Response to COVID-19

As the entire country experiences the unique challenge of minimizing the potential effect of COVID-19, Zeta Tau Alpha is taking important steps to help flatten the curve.

“I’m so proud of how ZTA is coming together in this environment that is changing hourly,” said Executive Director Meghan Parker. “Our team has approached solutions with sisterhood and grace and with safety as our top priority.”

The ZTA team has been actively monitoring how the COVID-19 situation affects campus closures and chapter operations since March 2. As of 3 p.m., Friday, March 13, all but one of the ZTA’s 173 host institutions have modified operations in some way.

“So much of this challenge makes me think about our Creed,” said National President Alicia Patten Williams. “We are taking appropriate steps to be true to those within and without our circle. We are being conscientious and careful rather than seeming to be so. As Zetas True, we will practice good citizenship and be a part of the effort to think in terms of all mankind and our service in the world.”

ZTA will post periodic updates about this ongoing situation as warranted.

What ZTA Is Doing?

Travel Pause

ZTA has paused all Fraternity-related travel for staff and volunteers until at least March 31. This includes, but is not limited to facilitated workshops, Leadership Consultant chapter visits, and board members attending Zeta Day events as guests.

Collegiate Operations

Since March 2, ZTA has sent targeted messages to the groups most directly impacted. This includes messages to all collegiate members and parents addressing COVID-19 prevention and to chapter leaders and advisors about spring break, self-quarantine best practices and housing-specific guidelines. The Fraternity has also been in contact with campus fraternity/sorority advisors about how ZTA can partner with them during this time of uncertainty and change.

Collegiate chapter leaders are working with their advisors, National Officers and National Council members to address each campus’ and city’s rapidly changing status. ZTA host institutions have taken measures to ensure students’ safety, such as moving classes online or asking students to stay home after spring break. We have monitored these decisions and followed each school’s lead in deciding whether a ZTA housing facility should remain open. In situations where students are permitted to remain on campus, our facility remains open for members with extenuating circumstances. Out of an abundance of care, and in following CDC guidelines, facility access is limited to only those members with housing contracts; no guests are allowed.

Chapter finances may be top of mind for members and starting this week, the finance team at International Office will work with your chapter President, Treasurer and Province President/Mentor/Director of New Chapters to begin the process of determining how to prorate fees and/or refund members.

Alumnae Operations

Alumnae chapter leaders are also working with their District Presidents and National Council members to address event postponements and cancellations on a case-by-case basis. They are evaluating Zeta Day events individually at the local level. Many have been cancelled or postponed. Members with questions about an event in their area should check with the local alumnae chapter officers or District President.

Extension

ZTA originally hoped to open a new chapter at Long Island University Brooklyn in spring 2020. However, since the LIU system moved to online classes, ZTA believes it is in everyone’s best interest to pause all extension activities at LIU Brooklyn. With support from the university, ZTA will plan for a new chapter in fall 2020.

Communication

Following are links to ZTA's outgoing communication regarding COVID-19:

• March 4 to parents
• March 4 to all members
• March 11 to all chapter Presidents
• March 13 to all members
• March 15 to all chapter Presidents
• March 16 to all chapter Presidents and Treasurers
• March 23 to all collegians

What You Can Do

We encourage you to continue to practice good overall hygiene and follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. The CDC recommends the following best practices:

• Practice good hand washing.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
• Practice good respiratory etiquette.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) and throw used tissues into a lined trash can.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Take care of your personal space.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items (dishes, towels, etc.).
  • Disinfect your frequently touched surfaces (cell phone, keyboard, tablets, doorknobs, etc.) with a disinfectant wipe or spray.

If you have any additional questions, comments or concerns about COVID-19 and how Zeta Tau Alpha is responding, contact International Office at (317) 872-0540 or zetataualpha@zetataualpha.org.