, and scholarship initiatives? If so, it’s time to completely reshape your thinking when it comes to Fraternity or Sorority recruitment. Almost all of the chapter’s problems can be corrected with effective recruitment of the right members on campus. You can fix poor chapter GPA, low participation in community service/philanthropy events, and correct chapter budget issues with a bigger selection of higher quality members.

We’ll take a close look at the values of your organization and the specific goals of your chapter to help you construct a real recruitment plan and achieve all of your recruitment goals. We’ll also address some of the objections that your chapter is hearing, and help you achieve a higher ratio of accepted invitations to join. Be ready to challenge everything that you’ve ever learned about recruitment to achieve better results and finally learn THE secret to Greek Recruitment.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Evaluate the importance of organizational values in our new members.
2. Produce the recruitment goals of the chapter.
3. Create a system to achieve entire chapter participation in recruitment efforts.
4. Identify the best members on campus who will be future leaders in the chapter.
5. Develop a recruitment plan that can be used year after year to improve the quality of your chapter.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

Help! My Chapter Is Not Motivated!

One of the most common problems seen in Greek systems across the country is a lack of motivation. It is a critical component of your organization's success or failure. Before you can be motivated or help encourage others in your chapter, you must first understand how you are personally motivated and then share that with others so they can support and assist in our mission. There are specific motivation theories to uncover. Specifically, understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is crucial, as well as learning motivational patterns and proven techniques to motivate your brothers and sisters. Once you understand what your chapter members need to know, and then how to act as a leader, your chapter can make significant strides towards being a more involved and motivated chapter on campus.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze their chapter structure, recruitment techniques, and the modifications needed.
2. Evaluate motivation theories, as well as the needs of chapter members as it relates to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
3. Create a worksheet to determine what motivates our chapter members.
4. Identify an overall motivational pattern for the chapter.
5. Develop motivational skills.
6. Build leadership skills.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"He is highly engaging and a thought-provoking speaker; he makes you think of leadership in a new way. He has all of the most important qualities in business: credibility, competence, and caring. There are only a select few people who have left a lasting impression on my life, and Michael is at the top of my list."
- Francis Humes, Account Executive at American Technologies, Inc.

Embrace Diversity

As the demographics of our Universities become more diverse, and the problems that we face as a community become much more complex, it's crucial to have regular conversations with your members about the importance of diversity. When people ask what makes a successful chapter, the answer is always membership diversity.

When we hear about diversity in organizations, it's easy to become uncomfortable because you might think about things like quotas, affirmative action, race relations, and gender inequalities. Really, all we're talking about is a relationship between people, not a particular individual. You will be able to demonstrate the science of diversity and how it leads to more successful organizations. Diversity can be discussed in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and age. It can also be imagined as the tools you are given in your experience that comes from different places, and how you can use those various tools to help you solve the most challenging issues in your community

Included is a fun activity to show students that we all have certain limitations that makes some things harder for us. It demonstrates that we must accept each as we are- both with our strengths and weaknesses, and to understand that we have much to learn from each other.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define diversity.
2. Discuss the importance of diversity in Fraternal organizations.
3. Summarize the changing demographics of University students.
4. Compare different tools each member brings to our organization.
5. Discover the science of diversity and how it creates more successful organizations.
6. List ideas on how to create a more diverse organization.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, incoming first-year class, the entire student body

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"I was able to book Michael Ayalon for our bid day speech to discuss the positives of Greek Life with the new male members of our Greek Community at Syracuse University. From start to finish Michael demonstrated a high skill set in public speaking as well as strong enthusiasm and charisma for his work. I will be sure to stay in contact with him for any future public speaking events we may have and I’m looking forward to working with him in the near future."

- Brett Coneeny, Vice President Interfraternity Council, Syracuse University

The Gang’s All Here: Parents and Alumni Join Forces As Advocates

Alumni and parents are the most underutilized resource that you have. How do you ensure that they remain involved with the chapter, and how do you leverage those relationships to get career/networking opportunities, mentoring, social engagement, and financial support?

