THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
CHAPTER ACCREDITATION APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS
2015
INTRODUCTION
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is responsible for evaluating, for chapter accreditation, all recognized social
or service fraternities and sororities at the end of the fall semester for the calendar year. The evaluation will include a
review of the respective chapter’s progress in the meeting the expectations outlined in the Greek Pride Initiative: A
Return to Glory as outlined in this document.
The Chapter Accreditation Program is a program established by the University; therefore, the officers of the
Interfraternity Council’s executive board are not responsible for the requirements and/or their evaluation as outlined
in this document.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ
1) A chapter may not use extra credit points to earn the Chapter of Excellence designation. The chapter must earn
this designation by completing the requirements outlined in this evaluation.
2) In order to be eligible for the Chapter of Excellence designation, the chapter must fulfill all of the REQUIRED
items designation in this evaluation.
3) Chapters who are found responsible or accepts responsibility, by the Interfraternity Council judicial board, for
hazing, alcohol-related violations, or physical altercations may not be eligible for the Chapter of Excellence
designation regardless of the number of points the chapter earns during the evaluation.
4) All directions provided in this document must be followed. The chapter may not modify this application in any
way. The 2015 chapter president should simply complete the application in its entirety without changing the
application’s font, size, formulas, etc. Ample space is provided throughout the document for the application to be
completed properly. If assistance is needed, the chapter president should contact their governing council
advisor.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS – PLEASE READ
The 2015 Chapter President should complete this form in its entirety.
Incomplete responses will not be considered in the accreditation evaluation.
Complete all sections of this document electronically.
To use a gray information box
, use your mouse to left click the gray box to highlight the box. Once
highlighted, type your response. The area will automatically expand to provide ample space for your
response.
To use a check
box, place the cursor over the box and right click. Choose “properties”, then “default
value” and select “checked” to place a check next to the box.
2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
EVALUATION AND ACCREDITATION RATINGS
Based on the evaluation, a chapter may receive an accreditation ranking as described below:
CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE: (285-300 Points) The chapter has exceeded the minimum expectations of
The Pennsylvania State University and the Greek Pride Initiative with regard to standards required of social
or service fraternities and sororities.
CHAPTER IN GOOD STANDING: (189-284 Points) The chapter has satisfactorily achieved or maintained
all standards required of social or service fraternities and sororities.
CHAPTER IN POOR STANDING: (0 – 188 Points) The chapter has failed to meet the minimum standards
required of social or service fraternities and sororities. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will outline
the expectations a chapter must meet in order to fulfill the deficiency(ies) that resulted in the poor standing
standing. A Chapter in Poor Standing is prohibited from functioning as a recognized student organization
at The Pennsylvania State University.
EVALUATION AND ACCREDITATION RATINGS
Section I: Basic Requirements:
Section II: Chapter House Management:
Section III: Educational Programming:
Section IV: New Member Education:
Section V: Philanthropy:
Section VI: Community Service:
Section VII: Chapter Conduct:
Section VIII: Chapter of Excellence Extra Credit
Section IV: Additional Extra Credit:
Deducted points
60 points
60 points
50 points
40 points
40 points
Deducted points
50 points
Up to 150 points
SECTION I: BASIC REQUIREMENTS – POINT DEDUCATIONS – UP TO 40 POINTS
1. CHAPTER CONSTITUTION:
In order for the chapter to meet this requirement, the chapter should have submitted, to the Office of Fraternity and
Sorority, an electronic version of their recent chapter constitution or by-laws during the month of January, 2015. The
term “recent” means that the document should have been revised during the last two (2) years. The purpose of this
requirement is to demonstrate that the chapter has a recent document that governs their operations for the year. If
the document is submitted after January 30, 2015, 10 points will be deducted from the evaluation.
2. MEMBERSHIP ROSTER:
In order for the chapter to meet this requirement, the chapter’s membership roster must have been updated and
maintained at all times throughout 2015 on the Interactive Collegiate Services (ICS) website. Data should include the
student’s name, PSU student ID number with no hyphens or spaces, and only complete and accurate PSU email
address. If, at any time, it is determined that the chapter’s membership roster is not accurate, 10 points will be
deducted from the evaluation.
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2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
3. CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE:
In order for the chapter to meet this requirement, the chapter must (1) have their Certificate of Insurance on file with
the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, (2) know when the chapter’s Certificate of Insurance expires, (3) and have a
valid Certificate of Insurance on file with OFSL before the current Certificate of Insurance expires. If, at any time, it is
determined that the chapter’s Certificate of Insurance has expired, 10 points will be deducted from the evaluation.
