STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2017-2017
Overview and Packet
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Center for Student Involvement
University-Student Union
EXPLANATION OF PURPOSE
Standards of Excellence program serves as an evaluation and recognition tool for the fraternity and sorority community at Cal State L.A. This program is intended to provide a quality assessment of the organization, recognizing high-performing chapters and providing insight and feedback for each participating organization to promote the continual growth of the community.
This program has two stages. The first stage is a written or electronic submission that is detailed in the pages following. This packet is framed around the values of the community and asks organizations for honest reflection on the previous year’s work and contributions. The second stage is a presentation in front of a diverse panel of invested individuals associated with Cal State L.A. who will provide evaluation and feedback for the organizations. The presentation is designed to be creative, and will allow each chapter to develop a maximum 30-minute presentation that they think best exemplifies their organization’s efforts from the previous year.
The results from Standards of Excellence will be shared on April 27 at our end of the year ceremony, with the organizations whom perform strongly recognized amongst their peers. Therefore, Standards of Excellence serves as both an evaluation and recognition process.
CATEGORIES FOR EVALUATION
Academics
The first priority for fraternities and sororities is academic success. Students can achieve this goal within their organization. Each fraternity and sorority provides academic assistance to its individual members including; study hours, educational programming, scholarships, and achievement awards.
Civic Engagement
One of the most gratifying aspects of fraternity and sorority life is the satisfaction and pride that comes from involvement in the greater community. Thousands of dollars are raised annually to benefit local and national charities. Individual chapters also donate countless toys, clothing, goods, and hours to local communities in the Los Angeles area. These projects build moral character through the satisfaction of paying it forward.
Friendship & Social
One of the greatest advantages of fraternity and sorority life is the brotherhood/sisterhood that links members with each other and the community. Fraternity and sorority membership provides a number of social opportunities that help relieve the day-to-day stresses of being a college student. Members develop unique bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood unmatched by any other organizations; friendships that last beyond the collegiate years.
Values & Standards
A fraternity or sorority is a brotherhood/sisterhood based upon standards, principles, and values that create a common bond between members. All fraternal organizations have a common set of values including leadership, service, academics, and social interaction. Each organization also has a set of standards that are unique to their members.
Leadership
Fraternities and sororities provide opportunities for students to gain and enhance leadership skills. Members have opportunities to serve as officers or chairpersons within their chapter and are responsible for the operation of their organization. Leadership opportunities exist on both the chapter and council levels.
Financial Obligations
INSTRUCTIONS
Answer each question honestly and to the best of your organization’s ability. Please include any relevant supporting documents that will provide clarification or further answer the question. This packet is due in completion on Friday, February 17, 2017. The packet must be submitted electronically to the Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator.
There are six sections to the packet based upon the values of the fraternity and sorority community: Academics, Civic Engagement, Friendship & Social, Values & Standards, Leadership, and Financial Obligations. As values centered-organizations, it important to demonstrate how fraternities and sororities embody our community values.
Organizations are required to answer the questions in each section. Supporting documents may also be included to explain the chapter’s work. Supporting documents can include attaching sections of relevant bylaws, spreadsheet detailing community service hours completed and philanthropy money raised, spreadsheet detailing member involvement on campus, a photo of an event, etc.
These packets will be used in the chapter’s evaluation and for scoring for Standards of Excellence Program. For questions or concerns please contact the Fraternity & Sorority Life Coordinator.
INFORMATION
Chapter: Click here to enter text.
Person(s) Completing Application:
Name:
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Position (if applicable):
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E-mail:
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Viet Nguyen
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President
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Marticia Hawkins
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Membership Vice President
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Mhawkin3@calstatela.edu
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Saul Aleman
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Service Vice President
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Benjamin Lundblade
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Sergeant at Arms
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Marlene Guerrero
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Public Relations
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Aaron Rodriguez
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Public Relations
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ACADEMICS
☐ What is the organization’s self-reported GPA?