The four areas we need to improve among our alumni and parents are identification, communication, cultivation, and finally, solicitation. It must be in that order, as most go directly to solicitation and you end up failing miserably.

You'll understand the role of the Alumni Relations Committee, how to set up a database, the critical components of a newsletter, and how to get more alumni advisors for your chapter. You will also outline how to set up an effective alumni event from start to finish and learn how to promote a regional alumni club in your area that regularly has events of their own.

Finally, we'll have a FAQ session to answer all those questions that you've been wondering about alumni, such as why they don't come around and why they don't donate to the chapter. Given the techniques that you'll learn in this session, we can help you develop the relationship with your alumni and parents that you'll need to be the best you can be.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define what alumni and parents can provide for chapters.
2. Demonstrate how alumni can help achieve your goals.
3. Build an alumni database.
4. Describe how we can communicate with alumni and parents.
5. Summarize how to cultivate alumni.
6. Illustrate how to solicit alumni for assistance.
7. Produce the components of an effective newsletter.
8. Illustrate how to get more alumni mentoring opportunities.
9. Construct alumni and parent involvement for your chapter.
10. List the steps involved in hosting a proper event that gets you the results you want with alumni and parents.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael is professional and knowledgeable. He has a special way to inspire people as he educates them on best practices. I've known Michael for some time and highly recommend him. In a time when it's difficult to know if you're investing your money wisely, I can confidently recommend Michael for your efforts!"
- Dr. Ethan F. Becker, President at The Speech Improvement Company, Author

Greek Unity: Shooting for the Moon & Beyond

Since its inception in the late 1800s, Greek Letter Organizations have made a significant impact on college communities. Starting from literary and debate societies, they have evolved into a developed community of International Fraternities and Sororities that make up almost 900,000 undergraduate students.

All too often, you might hear about the negative stories within the Greek community. We're not talking enough about the positive impact that is felt from the millions of community service hours completed annually and from the millions of philanthropy dollars raised each year.

We will focus on why community service is important. From cancer research to Big Brothers/Big Sisters™, from dance marathons to cross country biking, there are so many ways that Greeks are raising money and donating their time to make the world a better place. When natural disaster strikes, Fraternities and Sororities have the resources and leadership to help immediately. When utilized properly, they have the unique ability to change campus culture for the better as it relates to some of the problems you see, including sexual assault and alcohol/drug abuse.

You'll see some of the best examples across North America, and how you can transform your chapter and your community into a service focused environment.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Recite the values of our Fraternity/Sorority.
2. Demonstrate why service is vital to our community.
3. Produce countless examples of Greeks involved in service and philanthropic endeavors across North America.
4. Inspire the Greeks to get involved and make a difference in their community.
5. List the steps necessary to get started in your service and philanthropic events.
6. Summarize the benefits to the chapter.
7. Develop skills to sell yourself and your organization.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael is a phenomenal speaker and leader. He does what many can't do: connect to millennials and inspire them to achieve more. He's THE man.... Stop reading this recommendation and just bring him in to speak already."
- Jordan Van Ahn, Director of Exponential Growth at Viral Solutions LLC

Whose Rules? Robert’s Rules.

Effective meetings are critical to your chapter's success. How do you run an effective meeting? You will learn parliamentary procedure and standard meeting order so that you can begin developing weekly agendas for your chapter meeting.

You will practice the four basic motion types, main motions, and subsidiary motions. You will define privileged motions and incidental motions. You will learn how to kill a motion. You will also demonstrate the various methods of voting in your chapter.

Finally, you will learn meeting etiquette. With all of these fundamental parts of Robert’s Rules of Order, you'll be able to create the proper environment and procedures to effectively conduct your meetings going forward and thus, be more productive as a chapter!

