It is the power by virtue of which each chapter exists, for it both issues charters constituting them and brings to any chapter the collective strength of the whole.
It is the means by which services, assistance, and encouragement are rendered to chapters and individuals through loans, grants, and scholarships, Headquarter administration, Field Representative and Governor visitation, Fraternity publications and awards, and alumni assistance.
It is the stimulus to the Fraternity's growth via its vigorous expansion program.
It is the guardian and perpetuator of over 150 years of ritual and tradition. It is the superstructure of continuity that allows a brother in one chapter to welcome -- and be welcomed by -- an initiate of another chapter as a kindred, with similar ideals, background, and experience.
It provides for the continuation of fraternal friendships, benefits, and values throughout life, through its active alumni.
It is the forum by which any chapter or individual may voice a concern, idea, or suggestion for the benefit of the whole.
It is the rallying point of the experience and expertise of thousands of Alpha Delts, thirty chapters, and over 150 years of distinguished progress.
Alpha Delta Phi International is the Fraternity's governmental and administrative unit. Today the International is governed by the Convention, its supreme legislative body, and the Board of Governors, its chief executive.
The Convention
Except for those years when the normal schedule was interrupted by the Civil and World Wars, the International Convention has been held every year since 1853. The first Convention was called in 1836.
The Convention is composed of one delegate elected from each undergraduate chapter and alumni organization, each delegate being entitled to one vote. Each August, the Convention is hosted at a different location and presided over by an Honorary Chairman, both of which are chosen by the Board of Governors.
The convention hears annual reports from the Governors, approves the International's budget, decides constitutional questions and has appellate jurisdiction over decisions of the Board of Governors and the Chapters.
Between the business and leadership training sessions, Conventions are characterized by considerable socializing. Brothers from all over the continent get acquainted, swap stories and songs, and raise a glass in the spirit of brotherhood. Whether as a voting delegate or as an observer, all brothers are encouraged to attend a Convention at some time.
The Board of Governors
The Convention also elects the Board of Governors. There are eleven Alumni Governors, elected for three year terms, and a Student Governor elected annually. The terms of the Alumni Governors are staggered to provide continuity. There are other restrictions on who may be elected to assure that no region or chapter may dominate the Board.
The Board of Governors generally holds four regular meetings each year. One of these is at the Convention; others are held at various chapter houses in the fall, winter, and spring.
The Governors elect the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The President, with Board approval, may appoint an Assistant Treasurer and committee chairmen, who may or may not be Governors. An undergraduate Assistant Secretary is elected by the undergraduate delegates of the Convention. The Board of Governors appoints Regional Directors to coordinate activities of interest to nearby chapters and alumni organizations.
This structure reflects the Constitution as amended on April 21, 1968. The Fraternity has not always been governed this way. During the 19th century, as the Fraternity grew throughout the country, it became necessary to establish a central alumni organization to coordinate the activities of the undergraduate units. In 1879 a corporation was formed under a special act of the New York State legislature known as "The Executive Council of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity." This corporation was dissolved in 1968 with the adoption of a new Constitution by the 136th Convention.
Field Representative and Executive Director
In 1911, the office of Traveling Secretary was established. Since then the position has been renamed "Field Representative", though the basic duties and qualifications remain the same. The Field Representative is a recently graduated Alpha Delt employed to visit each of the various chapters, discuss chapter operations, suggest improvements and recommend innovation. In 1991, the position of Field Representative was again renamed to Chapter Service Consultant. The International also has a volunteer Executive Director who manages the International Office in Morton Grove, Illinois, and handles the daily administrative details of the Fraternity. The Chapter Service Consultant(s) are the only salaried employees of the Alpha Delta Phi. All other officers, governors and directors serve in a voluntary fashion.
Publications
From 1880 to 1885, the Executive Council published an annual magazine, the Star and Crescent. This has been superceded in the present day by Xaipe (pronounced "ki-ray", after the Greek word for "Hail!"). As the International newsletter, Xaipe, is published twice yearly and sent to all living Alpha Delts. The undergraduate newsletter, originally called the Field General and changed in 1980 to the Star and Crescent, is the responsibility of the Student Governor and deals with matters of undergraduate interest. Xaipe and today's Star and Crescent are supplemented by many local chapter newsletters giving news of the chapter and its alumni.
Starting in 1837, Catalogues have been issued from time to time, giving information about the Fraternity as a whole and individual chapters and listing all alumni. Songbooks were published at New Haven in 1855; at New York in 1859; Albany, N.Y. in 1864; Geneva, N.Y. in 1869; Amherst, Mass. in 1875; and New York in 1896, 1904, 1912, and 1925. An album of songs was made in 1974 and is available to the chapters.
The International Headquarters prints and distributes other practical materials. The Comprehensive Chapter Officer's Manual advises officers on matters of fraternity leadership and administration. Various pamphlets explain initiation fees, alumni relations programs, and services provided by the International Office.
The address of the International Headquarters is
9211 Waukegan Road
Morton Grove, Illinois 60053 Phone (312)965-1832.
Alpha Delta Phi Foundation
The Foundation is a self-governing, tax exempt corporation founded August 1961, under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It accepts deductible donations from Alpha Delts and others and makes grants and loans to chapters, individuals, and institutions of higher learning. The grants are intended to promote intellectual interest or achievement with qualified educational and literary programs. The Foundation has its own Board of Directors and functions independent of but in communication with the Fraternity.