BINGHAMTON
UNIVERSITY
STANDARDS OF
EXCELLENCE
Binghamton
University Office of
Fraternity and
Sorority Life
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
Information Page
Chapter name:
Contact person for the chapter:
Email of the contact person:
Phone number of the contact person:
Chapter president:
President’s email:
Chapter advisor:
Advisor’s email:
By signing below you certify that you have reviewed all information contained within this
application packet and found it to be true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
/
/
/
/
Chapter President’s Signature
Chapter Advisor’s Signature
For Office Use Only
Date submitted:
/
/
Received by:
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |1
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
Table of Contents
Statement of Purpose
Page 3
Helpful Hints
Page 4
How to Organize the Submission
Page 5
Scoring
Page 6
Criteria
Scholarship and Academic Performance
Diversity and Inclusion
Community Service and Philanthropy
Recruitment/Intake
Leadership and Involvement
Membership Development
Advising
Financial Responsibility
Social Responsibility and Risk Management
Public Relations
Alumni Relations
Chapter Management
Community Involvement
Pages 7-8
Page 9
Pages 10-11
Pages 12-14
Pages 15-16
Page 17
Pages 18-19
Page 20
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |2
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
Statement of Purpose
As a community of values based organizations our chapters are continually striving to better
themselves in the areas of academics, leadership, community, service, and philanthropy. The
Standards of Excellence were created to help the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life gauge the
success chapters have achieved over the past calendar year.
The 14 areas within the Standards of Excellence are meant to impress upon chapters basic
expectations that the office has for them and that are outlined in the “Binghamton University
Fraternity and Sorority Relationship Agreement”. Chapters do not exist in isolation. They are
held accountable to themselves, governing councils, Binghamton University, national
headquarters and other stakeholders. This document is meant to help track and inspire chapters to
perform at the highest level they can in their eyes and the eyes of those they are accountable too.
Because this is not just a list of requirements but a way to better the chapter as a whole please do
not attempt to find loopholes in order to complete sections. Instead look at areas where you have
not reached the highest rank as opportunities for improvement in the next year’s application
process.
When joining a fraternity or sorority a member takes upon the responsibility to better than they
person they were before they joined. The Greek philosopher Aristotle said “We are what we
repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” To that end the Standards of
Excellence rankings were created to inspire individuals and chapters to continuously grow and
become better, to continuously stand for their chapter’s values, to consistently portray Fraternity
and Sorority Life in a positive light, to in short help chapters be excellent.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |3
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
Helpful Tips for Completing the Standards of Excellence
Application/Meeting the Expectations
1. Keep you documentation: Keep all documentation that may be relevant to the Standards
of Excellence over the course of the year. This includes but is not limited to
correspondences, flyers, photos, attendance sheets, meeting minutes, etc…Even if you do
not end up using this information for the document they can be used during officer
transitions to outline what has happened in the past year.
2. Delegation of sections: One member of the chapter should not be responsible for filling
out and collecting the documentation for this entire document. The president should
delegate the sections to various members. If a section has a corresponding officer in the
chapter the task of collecting the documentation should fall to them.
3. Don’t over plan: When reviewing this document for the upcoming year pick events you
already to do to meet the expectations. Be sure to keep all records of these events to fill
out the Standards of Excellence later on.
4. Plan events early: When looking to plan events, speakers, dry social events, etc… be
sure to have adequate time to prepare for the event. This will allow you better resources,
opportunities for collaboration, and higher attendance.
5. Chapter buy in: In order to make this process goes as smoothly as possible all chapter
members should be educated on why this document exists and what the consequences are
for not meeting minimum standards.
6. Plan for future improvement: When the chapter does not meet the level of achievement
they wish to make a strategic plan for the following year in order to rise to the next level.
Be sure to use SMART goals to help the chapter reach the level they wish to have.
a. Specific (who/what/when/where)
b. Measurable (how will you know when it’s completed)
c. Attainable (can you do it?)
d. Relevant (why should you do it? Is it based on you values and what your
organization stands for?)
e. Timing (set up a realistic timeframe to complete each step of the goal)
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |4
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
How to Organize Your Chapter’s Submission
1. All submissions should be delivered to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life by the
due date in at least one 3 ring binder.