4. ADVISORS:
In order for the chapter to meet this requirement and avoid losing 10 points, the chapter should complete the
application by providing the following information:
Name, Email Address, and Telephone Number of the following advisors:
President of the Alumni or House Corporation
Chapter Advisor
University Advisor
These are the only advisors you should provide the contact information for when completing the application. If the
chapter does not have an Alumni Corporation President or a University Advisor, leave the area blank.
II. CHAPTER HOUSE MANAGEMENT: 60 POINTS
1. FRATERNITY CHAPTER HOUSE CODE INSPECTION (20 POINTS): REQUIRED
In order for the chapter to earn 20 points in this section, the chapter must have completed the following:
a. Submitted an approved copy of the spring 2015 Borough of State College Code Chapter House Code Inspection
to the Office of Fraternity and Sororority by April 1, 2015.
b. Submitted an approved copy of the fall 2015 Borough of State College Code Chapter House Code Inspection to
the Office of Fraternity and Sororority by November 1, 2015
The chapter officer should deliver the Code Inspection document to OFSL for approval. Once approved, the
document should be downloaded to the chapter’s BOX folder. Completing this requirement earns the chapter 30
points. Partial credit is not given.
2. FRATERNITY CHAPTER HOUSE OCCUPANCY (40 POINTS) REQUIRED
In order for the chapter to earn 40 points in this section, the chapter must have filled their chapter house at the 80%
occupancy level during both the spring 2015 and fall 2015 semesters.
The chapter must provide documentation from both spring 2015 and fall 2015 semesters to document that their
chapter house occupancy was met for both semesters. This documentation must provide the name and contact
information, in the space provided, of the advisor who can verify this information.
In addition, the chapter house may not be used to house non-members at any time.
Completing this requirement earns the chapter 40 points. Partial credit is not given.
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2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
III. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING: 60 POINTS
1. MANDATORY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING (60 POINTS)
In order for the chapter to earn 60 points in this section, the chapter must have:
a. Received prior approval by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to attend a particular program;
b. Attend two (2) of the mandatory educational programs in 2015, one during the spring 2015 semester (by April 3,
2015) and one during the fall 2015 semester (by November 13, 2015).
c. Document the chapter’s attendance in the program using a Mandatory Educational Program Report form that
must be approved by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and subsequently downloaded to the chapter’s
BOX folder.
Members MUST Attend One of the Educational Programs Hosted and Approved by the Office of Fraternity and
Sorority Life and hosted by any of the Approved Offices or University Departments only from the following list:
Paul Robeson Cultural Center
LGBTA Student Resource Center
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Student Activities
Center for Women Students
University Health Services
Counseling and Psychological Services
The minimum attendance at each program is 80% of the members / associates of the chapter. The following topics
have been approved:
ALCOHOL AND DRUG EDUCATION
SEXUAL ASSAULT
SUSTAINABILITY
MENTAL WELL-BEING
DIVERSITY
ANTI-HAZING
LEADERSHIP
Extra credit educational programming cannot be earned unless the chapter completed the minimum educational
programming requirement, i.e., one approved educational program during the spring and fall semester attended by a
minimum of 80% of the membership.
IV. NEW MEMBER EDUCATION: 50 POINTS
1. VALUES-BASED NEW MEMBER EDUCATION PROGRAM (50 POINTS) REQUIRED
In order for the chapter to earn 50 points in this section, the chapter must have developed and received APPROVAL
to proceed with their a 2015 values-based New Member Education Program that follows the guidelines provided by
the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for each semester, spring and fall.
The deadline to receive credit and to earn points for each semester is as follows:
Spring 2015 New Member Education Program: Due January 30, 2015
Fall 2015 New Member Education Program: Due May 1, 2015
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2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
V. PHILANTHROPY: 40 POINTS REQUIRED
In order for the chapter to earn 40 points in this section, the chapter should establish a philanthropy goal for 2015.
The chapter must document all of the philanthropy projects using the philanthropy registration forms available from
the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. The registration forms must be submitted to the OFSL within 30 days of the
project each for approval. Once approved, the project can then be listed in the Chapter Accreditation Application.
The chapter is eligible to earn philanthropy credit in two categories as follows:
CATEGORY ONE:
A total of 20 points may be earned in this category from participating in the IFC-Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Penn
State Homecoming, and Greek Sing. The 30 points translates into an average of $30.00 per member throughout the
spring 2015 and fall 2015 semesters.
