FSL Chapter Excellence

The fraternity & sorority community at CSUB has a long and rich history, dating back to 1983. Since that time, fraternities and sororities have had a continual and active presence on campus. In order to ensure that the fraternal community at CSUB is comprised of viable values-based organizations, a set of minimum standards were developed to help guide the mission and activities of our fraternity & sorority organizations.

The standards take a holistic approach to evaluating chapter activities. They outline the minimum expectations for Greek-letter organizations to abide by and/or exceed in the following areas: Membership Development, Chapter Management, External Relations, & Policy Compliance. Chapters are evaluated yearly to remain in good standing and be eligible for university awards. The full Chapter Excellence program can be found within the Fraternity & Sorority Guidelines.

I. Membership Development

California State University, Bakersfield provides a range of academic programs and the opportunity for all students to prepare themselves to assume roles in society. The academic progress of all chapter members considered collectively indicates the relative strength and vitality of the chapter itself. Above average collective academic performance insures a chapter's relevance to the mission of California State University, Bakersfield. The standards outlined below have been shown to be standard practices that help fraternity and sorority chapters perform well academically.

I. A. 2. Academic Success Program
Submit an academic success/chapter scholarship program for initiated and new members and demonstrate how the plan is being implemented. Establish and enforce minimum individual expectations for academic performance (at least the all-women's/men's average is recommended) and make use of constructive activities to identify and help those members who are on academic probation. Members who fall below the chapter’s standard should show documentation of progress report evaluations from their instructors. The chapter should have a program (e.g. tutoring, study hours, etc.) to assist members having academic difficulty.

I. A. 3. Academic Success Presentations
Points will be awarded for academic related presentations hosted with at least 50% attendance of the entire chapter, up to a maximum of 60 points per year. Presentations may include the following topics: study abroad, study skills, time management, graduate school presentations, alumni mentor program, career development, etc. Presentations may be the result of collaborative efforts. Programs conducted as part of a judicial sanction are excluded.

I. A. 4. Academic Recognition Programs
Use of recognition activities to identify and honor those members who have excelled academically. Examples of recognition activities include, but are not limited to, recognition dinners or ceremonies, certificates or awards, advertisements in The Runner, and rewards. The programs should be presided over by an advisor. Programs may be a result of collaborative efforts.
The strength of any Greek-letter organization is its membership. Maintenance of the basic principles of Greek-letter organizations is influenced by the ability of the Greek community as a whole, and each of its member chapters in particular, to anticipate and address relevant issues. The standards of this section provide focus for a chapter’s processes for inducting new members into the organization, and its programs for developing the full potential for each member.

I. B. 1. Recruitment Plan
Chapters are required to develop a recruitment plan that outlines recruitment goals and action plans for each term in which they wish to recruit. The recruitment plan will indicate recruitment activities and events with the aim of attracting new members.

I. B. 2. Education Program
A written education program for new member education. The written program must include the dates of each activity from bid day/date of invitation distribution and a detailed description of the activity, including requirements/expectations of new members. Chapters failing to adhere to their approved education programs will be sanctioned. Penalties will be levied at the discretion of the Office of Student Involvement and may include, but not limited to: Chapter Excellence point deductions, required supervision or cessation of all new member activities, prohibition of future recruitment efforts, or loss of university recognition.

I. B. 3. Chapter Educational Presentations
Host, sponsor, or attend personal development educational programs with attendance by a minimum of 50% of the chapter membership at each program. Acceptable programs include but are not limited to: social responsibility, leadership development, health issues, career development, campus involvement, values and ethics, gender issues, and sexual responsibility. Programs may be the result of collaborative efforts. Programs conducted as part of a judicial sanction are excluded.
Membership in Greek organizations offers students many opportunities to develop their leadership potential. Greek organizations not only provide training in the principles of leadership, they are laboratories in which these principles can be practiced and tested. Each member is actively involved in decision-making processes, teaching and encouraging students to utilize their leadership talents within their chapters and on the California State University, Bakersfield campus.

I. C. 1. External Leadership Programs/Internships/Research Assistant Positions
One point per member who participates in an external (off-campus) leadership program, career related internship, or research assistant position each semester.

I. C. 2. Individual Leadership Positions, Non-Greek
One point per member who holds a volunteer executive office in a campus or community organization (excluding Greek-related organizations) each semester

I. C. 3. Individual Leadership Positions, Greek-related
One point per member who holds a volunteer executive office in a Greek-related organization (other than their own chapter) each semester.
I. D. 1. Ritual Programs
Chapter performs a ritual ceremony at least once per term.

I. D. 2. Lifetime Commitment
Alumni participate in at least one ritual ceremony/program per year.

I. D. 3. Ritual & Values Education
Chapter conducts a program that reinforces/discusses the chapter’s Ritual and values that is attended by at least 50% of the membership at least once per term. Programs conducted as part of a judicial sanction are excluded.

II. Chapter Management

Sound financial management is essential to the successful operation of a chapter. Through discipline, consistent bookkeeping, proper budgeting, qualified supervision, and fiscal control, the chapter will build an atmosphere of fiscal responsibility and security.

II. B. 1. Budget

The chapter has a budget approved by the chapter and advisor.

II. B. 2. Financial Policies

The chapter strictly enforces financial discipline (financial requirements for a member to remain in good standing) as prescribed by the chapter’s bylaws or (inter)national policy.

