How miscommunication happens (and how to avoid it) - Katherine Hampsten

Explore why miscommunication occurs so frequently, and how you can minimize frustration while expressing yourself better.

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Have you ever talked with a friend about a problem, only to realize that he just doesn’t seem to grasp why the issue is so important to you? Have you ever presented an idea to a group, and it’s met with utter confusion? What’s going on here? Katherine Hampsten describes why miscommunication occurs so frequently, and how we can minimize frustration while expressing ourselves better. 

Lesson by Katherine Hampsten, animation by Andrew Foerster.

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Ethan Shaw

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331 NW 26th Street

Corvallis, OR 97330

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Why Fraternity Life Is About More Than College Parties

When people hear the word "fraternity," they may immediately picture college parties.

But fraternity life can be much broader than that.

At its best, a fraternity provides students with opportunities to build friendships, develop leadership skills, participate in community service and become part of something larger than themselves.

One of the biggest parts of fraternity life is brotherhood.

College can be a strange transition. Students are meeting new people, living away from home, figuring out classes and trying to decide what they want their future to look like.

Having a group of people around you can make that transition easier.

Fraternities can also provide leadership opportunities. Members may take on roles involving recruitment, finances, event planning, community service or chapter operations.

Those experiences can teach skills that don't always show up on a college transcript.

Then there's community involvement.

Many fraternities participate in charitable events, fundraisers and volunteer activities. These projects give members a chance to contribute to their communities while working together toward a common goal.

Of course, fraternity life is also supposed to be fun.

Game days, dinners, traditions, trips, intramural sports and chapter events create memories that can last long after graduation.

But perhaps the biggest benefit is the people.

Years from now, graduates may not remember every lecture they attended or every exam they took.

They may remember the friends they made, the experiences they shared and the people who were there during some of the most formative years of their lives.

That's the part of fraternity life that can last well beyond college.

Ethan Shaw

(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street

Corvallis, OR 97330

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More Than Letters on a Shirt: What Fraternity Life Can Teach You

When people hear the word "fraternity," they may immediately think of college parties, Greek letters, and campus traditions.

But fraternity life can involve much more than that.

For many members, joining a fraternity means becoming part of a community where friendships, leadership, service, and personal development can continue long after graduation.

Brotherhood Creates Community

College can be an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming.

Being part of a fraternity can give students opportunities to develop friendships and build a sense of belonging.

The relationships formed during college can become some of the most meaningful connections in a person's life.

Leadership Happens in Real Life

Fraternities give members opportunities to take on responsibilities.

Serving as an officer, organizing an event, coordinating volunteers, managing a budget, or leading a committee can teach skills that don't always come from a textbook.

You learn how to communicate.

How to delegate.

How to solve problems when the original plan falls apart.

And, occasionally, how to get 20 people to agree on a restaurant.

Service Is Part of the Experience

Many fraternities participate in philanthropy and community service.

These activities can give members opportunities to contribute to causes larger than themselves while developing a stronger connection to their surrounding community.

Networking Can Continue After College

One of the long-term benefits of fraternity membership can be the alumni network.

Graduates move into different careers, cities, industries, and communities, creating a network of people who share a common experience.

That network can become a source of friendship, mentorship, professional connections, and opportunities.

The Best Fraternity Experience Is About Growth

College is a time when people are figuring out who they are and who they want to become.

A strong fraternity experience can provide opportunities to develop friendships, leadership abilities, confidence, responsibility, and a commitment to serving others.

The letters may be what people see on the outside.

The experiences and relationships are what members take with them.

Ethan Shaw

(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street

Corvallis, OR 97330

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agrsocialchair@gmail.com

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How to manage your emotions

Explore the framework known as the Process Model, a psychological tool to help you identify, understand, and regulate your emotions.

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After a week of studying, you feel confident that you'll ace your exam. But when you get your grade back, it's much lower than you expected. You’re devastated, and the disappointment is hard to shake. Should you be trying to look on the bright side? And is controlling your emotions even possible? Explore techniques to help you identify, understand, and regulate your emotions.

Directed by Daniel Stankler.

Ethan Shaw

(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street

Corvallis, OR 97330

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agrsocialchair@gmail.com

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Building Leadership Skills During College

College is a time to learn inside and outside the classroom. While coursework builds academic knowledge, extracurricular involvement offers opportunities to develop leadership skills that can benefit students throughout their lives.

Leadership Looks Different for Everyone

Not every leader stands at the front of the room. Some organize events behind the scenes, mentor younger students, manage budgets, or help resolve challenges within a group.

Leadership comes in many forms, and each role contributes to a successful organization.

Communication Matters

Strong leaders learn how to listen, communicate clearly, and encourage collaboration. These skills are valuable not only in college organizations but also in future careers and community involvement.

Learning Through Experience

One of the best ways to build confidence is by taking on new responsibilities. Planning an event, leading a committee, or coordinating volunteers provides hands-on experience that can't always be learned from a textbook.

Serving Others

Many student organizations encourage members to give back through volunteer work and philanthropy. Serving others helps students develop empathy, teamwork, and a broader understanding of their communities.

Leadership Is a Lifelong Journey

The lessons learned during college often continue long after graduation. Every meeting led, event planned, and challenge overcome helps build skills that can support personal and professional success for years to come.

College offers countless opportunities to grow, and leadership is one of the most valuable experiences students can take with them into the future.

Ethan Shaw

(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street

Corvallis, OR 97330

Email

agrsocialchair@gmail.com

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Five Traditions That Bring Fraternities Together

Every fraternity has its own unique history, but many traditions share a common purpose: strengthening brotherhood and creating lasting memories.

Here are five traditions that continue to bring members together year after year.

1. Welcoming New Members

Joining a fraternity marks the beginning of new friendships and opportunities. Welcoming new members helps strengthen the chapter while introducing fresh ideas and perspectives.

2. Philanthropy Events

Many fraternities support charitable causes through fundraising events, volunteer projects, and campus partnerships. These activities encourage teamwork while making a meaningful contribution to the community.

3. Alumni Reunions

Returning alumni often enjoy reconnecting with former classmates and meeting current members. These gatherings help preserve chapter history while creating valuable networking and mentoring opportunities.

4. Homecoming Celebrations

Homecoming is often one of the highlights of the academic year. It gives current students and alumni the chance to celebrate school spirit, reconnect with friends, and continue longstanding traditions.

5. Chapter Meetings

While they may not sound exciting, regular chapter meetings keep organizations running smoothly. They also provide opportunities for members to collaborate, make decisions, and develop leadership skills.

Traditions Build Community

The traditions that matter most aren't always the biggest events—they're the moments that bring people together. Shared experiences help create a sense of belonging that many members carry with them long after graduation.

Ethan Shaw

(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street

Corvallis, OR 97330

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agrsocialchair@gmail.com

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The benefits of daydreaming - Elizabeth Cox

Enter the mind of a bored teenager to discover what happens in the brain when we daydream and find out what purpose it serves.

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On a daily basis, you spend between a third and half of your waking hours daydreaming. That may sound like a huge waste of time, but scientists think it must have some purpose, or humans wouldn’t have evolved to do so much of it. So, what exactly happens in the brain while you daydream? Elizabeth Cox takes a closer look at the science of daydreaming through the mind of a teenager.

Lesson by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Biljana Labović.

Ethan Shaw

(707)-621-0989

331 NW 26th Street

Corvallis, OR 97330

Email

agrsocialchair@gmail.com

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