Winter quarter 2016 GPA: N/A Fall semester 2017 GPA: 2.78
Spring quarter 2016 GPA: N/A
☐ What is the organization’s GPA for its line or new member/pledge class?
Winter quarter 2016 GPA: Click here to enter text. Fall semester 2017 GPA: Click here to enter text.
Spring quarter 2016 GPA: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the chapter have an elected Scholarship (Academics) Chair?
Name: Randall Laureano E-mail: randallllaureano@gmail.com
☐ Does the chapter followed CSU Executive Order 1006 to determine officer eligibility
Minimum Academic Qualifications
Students must be matriculated and enrolled at a CSU campus and maintain a minimum overall 2.0 grade point average each term. The student must be in good standing and must not be on probation of any kind.
Incumbent Unit Load
This requires undergraduate students to earn six semester units per term while holding office. Graduate and credential students must earn three semester units per term while holding office.
Incumbent Maximum Allowable Units
Undergraduate students are allowed to earn a maximum of 150 semester units or 125 percent of the units required for a specific baccalaureate degree objective, whichever is greater. Graduate and credential students are allowed to earn a maximum of 50 semester units or 167 percent of the units required for the graduate or credential objective, whichever is greater. Students holding more than this number of units will no longer be eligible for minor student government office.
☐ Does the chapter maintain GPA requirements for membership and to serve on chapter leadership?
General membership/recruitment/intake requirement: above 2.0 cumulative and semester GPA
Chapter leadership requirement: above 2.0 cumulative and semester GPA
☐ Does the chapter have an academic program in place to support the academic progress of its members?
Please briefly describe how the academic program helps members struggling academically:
Study hours, Tutoring lists, Scholarships and Job/Internship opportunities are made through organization and school resources; such as the tutoring center, NISFeP Coordinator, and more.
Please briefly describe how the program rewards and incentivizes members performing well:
Members get public recognition for their hard work academically, and members with above a 3.0 get special recognition at a regular chapter body meeting
Please briefly describe how academic excellence is built into your new member program:
Study hours are required, and enforced by the Officers. Scholarships and opportunities are posted weekly, and officers encourage all members to apply for every possible scholarship and opportunity
Please briefly describe how the chapter connects its members to academic resources and opportunities: NISFeP, and other campus resources are rarely used by students, and our members are constantly updated on new scholarships, new opportunities, and all the other resources available on campus.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Community service is defined as volunteering your time to help a cause or organization (e.g. serving food at a food pantry). Philanthropy is defined as raising money for a charity or non-profit organization (e.g. holding a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society). 
☐ Does the chapter have an elected community service and/or philanthropy chair?
Name: Saul Aleman Name: Naomi Wada
E-mail: saleman1997@gmail.com E-mail: Naomi.wada22@gmail.com
☐ Does the chapter have community service and philanthropy involvement expectations for the members?
Please briefly describe those expectations and how the chapter ensures these are followed:
A minimum of 30 service hours is required from every brother and pledge, in addition to also fulfilling at least three of the four fields of service each term. (Service to the Fraternity, Campus, Community, and Nation as a participating citizen
☐ Does the organization hosts/participates in at least one community service project each academic year?
Event: Literacy to Children Date: November 7th-November 10th
☐ Does the organization host one philanthropy event each academic year?
Event: Spring Benefit Concert Date: May
☐ Does the chapter participate in at least one philanthropy event of another organization each year?
Organization: Click here to enter text. Event: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the chapter utilize community service and philanthropy as a learning opportunity?
Please briefly describe how the chapter educated its membership on the importance of service and philanthropy:
Every year Alpha Phi Omega takes part in Spring Youth Day and National Service week where we devote our efforts to find, plan, and execute a service project. Before we do the projects, we have discussion with active body about issues in our community and how we can help. Service projects inform us of real issues happening around us.
