Phi Kappa Tau is part of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC)umbrella trade association.
This means Phi Kappa Tau operates under a shared national framework of standards, advocacy, and governance alongside other men's fraternities. Instead of operating in complete isolation, the fraternity collaborates with peer organizations to strengthen the collegiate Greek system.
While complex, Phi Kappa Tau's structure can best be understood by breaking things down and looking closely at its different organizations and volunteer groups.
Umbrella Organizations
1) Phi Kappa Tau Incorporated
This is the fraternity, led by staff consisting of a CEO, a few additional leadership positions, and a handful of individual contributors. Together, National staff runs the business and operations of the fraternity.
2) Phi Kappa Tau Foundation
This is the fundraising arm of the organization. Led by a CEO and a couple individual contributors, they help raise money to support educational programs and scholarships.
3) PKT Properties
This specialized entity has a primary role of legally holding, managing, and protecting real estate assets for the national fraternity and its collegiate chapters. Currently, it owns and operates the Keystone Apartment Units, in Oxford, Ohio.
4) Old Main Holdings
This specialized entity is a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation that manages real estate and financial lending specifically for the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. It provides funding for housing campaigns and improvements.
Fraternity Volunteer Groups:
1) National Council
This is the Fraternity's governing body, consisting of one National President, one National Vice President, and eight Councilors (two of which are representatives from the Foundation Board of Trustees).
2) National Advisors
These are advisors to the National Council and Staff on the following areas: Service, Governance, Leadership, Education and Recruitment.
3) Committee Chairmen
These lead standing committees (Borradaile Challenge, Awards, Scholarship) and any special committees appointed by the National President and/or National Council.
4) Undergraduate Advisory Board
This is a dedicated leadership committee within the national Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity infrastructure that represents the student body. it is composed of undergraduate members from across the country tasked to advise the National Council on a variety of different topics.
Level Volunteer Groups
1) Board of Governors
Advisors of the chapter in various operational areas, who provide guidance, mentorship, and continuity that help a chapter operate with integrity and intention, while preserving the undergraduate members’ right to govern themselves.
2) Housing Corporation
An entity created for the sole purpose of owning, leasing, and managing the physical chapter house of a specific local Phi Kappa Tau chapter, it oversees the physical property and ensures the house is meeting all local/county codes.
3) Graduate Council
These are the (collective) alumni in good standing of a particular chapter. This group should help fill the BOG and Housing Corp. as well as have representation at National convention. (National Convention is the supreme legislative body of the Fraternity).
Associate Members don't necessarily have to fully grasp the depth of our structure; however, it is valuable for them (and all members) to understand the breadth & depth of how Phi Kappa Tau operates.