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define parliamentary procedure and the importance.
2. Recite the four basic motion types, as well as main motions and subsidiary motions.
3. Describe privileged motions and incidental motions.
4. Identify voting methods for your chapter.
5. Develop meeting etiquette for your chapter.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"From the start to finish, Michael successfully captivated the attention of the entire room. His superior public speaking skills, enticing up to date content, passion and ability to connect with millennials will leave you and your peers energized and motivated to go out and make a difference on your campus. You WILL NOT be disappointed in choosing Michael to speak at your campus or organization!"
- James Hooper, Student at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Social Media Soapbox: An Investigation for Greeks

You should be adequately communicating your organization's values to the community at your university. Are you doing that today? Social media plays a big part in what the other organizations on campus think about your community, what other students (and prospective new members) think about us, what professors think about us, and what future employers might be thinking about us. What would a future employer think if they reviewed your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account today? Those records last longer than you think (including screenshots) and can be accessed in ways in which you don't even know.

We will review the 10 Social Media Commandments that you and your chapter must pay attention to in today's electronic environment. You will use real examples of fraternity members and sorority members across the country and how it affected their chapters and even their (Inter) National organizations.

You will learn how to deal with the media in a crisis. You will begin to keep records and publicize all the good that your chapter does, as well as ways to follow FIPG regulations as a chapter and avoid bad situations. If you want to come back years from now at homecoming to see your chapter, and if you value your online reputation for your future career, this presentation is critical.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify your organization's values.
2. Create a positive PR Plan for your chapter.
3. Identify what image is actually portrayed through social media.
4. Evaluate why it's important to review existing social media accounts and our presence online.
5. Compare examples of Fraternity men and Sorority women that didn't effectively use social media.
6. Investigate what the repercussions were for them personally and their organizations.
7. Discuss how to deal with the media in a crisis.
8. Demonstrate how to follow FIPG regulations to ensure that you and your chapter operate efficiently.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members


Quote on Greek University's presentations

"With Mike, you won't find someone that is cookie-cutter and generic, but instead someone that is genuine and approachable. I believe this is why Mike is able to connect with anyone he crosses paths with, regardless of background and experience. I also believe this to be a leading indicator of Mike's passion for helping others. Mike cares about our organizations, and isn't afraid to tackle the more sensitive issues that plague the Greek community across our country. He welcomes the discussion of said issues head on, and in this sense is a breath of fresh air. Discussing sensitive topics though is only half the battle, the other half is finding solutions to combat these issues. Mike has the experience, knowledge, and resources for finding solutions. I give a man like Mike Ayalon the highest recommendation, not only for his work as a professional and leader, but for the kind of man he is on a personal level as well."
- Neal Wilkerson, Student at Ole Miss

Today’s Thought Leader: A New Generation

Everybody defines leadership differently. When you think of leaders, you might think about candidates running for political office such as the President of the United States or leaders of companies like Steve Jobs who led Apple to become the largest IT company in the world.

What makes a good leader? What makes a bad leader? You will investigate these questions with real examples and illustrate the ten qualities of leadership to help you become a better leader in your organization. You will analyze the common leadership pitfalls and produce a plan to identify future leaders of your organization.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define leadership.
2. Describe how great leaders inspire.
3. Evaluate the ten qualities that leaders have.
4. Examine common leadership mistakes.
5. Investigate your leadership style and use that to lead others and work better with others.
6. Identify future leaders for the organization.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, corporate, incoming first-year class, the entire student body

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"I have heard Michael speak several times over the past few years. His sessions are always very informative and are very relatable to the average college student, with plenty of relevant and realistic examples of success to facilitate interest and inspiration for student organizations to thrive and grow. More recently, I have listened to him tackle important issues in risk management, such as sexual assault prevention and community involvement under the Greek University banner. Michael's new initiative is one that will greatly influence Greek Life for years to come, and I would recommend any director of student life to bring in Michael as an educator for the college population."
- Christopher Bilotti, Client Service Representative at ABC-Amega

