2025 Feb PsiU Today

Psi Upsilon Fraternity has announced a new initiative to strengthen leadership and governance within its organization through Aboveboard for Student Leaders, an online training program developed by Plaid. This digital learning experience aims to equip fraternity leaders with the essential skills necessary for effective leadership and strategic decision-making.

A Comprehensive Approach to Leadership and Governance

The Aboveboard training covers four core areas critical to successful board leadership: Authentic Leadership, Board Governance, High Performing Boards, and Strategic Planning. Each module is designed to provide chapter officers with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and long-term vision within Psi Upsilon.

Authentic Leadership

This session delves into leadership development, exploring different leadership styles and the concept of authenticity in leadership. Key topics include:

• Developing Leadership Skills
• 10 Common Leadership Styles
• The 5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership
• Authenticity and Authentic Leadership

Board Governance

For any organization to thrive, a strong governance framework is essential. This session focuses on mission-driven leadership and structured decision-making processes, covering:

• Mission and Vision
• Governance framework
• The Four D’s: Discern, Define, Deliberate, Decide
• Problem finding before problems arise
• Establishing norms for effective governance

High Performing Board

A well-functioning board is the backbone of any successful organization. This session outlines key characteristics and cultural considerations that contribute to board effectiveness:

• Characteristics of a high-performing board
• Cultivating a strong board culture

Strategic Planning

Long-term success requires strategic foresight. This session provides a roadmap for structured planning and execution, including:

• The importance of strategic planning
• Mission and Vision in strategy
• Strategic planning methodology
• GOST Framework: Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics
• Strategic planning as an ongoing process

Strengthening the Future of Psi Upsilon

By implementing Aboveboard for Student Leaders, Psi Upsilon Fraternity is investing in the continued growth and sustainability of its leadership. This initiative reflects the fraternity’s commitment to fostering responsible governance and empowering its members to lead with integrity and purpose.

The Archons’ Academy serves as our annual leadership program specifically designed for chapter presidents. Unlike many other leadership initiatives available to our members, this academy is uniquely tailored for a select group, focusing on conversation and discussion to leverage the experiences of those in leadership roles. Originating in the 1990s, the Academy provides an opportunity for chapter presidents to connect with one another, share best practices, and acquire essential skills that will benefit them throughout their tenure. Over the years, the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of our members and to capitalize on new opportunities. In 2024, we implemented one of the most significant updates to our programming by aligning the Academy with the Psi Upsilon Foundation’s Social Impact Fellowship and moving it to its new home in Alexandria, VA. Marking a new period in our development offerings and allowing more interaction between undergraduate and alumni leadership.

We had 21 chapters represented at the 31st Archons’ Academy in 2025, and over 30 alums participating in our Social Impact Fellowship Reception on Friday evening.

In recent years, The Birkman Method has been integrated as a fundamental component of the academy and the Social Impact Fellowship. This personality assessment tool sheds light on four essential aspects of an individual: Motivation, Self-Perception, Social Perception, and Mindset. By comprehending these perspectives and their interactions, individuals can gain deeper insights into the emotions and actions that shape their lives. Before arriving in Alexandria, every Archon and Fellow completed the assessment. A significant portion of the Saturday programming featured discussions led by Doug Opicka, founder and managing partner of Plaid, LLC, focusing on the assessment and tailored approaches to conflict resolution based on personality types. The format also included facilitated breakout sessions with the Social Impact Fellows, promoting more intimate discussions on these important topics.

Additional sessions in the academy reviewed Psi Upsilon’s history, values, chapter operations, crisis response, motivating and incentivizing members, reviewed Psi U resources, and gave Archons a chance to share their challenges.

Attendees shared the following about their experience:

“I better understood the goals and purpose of the International Fraternity and how other chapters employ strategies to succeed.”

“The Birkman test presentation was very good as it gave us a visual representation of what type of leaders we are and how to work with others.”

“I think the history of Psi Upsilon is an essential part of explaining the functioning of Psi Upsilon. The Birkman Assessment also provides valuable insights to us as leaders.”

“I had second thoughts about going to the Archons Academy, but I ended up leaving with a lot more knowledge than I thought I would have received. I also had fun meeting alumni and created a lot of great memories with members in our other chapters that I will never forget.”

This event consistently stands out as a key highlight of our programming calendar. It plays a vital role in demonstrating to chapter presidents that they are not alone in navigating their challenges and that they have access to valuable resources for support, including one another. To further strengthen these connections, we plan to maintain our monthly Town Halls and offer online educational opportunities, including our Roundtable and Summer Leadership Series, along with Coaching sessions and campus visits by our staff.

You can view photos of the weekend on our Flickr site and Facebook Page.

On Friday, January 10^th, in Alexandria, VA Psi Upsilon held our annual retreat and reception for the 2025 Social Impact Fellowship.

Fellows came from around the country and as far away as Singapore to participate in the 2 day intensive leadership retreat.

The Psi Upsilon Social Impact Fellowship is an annual program that brings together alumni who are engaged in professional or volunteer work aligned with the fraternity’s value of Service to Society. Over the course of the year, fellows participate in in-person and remote training sessions to enhance their professional skills, and are also eligible for grants to support their ongoing community impact initiatives.

This workshop day is a launching point for self-discovery, skills development, and further engagement with the facilitators and coaches recruited from our broad network. Our hope is that participants leave brimming with ideas, useful contacts, and questions for further consideration. By design we have included members of past cohorts and a good number of brothers who have been part of the program leadership.

Presentations and presenters this year included:
Marketing your Mission and Soliciting Engagement Kenneth S. Ball, Eta ’82 (Lehigh)
Utilizing Boards and Advisors Alex Senchak, Eta ‘06 (Lehigh)
Inclusive Leadership: Leading Beyond Bias Devon Trotter CPCC, ACC, Phi Beta ’06 (William and Mary)
Leadership and Team Building Throughout Your Career Capt. Jimmy T. King (Ret.d) Phi Delta ‘97(Mary Washington)
Optional, elevator pitch workshop with Jonathan Chaffin, GT’00 (Georgia Tech)

The reception, newly endowed, ran for several hours Friday night, including brief remarks as well as an introduction of our Fellows and Archons, followed by ample opportunity for networking and social engagement. All members of Psi Upsilon and spouses and guests had a grand time.

On Saturday the fellows joined the archons. For the fellows, this involved some large group learning alongside the archons analyzing their individual Birkman assessments and conflict resolution training) and some practical experience acting as a facilitator for some small group discussions (Relating to Others, Navigating Difficult Conversations). The fellows specifically mentioned enjoying interacting with the undergraduate archons and the opportunity for growing as a leader.

Please consider a gift of $250 or more to the Annual Fund today to support Psi Upsilon programs like this.