Standards of Excellence

Intellectual Development recognizes chapters that foster a culture of academic achievement, lifelong learning, and personal growth. Chapters are encouraged to support members’ educational success, engage with faculty and campus resources, and create opportunities that challenge members to grow both inside and outside the classroom.

Focus Areas: 

• Academic success
• Faculty engagement
• Educational programming
• Learning and reflection

Membership Development focuses on creating meaningful member experiences from recruitment through lifelong affiliation. This category encourages intentional new member education, leadership development, inclusive chapter experiences, and opportunities that help every member grow personally, professionally, and as a values-based leader.

Focus Areas:

• New member education
• Leadership development
• Brotherhood/Sisterhood
• Identity development
• Career readiness
• Campus involvement

Outreach & Civic Engagement recognizes chapters that actively contribute to the well-being of the campus and surrounding community. Through service, philanthropy, advocacy, and community partnerships, chapters demonstrate their commitment to civic responsibility and creating a positive impact beyond their organization.

Focus Areas:

• Community service
• Philanthropy
• Civic engagement
• Community partnerships
• Social impact

Strong chapters are built on effective leadership, organization, and accountability. This category recognizes chapters that maintain healthy operations through thoughtful planning, responsible administration, active participation in the Fraternity & Sorority Community, and consistent communication with university staff and advisors.

Focus Areas:

• Organizational management
• Leadership transitions
• Chapter planning
• Community participation
• Accountability
• Administrative excellence

The fraternity and sorority experience extends far beyond graduation. This category encourages chapters to build lasting relationships with alumni, advisors, graduate chapters, faculty, and community supporters who strengthen the chapter through mentorship, engagement, and continued investment.

Focus Areas:

• Alumni engagement
• Advisor relationships
• Graduate chapter partnerships
• Networking
• Chapter sustainability

Creating a safe, healthy, and respectful community is a shared responsibility. This category recognizes chapters that prioritize member well-being, promote responsible decision-making, comply with university and organizational expectations, and proactively educate members on risk management and prevention.

Focus Areas:

• Health & wellness
• Risk management
• Hazing prevention
• Violence prevention
• Travel and event safety
• Organizational accountability

Housing Operations recognizes chapters that maintain safe, welcoming, and well-managed living environments. By prioritizing facility care, responsible stewardship, policy compliance, and resident accountability, chapters create spaces that reflect pride in their organization and support a positive residential experience.

Focus Areas:

• Facility management
• Resident accountability
• Safety and compliance
• Property stewardship
• House leadership