Integrating Information Technology (IT) in Your Greek Organization

Integration of Information Technology can prove to be an irritating and time consuming task in any organization. However, when implemented properly, IT can have profound effects on the efficiency of an organization as well as their bottom line.  After talking with many National Fraternities, I have found the most common IT tools that are being used now as well as those that would like to be seen in the future.

First things first, there are a few National Fraternities that are straying from their traditional paper based systems.  Almost everything in the organization is being converted into electronic formats to better cater to the students needs as well as cut down on the time it takes to submit.  Since member satisfaction is ranked highly among these organizations, the fact that the organization is adapting to the member’s needs can go a long way.

Another route that these organizations are looking at using is the adoption of electronic scanners at conferences.  One fraternal organization in town is implementing an electronic scanner at their conference this summer to ensure that the members who are in attendance come ot every meeting as is outlined in the guidelines for attending.  Fraternities want to ensure that those attending conference who have been paid for by their chapters are making good use of the time and money put into their visit.  Electronic scanners are just one way to make certain that the members are attending sessions. USB stick with transferring contact information

There are several IT services that are being reviewed and talked about for the future of these organizations.  Some of these services include putting the entire reporting processes online, having all resources on a printable format for students to retrieve easily, webinars that include training for officer transitions, virtual game online training courses, as well as web chats that allow the students to talk virtual “face-to-face” with the top executives of the fraternity.

What would it mean to your organization if you were able to utilize some of these IT tools?  What potential do you see in a cost-benefit analysis of these tools in terms of tangible and intangible benefits?  Is your organization currently using any of these options?