Five Star Chapter Accreditation Program

The Five Star Chapter Accreditation Program has been developed to bring attention to the distinguished activities hosted and attended by Greek Letter members. It subscribes to the notion that the fraternity or sorority experience at New Paltz is distinguished by participating in Leadership Development, Organizational Philanthropy, Community Service and Campus Initiatives, makes a true Greek scholar.

The Five Star Chapter Accreditation Program is not a competition among Greek chapters. Instead, it is way for chapters to challenge themselves throughout the entire academic year and in the end be rewarded for your hard work. In the end, we hope the program motivates all the chapters and brings honors to all recognized chapters at SUNY New Paltz.

How Does it Work?

There are four major areas that are crucial to having a positive Greek Life Experience on the undergraduate level. They are Scholarship, Chapter Management, Chapter Membership and Involvement & Service. Within each criteria area, there are opportunities for individual organizations to be awarded points. These point categories are listed below and can be earned with punctual submission of documentation and programming. There are also opportunities for bonus points that will be highlighted throughout the semester.

The Office of Student Activities and Union Services will record all documents as they are received. Periodically throughout the semester, the Office will update an Excel spreadsheet, highlighting which chapters met the requirements and the dates of completion. What makes the program unique is that it is on-going and chapters will continue to provide supporting documentation.

I. Scholarship

• Chapter GPA at or above the All-Campus GPA (87.5)
• Written academic plan describing goals for the chapter in achieving academic excellence. This includes an active plan explaining what individuals and the organization have planned for the semester. It should be detailed and set incentives, measurable goals and rewards. (87.5)

II. Chapter Management

• Chapter submits Chapter Officer and Membership roster, Advisor Agreement by the deadline. (40)
• Chapter submits organizational and/or chapter risk management policies.(20)
• President submits monthly Chapter Progress Reports to Office of Student Activities.(40)
• Chapter maintains webpage with periodic updates. (10)
• Chapter submits articles to the Greek Life Newsletter to Office of Student Activities (40)
• Chapter holds all chapter leadership retreat/training program ( 40)
• Chapter submits program and community service forms to Office of Student Activities within two weeks of programming. (20)
• Chapter member serves on United Greek Association Executive Board (2 pts per person)
• Chapter member actively serves of UGA committee (i.e. Greek Week) (1 pt per person, max 5 pts)
• Bonus Points: National or Regional Consultants when visiting chapter meets with AD of Student Activities for update and chapter assessment.

III. Chapter Membership

• Chapter Leadership attends the Risk Management Training Presentation. (40)
• Chapter holds one Leadership Development Program per semester. (20)
• Bonus points: Points for additional Leadership Development activities.(10)
• Successful semester with no judicial sanctions by Office of Student Affairs (50)
• New Member Education program with at least 75% of candidates initiated (40)
• For organizations not holding New Member Education, points will be awarded for scheduling chapter new member education development meeting, workshops, etc.
• Bonus points: Chapter may submit an outline of achievement and/or positive public relations programming. This can include “Get to know the chapter” programming (10)

IV. Involvement and Service

• Representative attends all UGA and Sub-Governing Board Meetings. (65)
• Chapter has 75% participation in Greek Week. (25)
• Chapter holds service project with at least 75% participation (25)
• Chapter has participation in University Service Project (50)
• Chapter completes at least one program per year. (30)
• Chapter completes Greek Awards packet be set date. (50)
• Chance for additional points for additional programming, increased participation in Greek Week, Greek Leadership Series and Service Projects. (30)

» Scoring Grid for 5 Star Participation

Accreditation Scale

5.0 The Chapter has exceeded the expectations of the Office of Student Activities with regards to the overall vision of excellence for sororities and fraternities. (1600-1281)

4.0 The Chapter has exceeded most of the expectations of the Office of Student Activities with regards to the overall vision of excellence for sororities and fraternities. (1280-921)

3.0 The Chapter has satisfactorily met the expectations of the Office of Student Activities with regards to the overall vision of excellence for sororities and fraternities. (920-561)

2.0 The Chapter has completed the necessary expectations of the Office of Student Activities with regards to sororities and fraternities. (560-240)

1.0 The Chapter has failed to complete the necessary expectations of the Office of Student Activities. (Chapter leadership meets with Assistant Director of Student Activities to discuss a plan to raise the chapter’s accreditation status. (240 and below)

Incentives for Participation

• Oracle ad published recognizing all chapter accumulating 5- Star.
• Letter from Student Activities to Regional/National office for consideration in Overall Organizational Recognition.
• Awards Presented at Student Association Spring Formal to all 4 and 5 Star Chapters.