Please briefly describe how the chapter educates participants on its service and philanthropy:
☐ Does the chapter supports and/or sponsors events with local community partners?
Please provide evidence of the community partners the chapter supports and how the chapter supports and/or sponsors events with the organization(s).
☐ How does your organization instill community service and philanthropy as an important element in your organization? Alpha Phi Omega’s mission is to prepare campus and community leaders through service. With that mission our Cardinal Principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service are taught to every member, and showed through the multitude of service events we host during every term, intersession, and break.
FRIENDSHIP AND SOCIAL
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
☐ Does the organization participate in campus-wide events (ASI events, athletics, University-Student Union events, etc.)?
Please describe which events the chapter has participated in: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the organization co-sponsor one event each academic year with an organization that is NOT a fraternity/sorority? 
Organization: Hermanos Unidos Event: Socials
Please briefly provide evidence of this event: This academic year, we began to put a larger focus on interacting with different organizations on campus. As an organization, we have mostly kept to ourselves, but this terms Public Relations chair have the goal to show people that there are many other connections to be made within the CSULA campus. Last semester we really focused on trying to get to know other organizations and one of our most sucessful events was with Hermanos Unidos. We decided to keep it simple and had a potluck at a local park. Keeping the event simple was with the intention of really being able to sit down and get to know eachother as people and as organizations. We had a few icebreakers and played some games, as well as shared food that showcased our cultural backgrounds. Since then we have been actively trying to maintain a relationship with
☐ Does the organization have members involved in campus, including but not limited to other organizations, campus employment, intercollegiate sports teams, and/or volunteering for service organizations? 
Please provide evidence of the campus involvements of your members including any leadership roles held:
Name:
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Organization:
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Leadership role (if applicable):
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*If needed please attach additional spreadsheet with member involvements.
FRIENDSHIP AND SOCIAL
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 
☐ Does the organization participate in campus-recognized fraternity and sorority events?
Please briefly describe the organization(s) and event(s) participated in: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the organization collaborate with another recognized fraternity/sorority to host events?
Please briefly describe the organization(s) and the event collaboration(s): Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the organization have developed relationships with fraternities and sororities outside of its respective council?
Please describe how the chapter interacts with organizations from the four councils:
Click here to enter text. 
☐ Is the chapter is in good standing with its respective council?
☐ Has the chapter has actively supported its respective council?
Please describe how the chapter supports any initiatives from its council:
Please include any members who serve on council or ran for a council position:
Name: Click here to enter text. Council Position: Click here to enter text.
Name: Click here to enter text. Council Position: Click here to enter text.
Name: Click here to enter text. Council Position: Click here to enter text.
VALUES & STANDARDS INTEGRATION
☐ Is the organization in good standing with its region or inter/national headquarters (as applicable)?
If not please explain why the organization is not in good standing: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the chapter have an officer who oversees chapter compliance and education?
Name: Click here to enter text. E-mail: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the chapter have an internal judicial system?
Please briefly describe the internal judicial system: Click here to enter text.
Please briefly describe how the chapter utilizes its judicial system as an educational tool:
Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the chapter provide programming on its values and standards to its members?
Please briefly describe how the chapter integrates its values education into its Membership Intake/Education Program:
Click here to enter text.
Please briefly describe how the chapter integrates its values education within the active membership:
Click here to enter text.
LEADERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
☐ Does the organization have an educational program for all prospective and aspirant members?
Please briefly describe this program: We have a pledging program that all prospective and aspiring members complete before becoming active brothers. It is a ten week process and educates them on our history, cardinal princ
Please briefly describe how the chapter transitions prospective/aspirant members into active members: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the organization maintain attendance at the Neophyte/New Member Symposium with all new or recently crossed members? 
☐ Does the organization have a retention plan in place beyond the new member period?
Please briefly describe this program: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the organization support educational events sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life?
