The Panhellenic council at MTU is an overarching council for sorority life on campus. In her role as President of Michigan Tech’s Panhellenic Council, Anna Hartz, a fourth-year student majoring in psychology, describes a leadership style focused on community, communication, and support. Her official responsibilities include running the Executive Board and general body meetings, and revising the council’s bylaws and standing rules each semester. However, Hartz emphasizes that her impact extends beyond these duties through a conscious effort to build a connected community.
“I strive to keep a friendly atmosphere when interacting with fellow sorority members and have encouraged the current Executive Board to get to know one another as friends, not just teammates,” Hartz said. This relationship building influences the council’s dynamics. Hartz believes the environment she fosters in meetings impacts how comfortable members are about speaking about various subjects. “I work to keep things open and comfortable, rather than create an environment that feels strict and intimidating,” she explained. Her goal is to ensure each sorority feels heard, viewing their voices as necessary for growth.
Transparent communication is a key part of her strategy. Hartz works to ensure each chapter has an understanding of the reasoning behind decisions the council reaches. This clarity, along with her support for Executive Board members and delegates, has led to an increase in their confidence. “The more I check in and support my Executive Board members and the seven sororities, the more improvement and accomplishment I see from them,” Hartz noted.
The Panhellenic Council’s direct impact on Greek Life includes planning primary recruitment and hosting service opportunities. Hartz also points to indirect effects, believing that a close-knit Executive Board creates a more positive experience that benefits all Greek organizations. Beyond her presidency, Hartz is deeply involved in the campus community. She is an active member of the Delta Zeta sorority, a sweetheart for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and a member of both the Association of Psychology Students and the Order of Omega Greek Life honors society. Her diverse involvement fosters a welcome and effective Panhellenic community.
