

Tyler F. Havens
Education professional specializing in higher education,
fraternity/sorority life, and team training/development education
Conference Program Presentations
(Hover for additional information)
Learning Outcomes
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Attendees will leave the session empowered to build their network of support and understand how to sustain connections and develop opportunities throughout their career
Co-Developers/Presenters
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Caitlyn Westfall (Sigma Sigma Sigma) - Lead Developer and Presenter
Presented at:
Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values Central Conference (2019)
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The data from AFA tells us many young professionals leave our field after just a few years. One reason could be feeling "burnt out" due to lack of support, whether it be for their work or for their professional development. The truth is there are a plethora of resources, networks, and opportunities for these professionals to get engaged in, but they may not know these exist, how to access them, or do not have colleagues and/or mentors who can guide them. We will use the book Disrupt! Think Epic, Be Epic to support our claims.
Problem We Are Attempting to Solve
Abstract: Being a new professional, and office of one, or the only one in your department may sound fun. You get to make the calls, you're entrusted with many responsibilities, and you become the "expert" in your area. It's all fun until you realize you can't do it alone. Everyone needs support; whether that be colleagues, mentors, or hands-on tools to help navigate your work. In Bill Jensen's book: Disrupt! Think Epic, Be Epic, he claims "our power is in our network" and in our field, your network is crucial. We are determined to help you not only build your network, but sustain it. We will discuss resources, opportunities, and areas for development in the realm of fraternity and sorority life. Whether you're a young professional, office of one, or just looking for more ways to build your network, we are sure you will find this session useful.
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will gain an understanding of what the "balance game" looks like from both new and seasoned professionals
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Participants will see how social media can impact a student affairs professional's work versus personal life
Co-Developers/Presenters
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Jessie Stinson (University of Central Missouri)
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Katie Brady (Emporia State University)
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Kimberly Kuspa (Western Illinois University)
Presented at:
Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values Central Conference (2019)
Abstract: Not having boundaries with students regarding personal and professional life is a large contributor to turnover. In the era of advancing technology and instant answers, many students see everything as an emergency situation. Setting boundaries between your professional life and your personal life can be difficult. Students feel we should be accessible 24/7. We will utilize tips and techniques from the helping, business/entrepreneurship, and technology fields to provide some best practices for developing those boundaries. Our team of new and seasoned perspectives aim to help new professionals, graduate, and undergraduate students understand why boundaries are needed and how to set them in the areas of communication, social media, and personal time.
Also Presented as:
We Love You But...We Have Our Own Lives Too! (AFLV-Central 2018)
Co-Developed and Presented with:
Jessie Stinson (University of Central Missouri)
Katie Brady (Emporia State University)
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Is the House Burning? Then it can Wait Til 8! (AFLV-Central 2017)
Co-Developed and Presented with:
Jessie Stinson (University of Central Missouri)
Addela Marzofka (University of Central Missouri)
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Boundaries: What You Won't Find on Buzzfeed (AFLV-Central 2016)
Co-Developed and Presented with
Jessie Stinson (University of Central Missouri)
Katie Schremp (Western Illinois Univeristy)



Learning Outcomes
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Participants will understand the importance of budgeting when determining their semester programming and operational plans
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Participants will understand and be able to identify some of the hidden costs to prepare for when creating a budget
Co-Developers/Presenters
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Caitlyn Westfall (Sigma Sigma Sigma) - Redeveloped for 2019
Presented at:
Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values Central Conference (2019)
Local Greeks Conference (2010)
Abstract: How do we know what to charge in dues each semester/year? The key to fiscal responsibility is through budgeting. We will process through what you and your organization should figure into your semesterly or yearly budgets so you can cover your costs for things such as insurance, council dues, philanthropy events, brother/sisterhood, and even some extra fun. At the end you will be able to calculate what your membership should be paying in dues AND explain why.