Please provide details of which events the chapter has participated in: Click here to enter text. 
☐ Does the organization host at least one educational program per semester?
Winter/spring quarters 2016 event: Click here to enter text.
Fall semester 2017 event: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the organization utilize campus resources for leadership development such as the U-Lead program, L.E.A.P., ASI, Housing Services, etc.? 
Please briefly describe how the chapter participates in these programs: Click here to enter text.
LEADERSHIP
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
☐ Does the chapter have a functioning Executive Board that meets regularly?
☐ Does the chapter maintain current organization constitution and bylaws? 
☐ Does the chapter actively maintain university recognition throughout the academic year? 
☐ The chapter has a representative attend ODM meetings each semester
☐ Student officers maintain a 2.0 GPA to hold positions 
☐ Does the chapter maintain a campus-based faculty/staff advisor(s) per university requirements?
Name: Click here to enter text. Name: Click here to enter text.
E-mail: Click here to enter text. E-mail: Click here to enter text.
How does the chapter interact with their faculty/staff advisor? Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the chapter utilize an additional advisor (advisory board) to support the chapter?
Advisor Board President Name: Click here to enter text.
E-mail: Click here to enter text.
How does the chapter interact with their advisor board? Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the chapter host at least one retreat per academic year?
Please briefly describe the retreat: Click here to enter text.
Please include any goals for the chapter determined at the retreat(s):
1. Click here to enter text.
2. Click here to enter text.
3. Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the chapter have a transition program for elected positions?
Please describe the program:
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
☐ Does the chapter has two officers and an advisor involved in all financial matters?
Name: Click here to enter text. Position: Click here to enter text.
Name: Click here to enter text. Position: Click here to enter text.
Advisor: Click here to enter text.
☐ Does the organization maintain a process to handle all monetary matters as outlined in the constitution and bylaws?
☐ Does the organization maintain good financial standing with their respective council?
☐ Does the organization maintain good financial standing with its region or inter/national headquarters?
☐ Does the organization maintain fiscal solvency and is capable of meeting financial obligations?
Please briefly describe how the chapter manages meeting all of its financial obligations:
Click here to enter text.
PRESENTATION
PRESENTING:
Each chapter is permitted up to five members to present to a panel of evaluators. All chapter members are encouraged to contribute to the written packet and shaping the presentation, however the number of presenters will be limited to five representatives. The chapter will determine who best represents the organization. Additional chapter members and advisors may attend the presentation; however they will not be able to contribute at any time during the presentation.
EVALUATORS:
The panel will be composed of four individuals comprised of members of the University-Student Union staff, Cal State L.A. faculty and staff, unaffiliated student leaders, and alumni. The diverse panel will provide a multi-faceted perspective from which the organizations will be evaluated. The Fraternity & Sorority Life Coordinator and the Director, Center for Student Involvement, will abstain from serving as evaluators.
PRESENTATION:
The presentation shall be a maximum of 30 minutes and provide an overview of the chapter’s accomplishments, growth, and goals for the 2016 year, from winter quarter 2016 to fall semester 2016. There will be 15 minutes allotted for the evaluators to ask questions, totaling 45 minutes maximum for each presentation slot. The presentation can be in any format, access to technology will be made available to chapters as requested.
The presentation should be designed around the overall question of “How does your organization contribute to the Cal State L.A. and east Los Angeles community?” Presentations can include handouts, forms of multimedia, and should provide evidence of the positive contributions of your organization. There are no specific guidelines or requirements for how the organization has to create the presentation to allow for creativity and chapters to decide what style of presentation best illustrates their work from the previous year.
Organizations will sign up for presentation timeslots by February 27 and presentations are scheduled to occur from February 27-March 3, 2017. The results for the organizations that perform well will then be revealed at the Standards of Excellence Ceremony on April 27, 2017. The Standards of Excellence Ceremony will also serve as an end of the year banquet for the Fraternity/Sorority community.