CATEGORY TWO:
A total of 20 additional points may be earned from participating in other types of philanthropy projects. Chapters
should consider raising funds for their national or international headquarters philanthropies and participating in other
projects that will be made available throughout the year.
The following projects may not be applied to Category Two philanthropy:
Thanksgiving Basket Program
State College After Prom Program
State College High School Random Acts of Kindness Program
Red Cross Pancake Fundraising Program
Penn State Relay For Life Program
POINTS CALCULATIONS:
The points for each category are earned based on Average Dollars Earned Per Member. For example, at the end
of 2015, if a chapter has earned a total of $2,000 for philanthropy in Category Two, and the chapter has an average
membership roster between the spring 2015 and fall 2015 semesters of 80 members, the number of points earned
may be calculated as follows: $2,000 / 80 = $25.00 per member or 25 points.
PROJECT DEADLINES:
SPRING 2013: April 10, 2015
FALL 2015: November 13, 2015
VI. COMMUNITY SERVICE: 40 POINTS - REQUIRED
In order for the chapter to earn 40 points in this section, the chapter should establish a community service goal for
2015.
The chapter must document all of the community service projects using the Community Service Project
Documentation forms available from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. The documentation forms must be
submitted to the OFSL within 30 days of the project each for approval. Once approved, the project can then be listed
in the Chapter Accreditation Application. The chapter is eligible to earn community service credit in three categories
as follows:
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2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
CATEGORY ONE COMMUNITY SERVICE:
A total of 20 points may be earned in this category from participating in the IFC-Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Penn
State Homecoming, and Greek Sing. Ten (10) points are earned from the IFC-Panhellenic Dance Marathon, five (5)
points are earned from Penn State Homecoming, and five (5) points are earned from Greek Sing.
The chapter is not required to maintain any participation logs for the IFC-Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Penn State
Homecoming Float Building, or Greek Sing Rehearsals.
If the chapter participates in these events successfully, i.e., to the satisfaction of the Interfraternity Council Vice
President responsible for the event, and if the chapter has not violations related to the event, the chapter will receive
full credit in this category.
Chapters who do not participate in the IFC-Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Penn State Homecoming, of Greek Sing
will not receive credit for this category.
CATEGORY TWO COMMUNITY SERVICE:
A total of 10 additional points may be earned from participating in other types of community service projects.
Chapters should consider participating in other projects that will be made available throughout the year.
The following projects may not be applied to Category Two philanthropy:
Thanksgiving Basket Program
State College After Prom Program
State College High School Random Acts of Kindness Program
Red Cross Pancake Fundraising Program
Penn State Relay For Life Program
CATEGORY THREE COMMUNITY SERVICE:
A total of 10 points may be earned when the chapter makes a financial donation and/or participates in another
fraternity or sorority philanthropy projects. The chapter cannot earn philanthropy credit here because the host
chapter is applying those funds to their total.
POINTS CALCULATIONS:
For example, at the end of 2015, if a chapter has earned a total of 2,000 hours of Community Service and the
chapter has an average membership roster between the spring 2015 and fall 2015 semesters of 80 members, the
number of points earned may be calculated as follows: 2,000 / 80 = 25 hours per member or 25 points
PROJECT DEADLINES: SPRING 2015: April 10, 2015
FALL 2015: November 13, 2015
VII. GOVERNING BODY JUDICIAL ACTION
GOVERNING BODY JUDICIAL ACTION
The chapter will lose points from their overall score for judicial action taken by the Interfraternity Council’s judicial
board or the Borough of State College throughout 2015. Points will be assessed points using the following scale:
1. HAZING
MINUS 100 POINTS & INELIGIBLE FOR CHAPTER of EXCELLENCE
2. BIAS-RELATED VIOLATION
MINUS 100 POINTS & INELIGIBLE FOR CHAPTER of EXCELLENCE
3. PHYSICAL ALTERCATION, I.E., FIGHTING OR ANY FORM OF PHYSICAL ALTERCATION
MINUS 50 POINTS PER INCIDENT & INELIGIBLE FOR CHAPTER of EXCELLENCE
4. ANY DRUG (NOT ALCOHOL) VIOLATION(S)
MINUS 50 POINTS PER INCIDENT & INELIGIBLE FOR CHAPTER of EXCELLENCE
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2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
5. UNDERAGE ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS(S)
MINUS 50 POINTS AND INELIGIBLE FOR CHAPTER of EXCELLENCE
6. ALCOHOL-RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT VIOLATIONS (SHOTS, DRINKING GAMES, LEGAL AGE
VIOLATIONS, COMMON CONTAINER VIOLATIONS, ICE LUGES, ETC.)