2. Each section should be separated out throughout the binder(s) using diver tabs. These
tabs should be labeled for each section and be easily readable.
3. Within each section the appropriate portion of the Standards of Excellence document
should be filled out and the necessary documentation should be available within that
section.
4. When labeling documentation please use the following labeling system:
Section Heading, Subsection number, requirement letter, indicate if it is for bonus
material if applicable
Example:
For the requirement
The chapter has a minimum G.P.A. requirement to remain in good
standing with the chapter.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that states this policy.
☐Bonus: The standard to remain in good standing is above a 2.5
in the Scholarship and Academic Performance portion the documentation label
would be “Scholarship and Academic Performance 1b” and the bonus label would
be “Scholarship and Academic Performance 1b Bonus”
5. It is not the responsibility of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to search for
documentation that is to be supplied by the chapter. In the event that the documentation is
confusing or hard to find the office reserves the right to not accept it.
6. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND A CHAPTER WILL
RECEIVE A “NEEDS IMPROVEMENT” RANK FOR ANY SECTIONS THAT
ARE NOT RECEIVED.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |5
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
Scoring
General Scoring:
All scoring will be done by Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff. The staff has final
discretion on the quality of the documentation and as such reserves the right to reject the
documentation if the scoring committee unanimously agrees that it is not sufficient or falsified.
In the event the documentation for a section is rejected the chapter will not receive points for that
particular portion. The committee members reserve the right to award partial credit if they see fit.
All the categories will be scored out of 100 and any additional bonus points earned will be added
to the total score. The average of the categories will be calculated and used to give the chapter an
overall score.
Levels:
The scores will be used to assign a Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Needs Improvement level for each
category and then for the chapter as a whole. The levels are:
Gold: The chapter scored between 90-100 points in a category
Silver: The chapter scored between 80-89 points in a category
Bronze: The chapter scored between 70-79 points in a category
Needs Improvement: The chapter scored less than 69 points in a category or did
not submit any documentation for the category
Falsified Information:
In the event it is found that a chapter submits falsified, plagiarized, or otherwise untrue
information the chapter will receive a zero score for the entire section.
Scorecard
Category
Points
Earned
Bonus
Points
Total
Points
Percentage
Scholarship and Academic Performance
Diversity and Inclusion
Community Service/Philanthropy
Recruitment/Intake
New Member Education
Leadership and Involvement
Membership Development
Advising
Financial Responsibility
Social Responsibility and Risk Management
Public Relations
Alumni Relations
Chapter Management
Community Involvement
Total
Average
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |6
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
Scholarship and Academic Performance
1. Support
a. The chapter has a minimum G.P.A. requirement to remain in good standing with
the chapter.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that states this policy.
☐Bonus: The standard to remain in good standing is above a 2.5
b. The chapter maintains a policy requiring a minimum G.P.A. for a potential new
member to be considered for membership.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that states this policy.
c. The chapter as a whole has a written scholarship plan that outlines goals,
benchmarks, and best practices to promote member academic success.
☐Documentation: Please provide the academic plan. Plans should be a minimum
of 500 words.
d. The chapter held at least one program that focused on academic success each
semester where 75% of the chapter was in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide a handout/flyer/letter from presenter from the
event. Please also provide proof of attendance (sign-in sheet, scan fab list, etc…).
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance.
e. The chapter elects/appoints a position that’s main responsibilities are providing
academic resources, support, and guidance to the chapter.
☐ Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this position and its duties.
f. The chapter has a written plan for individuals who did not meet the community or
chapter minimum G.P.A. requirements.
☐Documentation: Please provide the academic plan for members not meeting the
community or chapter standards.
2. Performance
a. The chapter maintained above a 2.5 G.P.A. each semester
☐Documentation: G.P.A.s are calculated according to rosters submitted by the
chapter by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (no documentation needed)
b. The chapter was above the all men’s/women’s/Binghamton average respectively.
