Convention 2009 Sessions
Meet & Greet
National Council hosts this welcome reception for all Convention 2009 attendees. Join us for snacks and a chance to chat and get the weekend of celebrations started.
State of the Sorority Address and Q&A with National Council
12th National Council President Sara (Engel) DaSilva opens the weekend’s events with the State of the Sorority Address in our 25th year of PSR. Find out more about how we are doing and our strategic path moving forward. Then take advantage of the time to ask questions of our National Council members.
PSR National Convention 2009 Ritual & Opening Session
The session will begin with the National Meeting Ritual and continue with updates from National Council on the accomplishments of 2009. Each officer will provide an officer report and details on the accomplishments of their two-year term.
The Foundation Board of Directors will present an overview of the current state of the Foundation, highlight some successes and challenges, and provide a review of future planned projects and goals. There will be time for questions and answers during this session. The audience is encourages to provide questions in advance of this session on the 3"x5" cards available at the registration table.
PSR National Convention 2009 Legislative Session (MANDATORY FOR DELEGATES)
General body meeting, mandatory for delegates from all chapters and alumnae associations. The 12th National Council will be voted on and elected during this session, as well as any other proposals on the table for general body vote. The session will end with a discussion on a look forward at the next 25 years.
Alumnae Networking Activities
Alumnae Reunion Time^
Want to Plan an Alumnae Reunion During the Convention? Use the Phi Sigma Rho Alumnae Reunion planning website to set up your own reunion website, get in touch with sisters, plan reunion events during the convention weekend, and much more. Convention is a great way to meet up with old friends and have fun! The PSR reunion planning website will be unveiled in early February. We hope to see you there!
Alumnae Social Reception (Cash Bar)
A night of awards and fun will be followed by a private reception for our alumnae following the banquet. The cash bar will remain open for the night!
^Indicates Alumnae Only session
Social Activities
Karaoke Bash Social
Start off the Convention with a bang by joining with your sisters for some "Summer Nights" or "Living on a Prayer" at our Thursday night karaoke bash! Sing alone if you dare or with a group if you don't, or be part of the cheering section - everyone's sure to have a good time!
Sister's Night on the Town in Pittsburgh
See the sites in the city of Pittsburgh at historical Station Square! Join us as we check out Mt. Washington (and take a group picture!), ride the inclines, and enjoy a night out on the town. The committee will be looking for a place to reserve a room for people to meet for dinner – but dinner is on your own. Please see the list of many places to go in Station Square!
Tentative Agenda:
5:30 – 6pm Buses Depart for Mt. Washington/Station Square
6:30 pm Sorority Group Picture on Mt. Washington
6:45 pm Buses Depart for Station Square
7pm Free Time in Station Square, Possible Dinner Location TBA
10:30-11:30pm Buses Depart for Hotel
(Anyone who does not take a bus is responsible for their own transportation back to the hotel)
An Evening of Mystery and Murder!
The classic Who-Done-It, with a secret twist. Locked in a room with dozens of other Phi Rhos, will you be the one to catch a murderer? Or will you just be the victim?
Special Events
National Leadership Breakfast – BY INVITATION ONLY
An opportunity to network and discuss PSR amongst past National Council Members, Foundation directors, Alpha-Alphas, and other special guests. Attendance is by invitation only.
Alumnae & Active Networking Session
Confused about your career choices? Here's your chance to talk to a diverse group of alumnae with a wide range of career experiences and get an idea for where you may fit in! Already know what you want to do? Find an alumnae who works in that field and discuss opportunities! Alumnae volunteers with backgrounds ranging from Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering to Business or Law will be available at booths to answer any questions you may have about certain careers.
Sigmand’s Roundtable (Active and Alumnae Sessions)
Active: A facilitated group discussion on any and all topics Phi Sigma Rho. This workshop brings sisters together to talk about the topics that are on your mind. There will be a suggestion box for topics and the theme will be our next 25 years!