Advisors: Training Day

Fraternity and Sorority Advisors are a key component to your chapter success. The relationships developed with the chapter officers should encourage them to seek the advice and support of their chapter advisor. With trust and confidence, the advisor becomes an integral resource. Without the guidance and regular contact from properly trained chapter advisors, we've seen so many face unnecessary struggles and challenges, including the loss of the chapter's charter. This highlights the importance of advisor training for the University and for the organization. You will start by investigating the purpose, roles, and expectations of advisors. You will share the best practices and show how to build relationships with chapter members, how to monitor chapter performance using metrics, set your priorities, review crisis management procedures, and common warning signs with possible solutions.

Learning Objective
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define the role of an advisor.
2. Describe the expectations of an advisor.
3. Identify the different types of advisors that exist.
4. Prepare a plan to build trusting relationships with members.
5. Measure chapter performance using specific metrics.
6. Develop priorities to focus on.
7. Create a crisis management plan for the chapter.
8. Identify common warning signs and solve the issues before they become major problems.

Intended Audience: fraternity and sorority advisors, alumni members, university administration



Less Devices, More Connections In Greek Life

What is the cost of Fraternities and Sororities becoming a a little less human? Technology is great to record our events and share it with other students, but it also can create social isolation and a lack of connectedness with other students. We all need human connections, but sometimes it's easier to get that from social media instead of having a real conversation. In reality, we are missing out on forming a real relationship with our brothers and sisters. In many ways, it weakens our productivity and keeps us from achieving our full potential.

There are seven steps that our fraternities and sororities can do in order to limit our devices and get more real connections. This in turn will create happier, more effective members that stay and contribute to our mutual goals.

Learning Objectives. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Summarize recent research on social isolation and depression with increased social media usage.
2. Identify how fraternity and sorority can help with belongingness on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and why that is important.
3. Illustrate how real connections create happier, more effective members.
4. Investigate the importance of empathy and open communication to team success.
5. Discover the seven steps they can implement immediately to reduce student dependence on devices and increase the depth of connections in their chapters and councils.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members
Speaking at the University of New Hampshire

Ballin’ On a Budget: A Guide

The "Money Matters on Campus" survey by Higher One and EverFi shows a disappointing look at financial literacy among college students. The research showed 12% of first-year students at four-year schools do not check their account balances because they are "too nervous," and only 39% use a budget. Our educational system prepares students for math, reading, and science, but fails to prepare them for life-changing financial decisions.

You will investigate key decision makers like the student loan to salary ratio and student loan payment calculations, demonstrate how to check your credit score, discuss the right number of hours to work while in college, the advantages and disadvantages of debt, budgeting techniques, emergency funds, and saving for retirement.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define financial literacy.
2. Define the financial literacy gap.
3. Construct the student loan to salary ratio.
4. Demonstrate the student loan payment calculation.
5. Discover how to check their credit score.
6. Estimate the proper number of hours to work while in college.
7. List your responsibilities with debt.
8. Produce a budget.
9. Describe the importance of saving for retirement now.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, incoming first-year class, the entire student body

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"As a student affairs professional, it is evident that the change and direction Mike brought to the fraternity has made Sigma Pi one of the leading organizations in the industry today. Other than tremendous growth in membership and academic development achieved during his time as executive director, Mike launched new and innovative programs for both undergraduate and alumni members. During my time as the fraternity and sorority advisor at Middle Tennessee State University, I had the pleasure of working with Mike on multiple occasions, as he provided training and education to the entire fraternity/sorority community in the areas of hazing prevention, academic achievement, sexual violence prevention, and chapter development. Perhaps what I admire most about Mike is his passion--his passion for people, communication, social issues, the fraternal movement, and relationships. I am beyond grateful for individuals like Mike who dedicate their lives for a cause they believe in. Through the work we do as fraternity/sorority professionals, I find hope and inspiration in the services Mike provides to Greek members across the country. I am amazed at his ability to reach students at the core of their development and highly recommend his programs and services."
- Donald Abels, Assistant Director of Greek Life at LSU

Adulting at Its Finest

We've all seen the failure of business ethics in recent history when we look at the devastation caused by Bernard Madoff, WorldCom, or Enron. You wonder about the ethics of the individual people that worked on staff when you see widespread fraud in an organization. It can be challenging for leaders to determine right from wrong, and you've seen numerous examples in the media of both.