☐Documentation: G.P.A.s are calculated according to rosters submitted by the
chapter by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (no documentation needed)
c. The chapter was above the all Fraternity and Sorority G.P.A. average.
☐Documentation: G.P.A.s are calculated according to rosters submitted by the
chapter by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (no documentation needed)
d. The chapter’s semester G.P.A. is higher than the chapter’s cumulative G.P.A.
☐Documentation: G.P.A.s are calculated according to rosters submitted by the
chapter by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (no documentation needed)
3. Recognition
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |7
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
a. The chapter has an annual/semester award that recognizes the member with the
highest G.P.A.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the award and the name of its most
recent recipient.
b. The chapter has an annual/semester award that recognizes the new
member/pledge/associate member/neophyte with the highest G.P.A.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the award and the name of its most
recent recipient.
c. The chapter has an annual/semester award that recognizes the member with the
most improved G.P.A.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the award and the name of its most
recent recipient.
d. The chapter has an annual/semester award that recognizes the highest big/little
combined G.P.A.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the award and the names of the most
recent recipients.
Diversity and Inclusion
1. Policies
a. The chapter has a local antidiscrimination policy
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your local constitution/bylaws
that states this policy.
2. Programming
a. At least 50% of chapter membership completed Cultural Competency Training
sponsored through the Multicultural Resource Center.
☐Documentation: Please provide verification (sign in sheet, scan fob list, letter
from MRC, etc) showing training has been completed.
b. The chapter held or been in attendance for at least one program that focused on
diversity in the last year where 75% of the chapter was in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide a flyer/handout/letter from the presenter from
the event. Please also provide proof of attendance (sign-in sheet, scan fob list,
etc…).
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance
c. The chapter collaborated with a fraternity or sorority outside of their governing
council to host an event.
☐Documentation: Please provide a flyer/handout/letter from the other group’s
president.
d. The chapter collaborated with a non-fraternity or sorority cultural, ethnic, or
religious based group to host an event.
☐Documentation: Please provide a flyer/handout/letter from the cultural, ethnic,
or religious group’s leadership.
e. The chapter collaborated with more than one fraternity or sorority outside of their
governing council to host an event.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |8
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
☐Documentation: Please provide a second flyer/handout/letter from the group’s
president if the event is different than the first event.
Community Service and Philanthropy
1. Support
a. The chapter elects/appoints a person whose main focus is on coordinating
philanthropic and service events and keeping track of individual member’s service
hours.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this position and its duties.
b. The chapter has a minimum number of community service hours a member must
complete per semester.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this policy.
☐Bonus: The total number of required hours for the year is greater than or equal
to 20 (10 hours per semester).
☐Bonus: 75% of your members completed their required hours (please provide a
list of members with the amount of hours they have completed and where they
completed them)
c. The chapter maintains a list of events/locations where a member can complete
their community service hours.
☐Documentation: Please provide the list and where it is posted.
2. Programming
a. The chapter held or been involved with at least one community service or
philanthropic event per semester over the past year where 75% of your chapter
was in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide photos of the event or a letter from the group
the service benefited as well as proof of attendance (sign-in sheet, scan fab list,
etc…).
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance.
b. The chapter keeps a record of service hours completed that includes project date,
project name, number of members participating, and total hours completed.
☐Documentation: Chapter must provide a chart showing the above information
for the calendar award year
c. The chapter had 75% of its membership attend a community wide philanthropic
or service event in the past year
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
Page |9
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
☐Documentation: Please provide photos of the event or a letter from the group
the service benefited as well as proof of attendance (sign-in sheet, scan fab list,
etc…).
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance at each event.
d. The chapter held more than one community service or philanthropic event per
semester over the past year where 75% of your chapter was in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide photos of the additional events or a letter from
the groups the service benefited as well as proof of attendance (sign-in sheet, scan
fab list, etc…).
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance at each event.
3. Recognition
a. The chapter recognizes the member with the most community service hours each
year/semester.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the award and the name of the most
recent recipient.
b. The chapter has received special recognition in a newspaper, bulletin, newsletter,
etc… because of their community service or philanthropic events.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the publication
Recruitment/Intake
1. Support
a. The chapter has a no alcohol policy regarding recruitment events.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this policy.
b. All potential new members/pledges/associate members/neophytes filled out the
BENGAGED eligibility form before receiving a bid.