Alumnae: Every want to get together with some friends and talk about how hard it is to move to a new area where you don't know anyone, or better yet how hard it is to date or find a babysitter in a town where you don't know anyone? Or maybe you just took a new management position and want advice from other women who have made similar moves. Come to Sigmand's Roundtable for Alums where you can talk about these and other topics focused on the issues faced by alums.
Convention 2009 Awards Luncheon with Special Alpha Class Members Panel
Time to celebrate the accomplishments of our chapters and alumnae at the 2009 awards luncheon where chapter awards, alumnae awards, the Foundation scholarship, and other special awards will be announced.
After lunch, enjoy an opportunity to network with Alpha Class members from each chapter and hear about founding our sorority from the Alpha Chapter, Alpha Class members in attendance.
Formal Reception (Cash Bar)
Join us for a reception prior to the banquet! Appetizers will be provided and the cash bar will be open!
PSR Pyramid Builder Awards Formal Banquet and Award Ceremony
A formal Banquet will held on Saturday evening to celebrate our Pyramid Builder Award recipients and recognize some of the contributions that have led to Phi Sigma Rho's 25 years of success!
Award recipients and other prominent national volunteers will be interspersed throughout the Banquet tables so that all attendees will be able to meet new Sisters. In addition, active/alumnae Receptions will follow after the Banquet to continue the celebration into the evening!
Chapter Breakout Breakfast
End the weekend with breakfast before you head home and get together with the actives and alumnae from your chapter to discuss what you’ve learned and what you want to take back to your chapter and alumnae associations! This is also a good last chance to chat with National Council and the Foundation!
Phi Rho Lounge
Take time to check out the PSR Museum, shop the PSR Sale Items & Fundraisers, provide feedback through Suggestion Boxes and discussions with NC & Foundation Members, and more!
Foundation Hospitality Suite for Donors
As our way to say thank you, the Foundation Board of Directors would like to invite our donors to stop by for some light snacks and drinks. We'll be providing a fun and relaxing social environment! If you haven't donated before, now is a good time to start!
LEAP Series 2009 – for Actives
LEAP Overview Session*
Find out more details about the LEAP workshops and how to get a LEAP certification this weekend!
LEAP Leadership Styles*
This workshop involves a leadership style test followed by an activity to display the characteristics of each type of leadership. We will discuss how to work with the strengths and weaknesses of each style as well as how to work with the different types of leaders.
LEAP 5 Year Planning*
This workshop will include a discussion of the importance of developing and implementing a reasonable 5-year plan, as well as a live demonstration of some ideas and strategies for effectively following through and tracking the chapter's progress.
LEAP Panel Discussion: Team & Sister Management*
A group discussion on sister management and dealing with conflict in your chapter. A panel made up of actives from various chapters will help lead and guide the discussion and offer advice. Submit your questions at registration!
PSR LEAP Ritual Workshop*
For the agenda of this workshop, the Ritual Committee will discuss the National Ritual of Phi Sigma Rho. We will be discussing how sisters can strive to live the Ritual, Ritual education, as well as the objectives and mission of the committee. There will also be an interactive session on running our National Ritual and the proposed changes to Inductions and Initiation.
LEAP Closing Session*
In the closing workshop you can learn more about LEAP during this overview and how you can become involved. The certification guidelines for Key and Pyramid certification will be explained. The floor will also be open for feedback on how we can continue to improve your programming.
* Indicates LEAP Workshop and is open to anyone, but required if attending on the LEAP Incentive
LEAP Series 2009 – for Alumnae
Financial Planning at Every State of Life^
Effective financial planning can vary during different stages of a person's life. Whether it be planning to go back to school, planning to buy a house, or planning to have a baby; this workshop will teach you what you need to know at every stage of life and how to make the most out of your financial situation.
Alumnae Luncheon with Guest Speaker D. Engel^
]Enjoy a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones during the Alumnae Luncheon. Guest speaker D. Engel will talk about community and organizational stewardship.
^ Indicates Alumnae Only session