Chapter
Improvement Plans
Beta Omicron Chapter
2010-2011
Chapter Improvement Plans Overview
The Borradaile Challenge is a standards program within the Fraternity wherein criteria indicate
a quality Phi Kappa Tau undergraduate experience. To obtain Borradaile Challenge status, a
chapter must meet standards in various categories. Within each category, the standards are
tiered into three groups: Maxwell, Order of the Star and Basic Expectations. In some
categories, more than one tier may share the same standard.
The Borradaile Challenge not only provides a snapshot of the state of each chapter, but also
allows Board of Governors members, Domain Directors and Executive Offices staff to identify
with which areas a specific chapter needs assistance and resources.
Chapter Improvement Plans (CIP) were developed to provide all Phi Kappa Tau chapters a
guideline on how to improve in all areas of the Borradaile Challenge. Each chapter’s CIP is
individually developed using the information gathered from the chapter’s year-end Borradaile
Challenge results.
Chapters that are basic or below in a given Borradaile Challenge metric will receive an
improvement plan for that area. The combination of all improvement plans for all basic or below
basic metrics will be the chapter’s CIP. Each CIP may include a mixture of the following:
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Academic Improvement Plan
Bylaws Improvement Plan
Communication Improvement Plan
Community Service Improvement Plan
Finance Improvement Plan
Membership Orientation Improvement Plan
Membership Improvement Plan
National Participation Improvement Plan
Philanthropy Improvement Plan
Recruitment Improvement Plan
Required Reports Improvement Plan
Risk Management Improvement Plan
Ritual and Regalia Improvement Plan
What is Included in each Chapter Improvement Plan?
Borradaile Challenge Metrics: The criteria for Maxwell, Order of the Star and Basic are
included to show what criteria must be met to achieve each status. These metrics will serve as
tangible year-end goals for the chapter.
Responsible Parties: The undergraduate officer(s) and BOG advisor(s) are directly
responsible for the content of the plan; this does not exclude the entire chapter membership
from working to better the chapter in any and all areas.
Suggested Monthly Board of Governors Inquiries: At each monthly BOG meeting, the
board membership should be inquiring on progress of various areas of chapter operations and
asking questions to determine progress, or lack thereof. The checklist will provide the BOG
membership the baseline of questions that need to be asked during each monthly BOG meeting.
Suggested Activities for Resident Council: There are many ways a chapter can improve in
a given area. This section contains suggested baseline activities that should take place in order to
see improvement in a given area.
Available Resources on The Exchange: The Exchange is the online site where Phi Kappa
Tau houses all of its chapter operations resources. Each undergraduate officer and BOG advisor
has a webpage located in the “Lead Your Chapter” section. Contained on each officer and advisor
webpage are several resources (documents, video, websites, job descriptions, etc.) that will
provide the appropriate volunteer with the needed material and knowledge to affect change.
Available Program: Phi Kappa Tau offers a variety of programs, retreats and workshops
spanning from national programs that bring members together from across the nation to
chapter-specific workshops that address a variety of needs. Depending on the nature of the
program, retreat or workshop, facilitation will be provided by a national volunteer, Executive
Offices staff member and/or local volunteers. Local volunteers will be responsible for delivering
many of the retreats and workshops for the chapters with which they are involved.
Whose Responsibility is the CIP?
Domain Director: The Domain Director has ownership of the CIPs for the chapters in his
domain. The Domain Director’s major responsibility is to oversee the chapters’ Board of
Governors and make sure the group is holding the chapter accountable for improving in the
necessary areas. When the chapter is in need of a local retreat or workshop, the Domain Director
is responsible for finding a local volunteer to facilitate the event or involving other trained
facilitators or Executive Offices staff.
Board of Governors: Under the direction of the BOG chairman, the Board of Governors has
ownership of the implementation of the CIP. The BOG will need to ask the appropriate
questions (located in the CIP) and maintain a constant accountability mechanism to monitor
progress. If the chapter needs a local retreat or workshop, the BOG, with the assistance of the
Domain Director, will be responsible for providing the facilitation.