☐Documentation: Bid lists will be compared to the BENGAGED list by the
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (no documentation required).
c. The chapter elects/appoints someone whose main focus is on recruitment/intake
of members.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this position and its duties.
d. The chapter has a written recruitment plan including goals and methods to recruit.
☐Documentation: Provide the written recruitment plan. Plans should be a
minimum of 500 words.
2. Programming
a. The chapter held a completely dry recruitment process.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 10
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
☐Documentation: The chapter’s disciplinary record and alcohol reports will be
reviewed by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Any violations within the
recruitment period will result in zero points.
b. The chapter held a series of recruitment events or interest meetings throughout the
recruitment time period.
☐Documentation: Please provide a schedule of events for each semester.
3. Logistics
a. The chapter currently has more than 3 active members.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will review the
rosters provided to us by the chapter (no documentation needed at this time).
b. The number of new members/pledges/associate members/neophytes for the past
year is greater than or equal to 25% of the size of the active members from the
beginning of the year. (For non-Panhellenic Council chapters only)
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will review the
rosters provided to us by the chapter (no documentation needed at this time).
c. The chapter was at total at the end of the spring semester this past year.
(Panhellenic Council chapters only)
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will review the
rosters provided to us by the chapter (no documentation needed at this time).
New Member Education Process
1. Policy
a. The chapter has a no alcohol policy for all new member events
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this policy.
b. The chapter has a no hazing policy.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this policy.
c. The chapter has had no violations of Binghamton University, Office of Fraternity
and Sorority Life, or national headquarters regarding their new member process.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will review all
reports upon submittal (no documentation needed).
2. Support
a. The chapter has a complete and accurate written new member plan and it has been
submitted to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life each semester in the past
year that recruitment or intake has occurred.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will review the
previously submitted plan (no documentation needed at this time).
b. The new member educator has met with a member of the Office of Fraternity and
Sorority Life at least twice per semester in the past year.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will track these
meetings (no documentation required).
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 11
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
e. The chapter has a written academic success plan for new members (this can be
included in the overall written new member plan.
☐Documentation: Please provide the academic plan for members not meeting the
community or chapter standards.
c. The chapter elects/appoints one person whose main focus is the education of new
members.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this position and its duties.
3. Programming
a. All new members attended the New Member Meeting or made other
arrangements with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will track the
attendance of these meetings (no documentation needed).
b. The new member class/line has taken part in an event with another organizations
new member class/line (exceptions made for chapters who keep their new
members/line secret).
☐Documentation: Please provide pictures/a letter from the other organization’s
president or the section of your national/local constitution/bylaws that states the
policy that the new member class/line should be kept secret.
4. Logistics
a. The chapter’s new member education process took a maximum of eight weeks.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will determine this
based on time of initiation roster submittal (no documentation needed at this
time).
b. The chapter achieved a 90% retention rate of the new members/pledges/associate
members/neophytes.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will compare bid
rosters to initiation rosters to determine this.
c. The chapter’s new member class/line G.P.A. is above the allmale/female/Binghamton average respectively.
☐Documentation: G.P.A.s are calculated by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority
Life based on rosters given to us by the chapter (no documentation needed at this
time).
☐Bonus: The new member class/line’s semester G.P.A. was higher than their
cumulative G.P.A. in at least one of the semester during the past year.
Leadership and Involvement
1. Fraternity and Sorority Life Programs
a. 80% of the chapter leadership attended the Fraternity and Sorority Life Summit.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will track
attendance at this event and compare it to information given to us by the chapter
(no documentation needed at this time).
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 12
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
b. The chapter president attended the annual President’s Retreat
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs will track
attendance at this event (no documentation needed).
2. Support
a. The chapter has members in leadership education opportunities (i.e. Emerging
Leaders and Program Mentors, Dickinson Leadership Certificates, Hinman
ALIVE Program, Public Speaking Skills Lab, etc…)
☐Please provide a list of members and what leadership programs they are
involved in.
b. The chapter has a policy requiring members to be involved in a group outside of
the chapter.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this policy.