Some companies do put "what's right" first, and commit to the environment, helping the needy, or doing the right thing for their customers. Those organizations have dedicated teams that are willing to go the extra mile time and time again because they firmly believe in the values of their organization, which, in turn, reaches heights never imagined. You'll learn from the leaders in your fraternity/sorority and how they do it, both for themselves and for their organization.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Define values, morals, dilemmas, and ethics.
2. Define our personal values.
3. Describe our organizational values.
4. List the values that are important to us.
5. Discover the situations that keep us from living our values.
6. Analyze ethical decision making in our daily lives.
7. Define Kitchener’s Five Moral Principles.
8. Analyze our role as leaders when we are confronted with a “trigger” situation.
9. Discover practical ways to live our values.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, corporate, incoming first-year class, the entire student body

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael gave a great speech that catered to both new members and current members of our Greek organizations. He was also very helpful in observing Greek practices at our school and making suggestions on how to better improve the community."
- Emily Sachs, Panhellenic Council President at Muhlenberg College

All Hired Up!

Is there a dream position that you want to have, or a dream customer that you want to serve? We'll show you how with the Contacts Count Networking System, and then develop all the principles behind it: Access Your Skills, Set Your Strategy, Sharpen Your Skills, and Select Your Settings.

You'll see several incredible examples of how networking opportunities turned into enormous personal and corporate success. You'll review the ten biggest misconceptions about networking, and help you develop a unique selling proposition for you to use when you're in a networking situation.

Once you go over the basic techniques of networking, you will see how to use technology to leverage your networking abilities, and then how to get to the next steps with all the contacts you've developed. All of these techniques are applicable for current undergraduates, recent graduates looking for new jobs, or even those who have a current job and want to quickly move up the corporate ladder or get the perfect customer.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze your own skills.
2. Create a strategy to showcase those skills.
3. Develop networking skills.
4. Build communication abilities with prospective employers/management.
5. Evaluate the various settings in which networking opportunities exist.
6. Develop your own unique selling proposition.
7. Demonstrate how to take the contacts you've developed and turned them into real opportunities for internships, jobs, and customers.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, incoming first-year class, the entire student body

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael did a fantastic job engaging our undergrads on the topics of alcohol safety and sexual assault prevention. One student came up to me after the TiPS training to let me know that he had been to many alcohol safety sessions ran by his school. He said that this was the first session that he actually learned something. That is extremely impressive considering the topics of his presentations. Michael was also a pleasure to work with and will hopefully be a repeat presenter for AEPi conventions in the future."
- Jonathan Bridge, Chief Programming Officer for Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity

No, You’re Out of Order! Staying Accountable.

Are you having trouble keeping your chapter accountable for their actions? Do you have basic confrontation and conflict resolution skills? We must have the ability to self-govern if we want to end the cycle of problems within our chapters.

The goal here is not to punish our members, but instead to create positive changes in behavior through peer accountability, maintain the chapter's high standards, educate our members, and promote the development of a strong, close-knit chapter. This helps us avoid uncomfortable interventions for other external authorities, such as the University, Headquarters, or local alumni.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the purpose of Judicial Boards.
2. Create a Judicial Board including proper selection of members.
3. Determine procedures for the Judicial process.
4. Discover various violation possibilities.
5. Produce the hearing agenda.
6. Summarize the restorative approach.
7. Analyze different sanction possibilities.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael's visit was a fantastic way to kick off National Hazing Prevention Week at Stony Brook University. The tools and information he gave us are invaluable and will surely help us spread awareness to the defining characteristics of hazing as well as the methods and motivation to actively end it. "
- James Rogot, Stony Brook University Inter-Fraternity Sorority Council

Plan It: A Stellar Guide to Party Planning the Right Way

Your goal should be to keep your members and guests safe at all times. We'll look at why it’s important to achieve, communicate, and expect your organization’s values at all times, and how values-based recruitment can assist in harm reduction. We'll also look at images of Greek life from an outsider's perspective on social media and satire websites.