Resident Council: Ultimately, the chapter is responsible for implementing the necessary
improvements. Resident Council members should be implementing the suggested activities and
reporting their activities to the BOG. The chapter will need to foster an atmosphere of “action”
on behalf of the membership.
Executive Offices: Through The Exchange, Executive Offices staff members will provide the
resources that the chapter, BOG and Domain Director will need . The Executive Offices, and
more specifically the Chapter Services Department, will assist the Domain Director and BOG in
finding facilitators for needed retreats and workshops. A variety of national/regional
programming that the chapter can be a part of will be sponsored by the National Fraternity
(Regional Conferences, Presidents Academy, etc.).
Recruitment Improvement Plan
Borradaile Challenge Metrics
 Maxwell: Recruit and initiate 27.5% of campus average size, with a minimum of 8 men.
 Order of the Star: Recruit and initiate 25% of campus average size, with a minimum of
8 men.
 Basic: Recruit and initiate a minimum of 8 men.
 “Recruitment” counts new initiated members only.
Responsible Parties
 Recruitment Chairman
 Recruitment Advisor
Suggested Monthly Board of Governors Inquiries
 Is the chapter following the 5-Step Recruitment Process?
o How is the chapter identifying prospective members?
o How is the chapter introducing potential members to the chapter?
o How is the chapter engaging with prospective members?
o How is the chapter inviting prospective members to join?
o Is the chapter affiliating with the members?
 Where does the chapter need assistance with the 5-Step Recruitment Process?
 What recruitment events are planned for next month?
Suggested Activities for Resident Council
 Host at least one recruitment event on campus per semester
 Produce a potential member list of at least 100 men
 Produce a recruitment handout about the chapter
 Update the chapter website monthly with recruitment information
 Send an e-mail to chapter and local alumni soliciting potential members’ names and
contact information
 Have the recruitment chairman review the recruitment resources available on The
Exchange
 Contact the greek life office for a list of independent men
 Increase and have at least 50 percent of the chapter membership involved in another
campus club or organization
 Evaluate recruitment goals/plans in relation to the chapter’s membership goals/plans
 Inquire and request if the IFC would invite a recruitment specialist to campus (RBC or
Phired Up)
 Sign up for Campus Speak and Phired Up e-newsletters
Available Resources on The Exchange
 Build a Pool of Prospects
 How to Engage Prospects
 The Phi Kappa Tau 5-Step Recruitment Process
 Registering Associates/Requesting Permission to Initiate
 The 5-Step Process Video
 8-Ball Plan for Recruitment
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Alumni in Recruitment
Conversation Tips
Current Trends in Fraternity Life
Developing a Recruitment Publication
Innovative Recruitment Ideas
Open Informal 365 Recruitment
Recruitment through Scholarship
Recruitment with a Mentor Program
Recruitment Workshops
Six Tips for Remembering Names
Sorority Presentations
The Recruitment Team
Working with a Membership Orientation Officer
Available Programs
 Regional Conferences
 Recruiting Men of Character Retreats
 Recruitment Workshop
Membership Orientation
Improvement Plan
Borradaile Challenge Metrics
 Maxwell, Order of the Star, Basic: Approved membership orientation program on
file with the Executive Offices.
 Chapters must submit their membership orientation program any time the chapter
wishes to change any aspect of their program.
Responsible Parties
 Membership Orientation Officer
 BOG Chairman
 Chapter Advisor
 Retention Advisor
Suggested Monthly Board of Governors Inquiries
 What is the status of the membership orientation program?
o Has the Executive Offices reviewed the program?
o Has the greek advisor reviewed the program?
o Have we modified the program in anyway?
o Is the program underway? If so where are we?
o How many members are involved?
o What is the date of initiation?