3. Involvement
a. 85% of the chapter is involved in another group outside of the chapter.
☐Documentation: Please provide a list of members and what groups they are
involved with.
☐Bonus: 100% of your members are involved in a group outside of the chapter.
b. Your chapter had at least two members attend a region or national conference
related to fraternity and sorority life (i.e. regional leadership conferences, NGLA,
AFLV, national conventions, UIFI, etc…)
☐Documentation: Please provide a list of members who attended conferences,
which conferences they attended, and on what dates they attended.
4. Leadership
a. 30% of the chapter holds a leadership position outside of the chapter.
☐Documentation: Please provide a list of members with their positions and in
what groups they hold the positions.
☐Bonus: 50% of the chapter holds a leadership position outside of the chapter.
b. At least one member of the chapter holds a teacher assistant, resident assistant, or
research assistant position on campus.
☐Documentation: Please provide a list of members who hold those positions and
where they hold them.
☐Bonus: More than one member of the chapter holds a teacher assistant, resident
assistant, or research assistant position on campus.
Membership Development
1. Support
a. The chapter elects/appoints one person whose main focus is the
education/development of active members.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this position and its duties.
2. Programming
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 13
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
a. The chapter held at least one SUNY approved sexual assault prevention program
in the past year where 75% of the chapter was in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide a program/schedule and proof of attendance
(sign-in sheet, scan fab list, etc…) of this event.
b. The chapter had at least one educational program in the past year where 75% of
the chapter was in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide a program/schedule and proof of attendance
(sign-in sheet, scan fab list, etc…) of this event.
c. The chapter held a membership retreat where 75% of the members were in
attendance in the past year.
☐Documentation: Please provide a program/schedule/minutes and proof of
attendance (sign-in sheet, scan fab list, etc…) of this event.
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance.
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance.
d. The chapter had a program focused on Values and Ethics in the past year where
75% of the chapter was in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide a program/schedule and proof of attendance
(sign-in sheet, scan fab list, etc…) of this event.
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance.
e. The chapter has a program focused on Personal Enrichment in the past year where
75% of the chapter was in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide a program/schedule and proof of attendance
(sign-in sheet, scan fab list, etc…) of this event.
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance.
f. The chapter held a ritual workshop in the past year where 75% of the chapter was
in attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide a program/schedule and proof of attendance
(sign-in sheet, scan fab list, etc…) of this event.
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was in attendance.
Advising
1. Advisors
a. The chapter has at least one chapter or faculty/staff advisor.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life judge this based on
the information provided through the Information Form on BENGAGED (no
documentation needed at this time).
b. The chapter has an Alumni Interest Group (AIG) or if the chapter owns their
living facility they have a Housing Corporation.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life judge this based on
the information provided through the Information Form on BENGAGED (no
documentation needed at this time).
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 14
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
c. At least one chapter advisor works for Binghamton University as a faculty or staff
member.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life judge this based on
the information provided through the Information Form on BENGAGED (no
documentation needed at this time).
2. Participation
a. At least one chapter advisor or member of the alumni interest group/housing
corporation has attended all mandatory chapter advisor trainings held by the
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
☐Documentation: Attendance will be tracked by the Office of Fraternity and
Sorority Life (no documentation needed).
b. At least one chapter advisor has met with the Director of Fraternity and Sorority
Life each semester in the past year.
☐Documentation: Attendance will be tracked by the Office of Fraternity and
Sorority Life (no documentation needed).
c. At least one chapter advisor has been involved in the chapter’s recruitment
process.
☐Documentation: Please provide an email/letter from the advisor that described
how they were involved in the recruitment process.
d. At least one chapter advisor has been involved in the chapter’s
scholarship/academic success program.
☐Documentation: Please provide an email/letter from the advisor that described
how they were involved in the recruitment process.
e. At least one chapter advisor has been involved in the chapter’s financial planning
process.