Harm reduction covers house maintenance, sexual assaults, drugs, hazing, alcohol, social events, and fighting. We will review the legal issues that can affect you in the form of civil and criminal cases, and you will define all possible outcomes in either scenario.

You will do a full review of safety guidelines. You will learn how to create harm reduction procedures and how to define your chapter’s philosophy. You will also implement an effective chapter standards board to hold your members accountable.

Finally, you will learn the effects of alcohol at various blood alcohol levels, the differences between males and females as it relates to BAC, and how to recognize the symptoms of alcohol poisoning. You will develop effective crisis management and communication strategies and uncover insurance details that you should be aware of within your organization.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Recite the values of our organization.
2. Describe the proper usage of social media for all members of Greek letter organizations.
3. Define FIPG and the practical ways of compliance in a chapter.
4. Explore the legal ramifications if you don’t follow the guidelines.
5. Develop a risk reduction philosophy and procedures for your chapter.
6. List ways to enforce risk reduction procedures through a standards board.
7. Illustrate the effects of alcohol at different blood alcohol levels.
8. Describe the symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
9. Develop a crisis management and communications plan.
10. Research the insurance available to you through your membership.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Thank you for an excellent presentation! We are already seeing some positive changes through the community and hope that it continues from within the groups. We look forward to partnering again in the future."
- Scott Royce, Director of Housing & Greek Life at University of Alabama in Huntsville

Early is On Time; On Time is Late

Everyone is trying to take our time away! Your phone is buzzing, emails are piling up, or a chapter member interrupts you while you're trying to study. Once you've lost that time, you will never get it back. It's time to regain control of your time, get focused, and not let the time thieves get the upper hand.

Today's college students are under enormous pressure with work, school, student organizations, relationships, and much more. By organizing your day and following these secret tips, you'll get control again. There are 1,440 minutes per day. Use them wisely!

Learning Objectives
By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify their most precious asset while in college.
2. Construct effective time blocking for their daily schedule.
3. Reduce procrastination in themselves and others around them.
4. Discover a method to capture new ideas and increase creativity.
5. Analyze what makes very successful people according to Warren Buffett.
6. Evaluate your morning routine and find new ways for a positive, inspirational experience.

Intended Audience: fraternity members, sorority members, incoming first-year class, the entire student body

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael's presentation was amazing on a subject that Greeks don't want to talk about: harm reduction. For most of our chapters, we don't talk about prevention of harm or risk issues until something happens. Thank you for starting a conversation that needed to be started on our campus."
- Ethan Spector, IFC President at Sonoma State University

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael was invited to our campus to certify several of our Greek students in TiPS. Michael did an outstanding job and was extremely easy and flexible to work with from start of the planning process to the post assessment of the event. Michael's genuine care for students' well being shines through all of his work."
- Lukas Miedreich, Assistant Director-Student Engagement at McDaniel College

Interactive presentations on your campus

Illinois Institute of Technology

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"When we wanted to host a New Member orientation event at Drexel University, I knew exactly who we needed to call. Michael ran an amazing event for over 300 students; focusing on hazing, Greek leadership, and how to come together as a community. This may have been the first time that we hosted Michael, but it definitely will not be the last!"
- Jonathan Coopersmith, IFC Vice President of Member Development, Drexel University