MINUS 40 POINTS
7. NON-HAZING RELATED NEW MEMBER EDUCATION VIOLATION(S)
MINUS 30 POINTS
8. RECRUITMENT VIOLATION(S)
MINUS 20 POINTS
9. NOISE VIOLATION(S) FROM BOROUGH THAT RESULTED IN BOROUGH POINTS
MINUS 20 POINTS
10. MAJOR HOUSING CODE VIOLATION(S) FROM BOROUGH THAT RESULTED IN BOROUGH POINTS
MINUS 20 POINTS
11. MISCELLANEOUS VIOLATION(S). THIS INCLUDES UNREGISTERED SOCIAL EVENTS, SOCIAL EVENT
MONITOR VIOLATIONS, T-SHIRT DESIGN VIOLATIONS, HOMECOMING POLICY VIOLATIONS, GREEK
SING VIOLATIONS, GREEK WEEK VIOLATIONS, ETC.
MINUS 30 POINTS PER INCIDENT
12. SUBMITTING ANNUAL ACCREDITATION APPLICATION LATE
MINUS 10 POINTS PER DAY
VIII.
EXTRA CREDIT POINTS – CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE – UP TO 75 POINTS
SPECIAL PROGRAMS: 50 Points
The chapter will be eligible for 10 extra credit points for each of the items below for a total of 50 points.
In order to qualify to apply these extra credit points toward the Chapter of Excellence designation, a chapter
must have earned maximum credit in the required philanthropy section (Section V) and community service
section (Section VI).
The projects may not be applied to Category V (philanthropy) or Category VI (community service) sections.
1. STATE COLLEGE AFTER PROM DONATION - 10 Points
In order to be eligible for extra credit points, a chapter will be required to donate at least $100 and download an
approved Special Project form to the chapter’s BOX folder.
2. RELAY FOR LIFE DONATION - 10 Points
In order to be eligible for extra credit points, a chapter will be required to donate at least $100 and download an
approved Special Project form to the chapter’s BOX folder.
3. RED CROSS PANCAKE DINNER TICKETS - 10 Points
In order to be eligible for extra credit points, a 25% of the chapter will be required to purchase tickets to this
event and download an approved Special Project form to the chapter’s BOX folder.
4. RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DONATION - 10 Points
In order to be eligible for extra credit points, a chapter will be required to donate at least $100 and download an
approved Special Project form to the chapter’s BOX folder.
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2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
5. THANKSGIVING BASKET DONATION - 10 Points
In order to be eligible for extra credit points, a chapter will be required to donate at least $100 and download an
approved Special Project form to the chapter’s BOX folder.
IX. ADDITIONAL EXTRA CREDIT POINTS – UP TO 150 POINTS
1. ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: 25 Points
The chapter may earn 25 extra credit points in this category if every member of the chapter holds a minimum
cumulative grade points average of 2.5.
2. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING: 25 Extra Points
In order to be eligible for extra credit points in this category, the chapter must have first completed the minimum
educational programming requirement for each semester. The chapter may then earn 25 points for completing
an additional, pre-approved by OFSL, educational program. Only one extra credit program may be completed
for the year.
3. NEIGHBOR-TO-NEIGHBOR PROGRAM: 20 Points
The chapter may earn 20 extra credit points in this category if the expectations of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor
Program were met for both the Spring 2015 and Fall 2015 semesters and approved by the IFC.
4. NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL PHILANTHROPY INVOLVEMENT: 20 Points
The chapter may earn 20 extra credit points in this category if the chapter raises a minimum of $4,000 for their
national or international fraternity philanthropy. This achievement must have been documented and approved by
the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and downloaded in the chapter’s BOX folder.
5. CHAPTER INVOLVEMENT IN ACTIVIITES APPROVED BY THE INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL: 5 Points
The chapter may earn 5 extra credit points for each event in this category if:
(1) the chapter successfully and fully participates in the event. This does not mean that the chapter should
send their new members to the event;
(2) participation means creative thinking and involvement by numerous members of the chapter;
(3) the IFC Vice President for Programming and/or Vice President for Chapter outreach will be required to
approve the chapter’s involvement in the program;
(4) the chapter should document their participation using an Extra Credit IFC Chapter Activity Program Report
and an IFC Chapter Extra Credit Documentation Log form;
(5) attach the approval form from the IFC Vice President for Programming;
(6) submit the documents to OFSL for final approval;
(7) after approval, download all approved documents in the chapter’s BOX folder.
a. Greek-or-Treat – Approved by the IFC.
