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Awards & Assessment Process

The Standards of Excellence define campus expectations for the Appalachian State University Fraternity and Sorority Community. The first step in developing a widespread initiative to refocus the culture of our collegiate Greek-Letter Organizations away from an “alcohol” and purely social centered focus is to agree on a set of shared values and expectations.

It is expected that all recognized Inter/National Fraternities and Sororities support a set of shared standards and expectations. These standards are rooted in the values and expectations of intellectual and social development (language taken in part from Collegiate Greek Community Task Force “A Call for Values Congruence”). At Appalachian State University, the Standards of Excellence will be used as a determining factor in our annual Awards & Assessment. Recognized Fraternities and Sororities must maintain their standards and provide proof that they are upholding the Four Pillars of Fraternity and Sorority Life in all activities, programs, and functions to be eligible for category awards in Scholarship, Service, Friendship, and Leadership.

The Standards are divided into three distinct sections to meet the needs of each of the governing councils; Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council. Each is virtually identical with the exception of small particularities that are unique to each council and their member chapters. There are three levels of recognition. For each level of designation above the Bronze standard (minimum expectations), chapters will be required to achieve the stated requirements within a specified range of points. To move to the next level chapters must complete and maintain the standards of the level below it. Those organizations achieving the Silver and Black & Gold performance levels will be eligible for the 4 Pillars Award.

Bronze Level: Minimum Performance

These will be the baseline expectations for Fraternities and Sororities to be fully recognized by the University.

Silver Level: Satisfactory Performance

These chapters go above and beyond minimum expectations in their chapter organization, scholastic achievement, and involvement in the campus community.

Black and Gold Level: Excellent Performance

These chapters are reputable models for the Fraternity and Sorority community and have achieved the highest level of recognition for their performance.

Non-Compliance Level: Unsatisfactory Performance (Below Minimum Expectations)

If a chapter does not meet the minimum standards, they will be considered “non-compliant” and will face progressive sanctions to be met in one (1) semester before being placed on council probation. If a chapter remains non-compliant for more than three (3) consecutive semesters their university recognition will be reviewed and removal of recognition may result. There is no point range for minimum standards; all expectations must be met to be in good standing.The Appalachian State University Fraternity and Sorority Awards and Assessment process is designed to provide an objective appraisal of a chapter’s performance and to honor outstanding individual members, alumni, faculty, as well as chapter achievement. It is not designed as a competition, but rather a challenge for each chapter to improve both programming and overall operations.

2013 Awards

Qualifications

There are 5 separate award categories. The categories represent the Four Pillars of Fraternity and Sorority Life; Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Friendship, and the Four Pillars Award. Documentation submitted in the Standards of Excellence packet each semester will be utilized to determine the standard of achievement in each category. Additional information may be requested in each category and will need to be submitted by November 27, 2013. All recognized organizations maintaining the Standards of Excellence and are in good standing will be eligible for an award based on category requirements.

Award and Assessment Process

Certain criteria will be considered for each category and shall be submitted through the Standards of Excellence Packet each semester. (See full packet under "Resources/Forms and Documents") Note that some award categories require additional information and a tab will be determined for any additions. Not all chapters will earn an award in each category, but those who are compliant and are maintaining the minimum standards will be eligible. Those chapters achieving a Silver or Black & Gold performance level through the Standards of Excellence will be eligible for the Four Pillars Award. Not only will the chapters be recognized for their awards category achievement, they will also receive a certificate for their current Standards of Excellence performance level at the Annual Fraternity and Sorority Awards Night. All documentation that will be considered for the awards must be placed in the Standards of Excellence binders no later than 5pm on November 27th, 2013. All Individual and Supplemental Awards must be submitted to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life by November 27th, 2013.

Supplemental Awards

These awards cover the Chapter Improvement Award and the Fraternity and Sorority of the Year Awards. Applications will be available under resources each fall and are optional to complete. Only chapters qualifying for awards are eligible.

Individual Awards

These awards are named for individuals who have made significant contributions to Appalachian State University or they are awarded to those who have made a powerful impact on our community. Applications will be available under "Resources" each fall and are nomination based. The following awards are awarded to nominated individuals:

  • Fraternity and Sorority President of the Year
  • The Julie K. Nagel Award
  • The Dr. Jim Avant Advisor of the Year Award
  • Fraternity Man and Sorority Woman of the Year