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"As the President of my sorority, I took away so much from the presentations. I'm in the works of revising our position descriptions to lengthen the term of Alumnae Relations and create an elected position encompassing Public Relations and Website Management. Our Recruitment chair is working on drafting a more clear summary of our expectations, and preparing the chapter to make a Recruitment Contacts List. Our Secretary is revising our attendance policy to do away with "Mandatory" and replace it with a competitive incentive program. As a chapter, we discussed our dream chapter, how to create it through all of these ideas, and we're excited to revamp our programs and increase engagement."
- Amelia Chaltin, President of Kappa Phi Delta, Illinois Institute of Technology

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"The support he has given my chapter really shows how much he cares for Greek life and for individual, unique chapters like mine. He has even suggested more ways he can support us in the future and has remained in contact with my chapter, and for this, we cannot thank him enough."
- Rebecca Goodman, President of Iota Gamma Upsilon, UMass Amherst

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"I was able to speak with Mike openly about the needs of my Fraternity, Tau Delta Phi. I would bring Mike to our Fraternity leadership programming and believe that his work would likewise positively impact students at any other higher education institution or national Greek organization."
- Joseph Rios, Ed.D, Executive Director, Tau Delta Phi

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"I greatly appreciated that he dug deeper with the students to provide them with tangible ways to resolve the real issues that the community may be experiencing. After his visit, one of the local sororities followed up with Mike to seek advice on how to take steps towards organizing a standards board. Mike has a way of connecting with FSL communities, leaving a lasting impact for those who show up and engage."
- Vicki Gerentes, Student Engagement Coordinator at San Jose State University

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Mike is an amazing speaker who was really able to connect not only with professional staff but the students. He has a huge heart and always willing to go up and beyond what is ever expected. I would highly recommend bringing him to your campus."
- Sean Ryan, Associate Director of Fraternity Life at Dickinson College

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Greek University is much more than a name, a person or a face, its a movement to empower & enlighten. Goals and destinations are not always clear, many times there is a cloud of fog that doesn't let you see the road clear enough to get where you're going. Michael uses analogies as a fog light to illuminate a better understanding of topics that aren't so simple to understand. Conversations are made to be comfortably relatable by integrating stories that cause the audience to critically think about their actions and inactions regarding realistic day to day opportunities that can help drastically change the direction of an organization's progress for the semester/year. Greek University is a platform to promote individual virtues & principles that will in turn boost organizational behavior."
- Victor Benlice, President of the Greek Senate at Kean University

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"An excellent resource for our student leaders. Mike is an authentic public speaker who was able to hold our student's attention thanks to his relatable experiences. Our students greatly appreciated all that Mike had to offer."
- Joe Vernace, Senior Associate Director of LIU Promise at LIU Post

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"It was great working with Mike! He was responsive to our students, communicated in timely manner and was flexible. In addition, he was very approachable and the students enjoyed his honesty and authenticity. Mike is someone I would bring to host sessions on any number of topics effecting college students because he was engaging and the students thought he was relatable."
- Margaret Zimmer, Assistant Director of the Student Leadership & Involvement Center at Creighton University

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Mike is really knowledgeable in the field of Greek Life and keeping college students safe. My chapter learned a ton of useful information through the TIPS certification and the keynote on recruitment. Everyone should want to gain knowledge from this program."
- Adam Manspeizer, Vice President of Zeta Beta Tau at Indiana University

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Michael's experience and dynamic knowledge of strategies to grow our FSL community was so valuable. His presentation was engaging and he took the time to tailor it to fit the needs of our students. After his presentation, he stayed the whole afternoon to provide individual one on one time with each chapter and engaged in critical dialogue and feedback with our student leaders. I absolutely recommend bringing Michael to your campus as a speaker!"
- Finnley Maier, FSL Graduate Assistant at North Dakota State University

Quote on Greek University's presentations

"Great presenter! Students responded well to his message and stayed back with their specific questions (the highest of praise indeed)!"
- Kate Ward-Gaus, Assistant VP of Student Wellness Services at La Salle University

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