 Has the risk management policy overview been completed?
 Does the chapter have retention issues?
Suggested Activities for Resident Council
 Implement the Phi Kappa Tau Mark of Distinction Program or use the sample
membership orientation program to develop a chapter program. Get approval from BOG
and Executive Offices
 Have the membership orientation officer review the membership orientation resources
available on The Exchange
 Ensure proper hazing discussion during risk management policy overview
Available Resources on The Exchange
 Mark of Distinction Program
 Goals of a Membership Program
 Hazing FAQ
 How do I Know we are Hazing?
 Myths about Hazing
 Sample Phi Kappa Tau Membership Program
 Sample NIC Membership Program
Available Programs
 Regional Conferences
 Mark of Distinction Program
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Ritual Retreat
Ritual Workshop
Academic Improvement Plan
Borradaile Challenge Metrics
 Maxwell: Chapter GPA must be at or above 2.7 and at least 0.2 above the campus men’s
average.
 Order of the Star: Chapter GPA must be at or above 2.6 and at least 0.05 above the
campus men’s average.
 Basic: Chapter GPA must be at or above 2.5 and campus men’s average.
 Greek advisors (in some cases chapters) can provide campus men's average GPA to the
Executive Offices. Chapters are responsible for obtaining GPA information and
reporting it to the Executive Offices. Data for all terms will be reported, and chapters
are evaluated on a yearly average.
Responsible Parties
 Scholarship Chairman
 Scholarship Advisor
Suggested Monthly Board of Governors Inquiries
 Is the chapter following the scholarship program (study hours, tutoring session, quiet
hours, etc.)?
 Who are the at-need members, and are they meeting with the scholarship chairman?
 How is the chapter utilizing resources provided by the college/university and Phi Kappa
Tau?
 Is there a member(s) who needs to appear in front of the BOG regarding to academics?
 What is the chapter’s academic standing (midterms and end of quarter/semester)?
 Has the chapter recognized anyone for academic success? Why?
Suggested Activities for Resident Council
 Develop and implement a scholarship program with approval of the scholarship advisor
 Review chapter bylaws pertaining to scholarship for compliance and actions
 Schedule weekly meetings between at-need members and the scholarship chairman
 Seek out university resources and distribute to the chapter
 Have the scholarship chairman review the scholarship resources available on The
Exchange
Available Resources on The Exchange
 A Few Words on Chapter Scholarship
 Academic Standards
 Developing a Mentor Program
 Executing the Scholarship Program
 Sample Academic Probation Letter
 Scholarship Programming Ideas
 Scholarship Resources
 The Scholarship Program
 Why Chapters Fail Academically
 Leadership for Life Explanation
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Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Scholarships
Available Programs
 Regional Conferences
Philanthropy Improvement Plan
Borradaile Challenge Metrics
 Maxwell: $3000 contributed to any philanthropy, with minimum $1500 to AHITWC.
 Order of the Star: $1500 contributed to any philanthropy, with minimum $750 to
AHITWC.
 Basic: $750 contributed to any philanthropy, with minimum $375 to AHITWC
 An AHITW Camp contribution counts only when the Executive Offices receives the
donation. Other contributions are reported by chapters on the philanthropy report.
Responsible Parties
 Community Service/Philanthropy Chairman
 Chapter Advisor
 Service Advisor
 Member-at-Large
Suggested Monthly Board of Governors Inquiries
 What are the chapter’s goals for philanthropy and how are we tracking toward
achievement?
 Is the chapter implementing a philanthropy plan to achieve the goal?
 What philanthropy activities took place this month? Have we reported it? What is
planned for next month?
 Is the chapter supporting the Hole in Wall Camps based on the chapter’s philanthropic
goals?