☐Documentation: Please provide an email/letter from the advisor that described
how they were involved in the chapter’s financial planning process.
f. At least one chapter advisor has been involved in the chapter’s
philanthropic/community service programming process.
☐Documentation: Please provide an email/letter from the advisor that described
how they were involved in the chapter’s philanthropic/community service
programming process.
g. At least one chapter advisor has been involved in the chapter’s educational
programming planning process.
☐Documentation: Please provide an email/letter from the advisor that described
how they were involved in the chapter’s educational programming planning
process.
h. At least one chapter advisor was involved in the chapter’s executive board
transition process.
☐Documentation: Please provide an email/letter from the advisor that described
how they were involved in the chapter’s educational programming planning
process.
Financial Responsibility
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 15
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
1. Planning and Collection
a. The chapter elects/appoints one person whose main focus is the
education/development of active members.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of your chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws that outlines this position and its duties.
b. The chapter Treasurer/Vice President of Finance makes a suggested budget for
the chapter to vote on every semester.
☐Documentation: Please provide the approved budgets for the previous two
semesters (numbers may be blacked out).
c. The chapter uses a third party means of collecting dues, fines, rent, etc…
☐Documentation: Please provide a screenshot of your chapter’s homepage within
the system, a copy of the contract the chapter has with the third party system, or
an email/letter from the third party system saying the chapter uses their services.
2. Financial Standing
a. The chapter has under $100 of owed debt to Binghamton University.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will track this data
through the appropriate departments within the University (no documentation
needed).
b. The chapter is in good financial standing with their national organization (does
not apply to chapters not affiliated to a national organization).
☐Documentation: Please provide a letter/email from the national headquarters
stating that the chapter is in good financial standing.
Social Responsibility and Risk Management
1. Policies and Support
a. The chapter elects/appoints a person in charge of risk management.
☐Documentation: This information will be judged based on the information
submitted to BENGANGED through the Information Sheet.
b. The chapter elects/appoints a person in charge of planning social events with
other organizations.
☐Documentation: This information will be judged based on the information
submitted to BENGAGED through the Information Sheet.
c. The chapter has a local policy against the use of alcohol for all new member
events including but not limited to big little reveal and initiation/crossing.
☐Documentation: Please provide the section of the chapter’s local
constitution/bylaws the outlines this policy.
2. Planning and Training
a. The chapter has a written localized risk management plan based on policies that
apply to it.
☐Documentation: Please provide the written plan.
b. The chapter has a written crisis management plan for the use of emergencies.
☐Documentation: Please provide the written crisis management plan.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 16
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
c. The chapter has participated in at least one risk management presentation or
training each semester for the past year where 75% of the chapter was in
attendance.
☐Documentation: Please provide an email/letter from the presenter/trainer stating
the chapter’s participation and proof of attendance (attendance sheet, scan fab list,
etc…) for each event.
☐Bonus: The chapter participated in more than ones risk management
presentation or training each semester for the past year where 75% of the chapter
was in attendance.
☐Bonus: 90% of the chapter was present during at least two of the risk
management presentations or trainings.
3. Events
a. The chapter has participated in at least three dry social events with another
student organization each semester in the past year.
☐Documentation: Please provide photos of each event or a letter from the
president of the organizations the chapter held the events with.
☐Bonus: The chapter participated in more than three dry social events each
semester for the past year.
b. The chapter has had no risk management violations or police responses to any
social events in the past year.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will track this
information (no documentation needed).
Public Relations
1. Support
a. The chapter elects/appoints a person whose main purpose is to act as a public
relations officer.
☐Documentation: This information will be judged based on the information
submitted to BENGAGED through the Information Sheet.
2. Technology
a. The chapter maintains an up-to-date local chapter website for promotional
purposes.
☐Documentation: Please provide the URL to the chapter’s website.
b. The chapter maintains an up-to-date, appropriate, and public Facebook page for
promotional and informational purposes.
☐Documentation: Please provide a screenshot of the Facebook page
c. The chapter maintains an active, appropriate, and public Twitter account for
promotional and informational purposes.
☐Documentation: Please provide a screenshot of the Twitter public page.
