PHA seeks new executive board members

The IU Panhellenic Association is seeking eight greek women to complete its executive board.

Applications were distributed to all IU PHA chapter presidents and are also available on the IU PHA website.

PHA executives will serve for a full calendar year, IU PHA president and senior Anjulia Urasky said.

Greek women may apply for several positions, including the president and seven vice presidents.

The president oversees the entire executive board, leads executive board meetings and communicates with the IU administration.

Urasky said though juniors usually make up the bulk of the applicants, sophomores are also encouraged to apply.

The vice president of community involvement organizes joint events and philanthropies, working closely with the Interfraternity Council, the Multi-Cultural Greek Council and the National Panhellenic Council.

The vice president of extension supports current sorority chapters in addition to helping newly-established chapters on campus, such as incoming sorority Delta Phi Epsilon.

The vice president of leadership development works with the other executive board members to organize leadership events such as the Indiana Greek Emerging Leaders Retreat. The position’s responsibilities also include running the Honor Board, a standards board that every IU PHA sorority is required to follow.

Other positions available are vice president of communications, vice president of finance, vice president of recruitment and vice president of personal development.

Applicants will be interviewed by the current executive board during the first week of December.

On Dec. 10, applicants will give short speeches during an IU PHA gavel meeting. One delegate from each IU PHA chapter will then vote for each position.

“We encourage all women to apply who have a passion for the greek community as well as a vision for positive change,” Urasky said.

Fulfilling the role of PHA president has been a rewarding experience, Urasky said.

“I love being able to have the unique experience of working with both the greek community and the administration,” Urasky said. “Being that liaison is a huge privilege.”

Senior Leila Palizi, vice president of communications, said her position within the executive board has allowed her to directly see the effect she has on the greek community.

Palizi said she also enjoyed participating in Greek Opportunities For Women, the official start of the sorority recruitment process.

“I made the video for that explaining why you should go greek,” Palizi said. “Being able to have that play for 1,200 people, it was just a manifestation of my contribution to the greek community.”

Palizi also emphasized the networking benefits that come with being an IU PHA executive board member.

“You get to meet a lot of the awesome leaders and advisers that we have comprising the greek community,” Palizi said. “I’ve built great friendships and bonds with these people.”

Applications are due at 12 p.m. Friday.

Applicants must turn the forms into the IU PHA mailbox in Room 374 of the Student Activities Tower in the Indiana Memorial Union, and they must email an electronic copy to iuphapresident@gmail.com.

Follow reporter Tori Lawhorn on Twitter @ToriLawhorn.