Suggested Activities for Resident Council
 Develop and implement a philanthropy strategy for the chapter
 Have the philanthropy chairman review the philanthropy resources available on The
Exchange
 Turn in philanthropy reports to the Executive Offices after every chapter-sponsored
event
 Keep a running list of possible philanthropy activities
 Develop local policies regarding philanthropy in order to remain in good standing with
the chapter
Available Resources on The Exchange
 Philanthropy Committee
 Philanthropy Ideas
Available Programs
 Regional Conferences
 Service Workshop
Community Service Improvement Plan
Borradaile Challenge Metrics
 Maxwell: Average of 20 hours per man and minimum of one AHITWC volunteer.
 Order of the Star: Average of 10 hours per man.
 Basic: Average of 5 hours per man.
 Executive Offices staff records community service hours from the community service
report.
Responsible Parties
 Community Service/Philanthropy Chairman
 Chapter Advisor
 Service Advisor
 Member-at-Large
Suggested Monthly Board of Governors Inquiries
 What are the chapter’s goals for community service and how are we tracking toward
achievement?
 Is the chapter implementing a community service plan to achieve the goal?
 What community service activities took place this month? What is planned for next
month and have we reported it?
 Is the chapter planning any service events for the Founders Month of Service (March)?
 Is the chapter planning on sending someone to a Hole in the Wall Camp?
Suggested Activities for Resident Council
 Develop and implement a community service strategy for the chapter
 Hold at least one community service activity during the Founders Month of Service
(March)
 Have the community service chairman review the community service resources available
on The Exchange
 Turn in community service to the Executive Offices reports after every chaptersponsored event
 Keep a running list of possible community service activities
 Develop local policies regarding community service in order to remain in good standing
with the chapter
 Send a member to a Hole in the Wall Camp
Available Resources on The Exchange
 Community Service Committee
 Community Service Ideas
Available Programs
 Regional Conferences
 Service Workshops
Communication Improvement Plan
Borradaile Challenge Metrics
 Maxwell: Three alumni newsletters, two alumni events, maintenance of an updated
chapter website, and one press release about a chapter event to The Laurel and
area/campus media.
 Order of the Star: Two alumni newsletters, two alumni events and maintenance of an
updated chapter website.
 Basic: One alumni newsletter and one alumni event.
Responsible Parties
 Vice President of Alumni Relations
 Alumni Advisor
Suggested Monthly Board of Governors Inquiries
 Is the chapter following the approved alumni relations program?
 Has the chapter sponsored an alumni event this month?
 Does the chapter have any alumni events sponsored?
 What are the plans (content, send date, precipitance, etc.) for the next alumni
newsletter?
 Is the chapter updating its website?
 Has the chapter submitted any news to The Laurel and area/campus newspapers?
Suggested Activities for Resident Council
 Develop and implement an alumni relations program
 Schedule a variety of alumni events and give advance notice to potential attendees
 Produce and distribute quality alumni newsletters
 Maintain an updated chapter GIN website
 Submit news to The Laurel and area/campus newspapers
Available Resources on The Exchange
 A Successful Anniversary Program
 Alumni Clubs
 Alumni Fundraising Campaigns
 Alumni Newsletter
 Alumni Relations Best Practices
 Alumni Relations Resources
 Chapter Leadership Flow Chart
 Chapter Newsletter Dos and Don’ts
 Components of Alumni Program
 Dinner Guest Program
 Elements of Outstanding Alumni Program
 From Undergrad to Alumnus
 Graduate Council Initiation Ceremony
 Improving Alumni Program
 Phases of Alumni Evolution
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Phi Kappa Tau Organizational Flow
Planning a 25th and 50th Anniversary
Planning a Successful Alumni Event
Programming Ideas Beyond Homecoming
Reunion Checklist
Sample Anniversary Banquet Program
Sample Newsletter – Delta Digest
Sample Newsletter – GO Gazette
Sample Newsletter – Guiding Star
Setting up a Newsletter
The Five Rules of Alumni Relations
Three Special Events
Ways to Build Alumni Support
Available Programs
 Regional Conferences
 Alumni Relations Workshop