Also Presented as:
Budgeting: It's Not Sexy, But It's Necessary
Redeveloped and Co-Presented with
Katie Schremp (Sigma Chi)
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will be able to identify a framework for implementing assessment with limited resources.
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Participants will be able to identify attributes of a manageable assessment plan using the CAS Fraternity/Sorority Advising Program Standards.
Co-Developers/Presenters
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Dan Bureau, Ph.D. (University of Memphis)
Presented at:
Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting (2018)
Abstract: Assessment is a necessity in higher ed. Fraternal relevance is a continued conversation on campuses. The development of individuals, chapters, councils, and communities can be measured in your everyday work, without adding more to your already full place. This session will present models that professionals, particularly with limited resources or operating in an office of one, can utilize in creating a culture of assessment. One model is the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS), a notable tool in assessing the programmatic elements in campus functional areas, including Fraternity and Sorority Advising Programs (FSAP). Our presentation team aims to assist professionals understand how to implement an assessment program with limited resources, how the CAS FSAP works, resources available to lessen the burden of executing the assessment, and how to utilize the information to think strategically for the future.
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Full Presentation slides can be found on the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors website
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will identify key factors (practical and research-based) in the retention of campus based fraternity/sorority professionals
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Participants will reflect on their experience as a campus-based professional and determine what may contribute to their longevity in the functional area
Co-Developers/Presenters
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Dave Connor (The College of New Jersey)
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John Mountz (East Carolina University)
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Eric Pope (Rochester Institute of Technology
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Kate Stiner, Ph.D. (University of Idaho)
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Todd Sullivan (Drexel University)
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Amy Vojta (Rutgers University)
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Viancca Williams (University of South Florida)
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Thea Zunick, Ed.D. (Univ. of the Sciences (PA))
Presented at:
Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting (2017)
Abstract: As part of a membership survey in 2016, the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors found that 57 percent of campus-based fraternity/sorority advisors were in their roles as full-time professionals for less than five years. These findings support that longevity in the field is rare, and we’ve got work to do to retain professionals in our functional area on our campuses! In a panel format, several professionals with more than 120 collective years of professional experience in campus-based fraternity and sorority roles will share their perspectives focusing on why they stay in the field, what they have learned to stay relevant in their roles, and keys to avoiding burnout. They will also share relevant literature focusing on the retention of employees and keys to balancing different aspects of work and everyday life.
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will identify the need to maintain relationships with mentors and the importance of appreciation
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Participants will internalize the rewarding aspects of working in higher education while in typically thankless roles
Presented at:
Western Illinois University College Student Personnel
Community Gathering (2016)
Abstract: Many times in student affairs we are in thankless roles. As practitioners we have those moments that will re-inspire us to remember why we chose to get into the field. This program was developed to educate graduate students that when times are tough there are still bright lights. Additionally to always remember to continually thank mentors.
Abstract: As part of a membership survey in 2016, the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors found that 57 percent of campus-based fraternity/sorority advisors were in their roles as full-time professionals for less than five years. These findings support that longevity in the field is rare, and we’ve got work to do to retain professionals in our functional area on our campuses! In a panel format, several professionals with more than 120 collective years of professional experience in campus-based fraternity and sorority roles will share their perspectives focusing on why they stay in the field, what they have learned to stay relevant in their roles, and keys to avoiding burnout. They will also share relevant literature focusing on the retention of employees and keys to balancing different aspects of work and everyday life.
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will recognize the role of the advisor is not just a discipline officer, but also a resource for chapters and individuals
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Participants will learn techniques to develop a mentor/mentee relationship with the fraternity/sorority advisor
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Participants will understand how to communicate with their peers the role of the advisor, when working with an entire chapter, is to assist in the elevation the cognitive level of the chapter
Co-Developers/Presenters
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Michele Kaplan (Syracuse University)
Presented at:
Northeast Greek Leadership Association Conference (2012)
Abstract: Do you have a special ring or text tone set for your fraternity/sorority advisor? Do you go ARGH when you hear it go off, because it “can never be a good thing.” Well it can be a GREAT thing if you want it to be. Advisors are not there to “eat you alive.” Fraternity/sorority advisors want to see their students succeed and ‘keep swimming’ not just as chapter members but as people. They have a wealth of knowledge and can be valuable resources for you as an undergraduate and beyond. Come talk to us about how you can have a productive and meaningful relationship with your campus based and/or headquarters based professional.
Abstract: As part of a membership survey in 2016, the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors found that 57 percent of campus-based fraternity/sorority advisors were in their roles as full-time professionals for less than five years. These findings support that longevity in the field is rare, and we’ve got work to do to retain professionals in our functional area on our campuses! In a panel format, several professionals with more than 120 collective years of professional experience in campus-based fraternity and sorority roles will share their perspectives focusing on why they stay in the field, what they have learned to stay relevant in their roles, and keys to avoiding burnout. They will also share relevant literature focusing on the retention of employees and keys to balancing different aspects of work and everyday life.
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will understand the relationship between a campus and headquarters is one of partnership
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Participants will recognize conversations about chapters are on going and continuous
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Participants will understand any partnering intervention on the part of the campus and/or the headquarters is designed to improve the image of the local chapter
Co-Developers/Presenters
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Kendra Derrigan (Delta Phi Epsilon) - Co-Developer
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Lindsey Chavez (Delta Phi Epsilon) - Co-Presenter
Presented at:
Northeast Greek Leadership Association Conference (2012)
Abstract: It’s the phrase students hate to hear from their Campus Advisor, “I’m going to have to call your headquarters about this.” The Secret’s Out, we probably have already talked! This call is rarely negative between the Campus Advisor and the National Rep. We want to walk you through what that process and phone call typically looks like as the main goal for the local chapter, the campus, and the International Headquarters is to make a positive impact on the lives of members.
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will be able to articulate their reasons/motivation for joining a fraternal organization
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Participants will be able to articulate how they can contribute to fraternity/sorority as an undergraduate and alumnus
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Participants will be able to recognize their personal development through their own fraternal leadership journey
Presented at:
Northeast Greek Leadership Association Conference (2011)
Sigma Phi Epsilon EDGE New Member Institute (2011) - Keynote Address
Abstract: During 2009-2010, Tyler started training for his first long distance race. During time of reflection while running, he realized how much his journey in preparation for a half marathon mirrored that of a fraternal journey. Join him in reliving this journey through the lens of the fraternal experience.
Abstract: As part of a membership survey in 2016, the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors found that 57 percent of campus-based fraternity/sorority advisors were in their roles as full-time professionals for less than five years. These findings support that longevity in the field is rare, and we’ve got work to do to retain professionals in our functional area on our campuses! In a panel format, several professionals with more than 120 collective years of professional experience in campus-based fraternity and sorority roles will share their perspectives focusing on why they stay in the field, what they have learned to stay relevant in their roles, and keys to avoiding burnout. They will also share relevant literature focusing on the retention of employees and keys to balancing different aspects of work and everyday life.
Learning Outcomes
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Participants will develop appropriate guidelines for the personnel, use, process, and sanctions of a Standards Board
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Participants will identify the relevancy of fraternal values and accountability in the utilization of a Standards Board
Presented at:
Local Greeks Conference (2010)
Abstract: All fraternal organizations are founded on standards and values. How does your organization hold members accountable for members who chose not to live up to those expectations? The answer…through the use of a standards board. Through the session we will discuss the purpose of a standards board, how to develop a sound standards board, and when it is appropriate to utilize the board.