The Interfraternity Council’s Vice President for Programming will be expected to verify the chapter’s full
participation in this program.
b. Holiday Lights Program – Approved by the IFC.
The Interfraternity Council’s Vice President for Programming will be expected to verify the chapter’s full
participation in this program.
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2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
c. Spring Carnival Involvement – Approved by the IFC
The Interfraternity Council’s Vice President for Programming will be expected to verify the chapter’s full
participation in this program.
d. Spring Greek Week Involvement – Approved by the IFC
The Interfraternity Council’s Vice President for Programming will be expected to verify the chapter’s full
participation in this program.
e. THAW Involvement – Approved by the IFC
The Interfraternity Council’s Vice President for Programming will be expected to verify the chapter’s full
participation in this program.
f.
Spring President’s Leadership Conference – Approved by the IFC
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will be expected to verify the chapter’s full participation in this
program.
6. CHAPTER INVOLVEMENT IN ACTIVIITES APPROVED BY THE OFFICE OF FRATERNITY AN
SORORITY LIFE: 5 Points
The chapter may earn 5 extra credit points in each event in this category if the chapter:
(1) the chapter successfully and fully participates in the event. This does not mean that the chapter should
send their new members to the event;
(2) participation means creative thinking and involvement by numerous members of the chapter;
(3) the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will be required to approve the chapter’s involvement in the
program;
(4) the chapter should document their participation using a Extra Credit Approval form;
(5) attach the approval form from the OFSL;
(6) after approval, download all approved documents in the chapter’s BOX folder.
a. Fall Fraternity and Sorority Involvement Fair Participation – Approved by OFSL
The chapter must fully participate in this program by having no more than four (4) members present at
the Involvement Fair at any one time. The chapter must also leave the area clean at the end of the
program.
b. Four or More Intramural Team Sports (fraternities) – Approved by the IFC Vice President for
Chapter Development. The chapter must participate in a minimum of four (4) teams sports as part of
the Penn State Intramural Program. The team sports should include, soccer, softball, basketball,
hockey, flag football, etc. A “team” sport is considered one that required more than two (2) participants.
c. Average Chapter Member Involvement at 60% - Approved by OFSL.
The chapter should prepare a Word document that provides an alphabetical listing of the members and
the names of the student organizations they belong to at Penn State. Do not abbreviate the names of
the student organizations. The completed form should be attached to the Extra Credit IFC Chapter
Activity Program Report and submitted to OFSL for approval. See sample below:
NAME OF ORGANIZATION
AVERAGE NUMBER OF MEMBERS, INCLUDING NEW MEMBERS, DURING 2015
SAMPLE
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2015 Chapter Accreditation Application Instructions
Due: November 20, 2015
NAME
Last Name, First Name
PSU ID NUMBER
900000000
ORGANIZATIONS
The Chemistry Society
Chess Club
NAME
PSU ID NUMBER
ORGANIZATIONS
1
2
3
d. Fall University Parent’s Weekend Chapter Event – Approved by OFSL.
The chapter must host a reception for the parents of their fall 2015 new member class in order to earn
points in this section.
e. Attending Fraternity National or Regional Conference – Approved by OFSL
Members of the chapter should attend their National and/or Regional Conference. The chapter must
provide proof of their attendance in order to earn extra credit.
f.
Proper Use of Inter/National Ritual of Initiation For All New Member Initiations – Approved by OFSL.
Only members of the alumni corporation who were present for the entire initiation may verify that the chapter
completely and properly used their inter/national ritual of initiation of all new members and the ceremony is
performed properly and according to the standards provided by the inter/national fraternity or sorority.
CONCLUSION
1) SAVING THE APPLICATION: Once you have completed the form, you should save the document as a
WORD document as follows:
Name of Fraternity – 2015 Chapter Accreditation Application.doc
for example, if your fraternity is Delta Phi Epsilon Fraternity, you should same your application as:
Delta Phi Epsilon – 2015 Chapter Accreditation Application.doc
DO NOT do the following: Delta_Phi_Epsilon-2015_Chapter_Accreditation_Application.doc
2) SENDING THE APPLICATION: One you have saved your application, send the application
electronically to:
Dr. Roy W. Baker at rwb27@psu.edu.
3) DUE DATE: The completed application will be due on November 20, 2015.
4) QUESTIONS? Schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Baker by contacting the Office of Fraternity
and Sorority Life and asking one of the staff assistants to schedule an appointment with Dr. Baker.
The staff assistant’s names are: Dena Linn and Lizzie Esterline.
Please do not email Dr. Baker to request an appointment. The staff assistants handle the scheduling
of all appointments.
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