3. Public Image
a. The chapter has had a positive story about them in a local publication (newspaper,
news report, local newsletter, website of a local organization, etc…)
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 17
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the story.
☐Bonus: The chapter has had more than one story about them in a local
publication
b. The chapter has had a story published about them in their national publications or
on the national website (does not apply to chapters with no national affiliation).
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the published story.
c. The chapter has received special recognition in their efforts towards leadership,
philanthropy/community service, brotherhood/sisterhood, member development,
or academic achievement from a department within Binghamton University,
national headquarters, or a local/national organization.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the award, letter, or publication
announcing the award.
Alumni Relations
1. Outreach
a. The chapter has worked with the Alumni Association to connect with alumni.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of any correspondence between the
Alumni Association and the chapter or a copy of a publication from the Alumni
Association that proves active involvement.
b. The chapter maintains an updated list of alumni and their contact information.
☐Documentation: Please provide the first page of the list.
c. The chapter publishes a newsletter at least once a semester that is mailed/emailed
to alumni.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the newsletter from both semesters.
2. Events
a. The chapter held at least two alumni events in the past year where alumni are
invited to interact with the active members.
☐Please provide a flyer/email or other formal announcement of each event.
b. The chapter actively participated in Homecoming this past year.
☐Documentation: Please provide a flyer/email or other formal announcement of
events for chapter alumni at Homecoming.
c. The chapter holds a founders day celebration that alumni are invited to attend.
☐Documentation: Please provide a flyer/email or other formal announcement of
the event.
Chapter Management
1. Meetings
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 18
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
a. The chapter holds a weekly meeting of the entire chapter where regular business
is discussed.
☐Documentation: Please provide the day of the week, time and location of the
meeting and two sets of meeting minutes from the past year.
b. The executive board of the chapter holds weekly meetings to discuss the chapter
operations.
☐Documentation: Please provide the day of the week, time and location of the
meeting and two sets of meeting minutes from the past year.
c. The chapter holds a transitions meeting where the old executive board transitions
the new executive board into their positions.
☐Documentation: Please provide the date, timeframe, and place of the meeting as
well as an attendance sheet of who was present and what positions they were
transitioning into or out of.
d. The chapter has held a strategic planning meeting in the past year to discuss
chapter goals and benchmarks to be achieved where 75% of the chapter was
present.
☐Documentation: Please provide minutes from the meeting, a list of the goals
and benchmarks that chapter hopes to achieve and in what time frame, and proof
of attendance (attendance sheet, scan fab list, etc…)
2. Documents
a. The chapter maintains a local constitution and/or bylaws.
☐Documentation: Please provide a copy of the constitution and/or bylaws
b. The chapter keeps up-to-date job descriptions of all chapter positions.
☐Documentation: Please provide a list of chapter positions and three examples of
job descriptions. Two of the job descriptions should be for non-executive board
positions.
c. The chapter keeps accurate minutes of the chapter meetings and distributes them
to the membership after the meetings are held.
☐Documentation: Please provide proof of distribution of minutes (email,
screenshot of website distribution, etc…)
Community Involvement
1. Meetings
a. The chapter has been present for 80% of their respective governing council
meetings.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will consult with the
governing councils to determine chapter attendance (no documentation needed).
☐The chapter was present for 100% of their respective governing council
meetings.
b. The chapter president had at least one meeting with the Director of Fraternity and
Sorority Life each semester for the past year.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will track this data
(no documentation needed).
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 19
Binghamton University Fraternity and Sorority Life Standards of Excellence
c. The chapter had at least 75% attendance at each All Greek Meeting, held once a
semester.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will track this
attendance.
☐Bonus: The chapter had 90% attendance at each All Greek Meeting.
2. Leadership
a. The chapter has a member who holds/held a position on a governing council
executive board, the Dance Marathon Planning Committee, a community Judicial
Board, or another community wide group within the past year.
☐Documentation: The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will consult with the
various councils, boards, and committees to determine the chapter’s involvement.
☐Bonus: The chapter has a member who is/was the president or chair of one of
these groups in the past year.
Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
greek@binghamton.edu
P a g e | 20