Successful organizations regularly establish goals and objectives and develop strategies and action plans to achieve those goals.

II. C. 1. Chapter Goal Setting

The chapter conducts at least one goal setting or goal review session each term and establishes specific written goals and objectives, approved by the members.

II. C. 2. Officer Goals & Objectives

In an effort to operate effectively and efficiently, officers need to set goals & action plans for their term. All registered officers must articulate goals and objectives for their term of office.

Successful student organizations have active advisors to assist with organizational development, provide continuity, and ensure compliance with university and organization policies.

II. D. 1. Engaged Chapter Advisor

The chapter has an advisor (alumni or faculty/staff) who attends at least one chapter and one executive board meeting per month and maintains regular communication with the chapter.

Leaders are more prepared and better equipped to serve in their roles if trained and transitioned by previous leaders and advisors.

II. E. 1. Officer Resources

Each officer has resources available to them to effectively carry out their job duties.

II. E. 2. Officer Transition Program

A transitional program with incoming/outgoing officers with the intent of training the incoming officers on responsibilities, expectations, ongoing projects/initiatives, and best practices. Officer Installation Ceremonies are excluded from this section. 

II. F. 1. Attendance
An average of two-thirds of the active members attend regular chapter meetings.

II. F. 2. Minutes

  1. Recorded and distributed or made available to members and advisors.

II. G. 1. Governing Documents Review
Chapter maintains up-to-date governing documents (reviewed annually by the chapter) and provides copies or makes available to all members.

II. G. 3. Chapter & Individual Excellence Awards

Chapter’s annual Chapter & Individual Excellence Awards applications are submitted on time.

III. External Relations

Greek organizations are structured as small communities within the larger campus community. Involvement in campus life outside of the Greek community is highly encouraged for all chapter members. Extracurricular involvement of chapter members and chapter participation in campus events enhances the campus image of Greeks and enriches the collegiate experience of chapter members.

III. A. 1. Clubs & Organizations

Sixty percent (60%) of the membership has joined at least one other non-Greek-related campus or community organization.

III. A. 2. Campus Activities

There are a variety of ways that chapters can support campus events. Examples of ways to earn credit:

  • at least 20% of the chapter attends a non-Greek organization event (2 pts)
  • participating in Club Fair (1 pt per fair)
  • chapter support of an athletic team by 50% of chapter members attending at least 50% of the team’s home games (10 pts)
  • full participation in the Greek Olympics hosted by Athletics – 30% of the chapter attends all designated athletic competitions, “Golden Games” (10pts)
  • chapter supports intramural sports by forming teams (5 pts per team that participates in a full season, up to 15pts)
  • collaborating to host an event or speaker (2 pts)
  • at least 20% of the chapter volunteers at Convocation, Orientations, Celebrate CSUB, College Making it Happen, Engineering Day, or Commencement (15 pts)
  • full participation in Greeks Give Back, Greek Week, Dance Marathon, or RowdyCon/Extra Life (10 pts each)

Alumni and parents can assist a chapter in a variety of ways including advising, financial support, and networking. Successful chapters, therefore, nurture their parents and alumni by maintaining frequent communication and hosting activities.

III. B. 1. Newsletters/Routine Communication

Chapter sends newsletters to both alumni and parents. This can be the same newsletter distributed to both parents and alumni or separate. The newsletters can be mailed or e-mailed. Note: Any newsletter submitted may be posted on the CSUB Fraternity & Sorority Life website.

III. B. 2. Alumni Events

Chapter sponsors at least two events for alumni or attends two events hosted by their respective alumni chapter.

Greek organization mission statements reflect a commitment to the service of others. Community service has shown to provide value-added educational experiences. To assist chapters in fulfilling their mission and providing members an opportunity to learn from helping others, the following standards were developed. While raising money for charitable organizations clearly provides a valuable service to the community, the emphasis on these standards is a more direct means of serving the community.

III. C. 1. Direct Community Service

The chapter sponsors at least two hands-on community service projects (not fundraisers) per year with the participation of at least 60% of the chapter membership for a minimum of three hours up to 52 points. One 60% project can be broken into two 30% projects. Do not include community service performed as part of a judicial sanction. Programs may be the result of collaborative efforts.

III. C. 2. Other Community Service

The chapter can earn up to 28 additional points through the following

  • additional projects involving at least 30% of the chapter for 3+ hours (8 pts)
  • projects involving at least 20% of the chapter (2 pts)
  • adopting an area through Campus Beautification (1 pt)
  • being awarded the Campus Beautification area of the month (5 pts)
  • at least 20% of the chapter participating in Campus Clean-Up events (2 pts)
  • participating in a direct community service projected hosted by another organization (1 pt for each member who serves 3+ hours, up to 5 pts)
  • contributing to a blood drive (1 pt for each member who donates blood, up to 15 pts per year)
  • conduct a fundraiser that raises money for a charitable cause (2 pts)

Recognizing that chapters would not exist without the university, chapters should take action to educate the university’s faculty and staff about chapter life and events.

III. D. 1. Faculty/Staff Programs

The chapter conducts a minimum of one program per year to recognize or interact with faculty/staff. This might include faculty appreciation dinners or sponsoring an appreciation day for a university department.

In addition to participation in Council and All-Greek activities, effective community building occurs when chapters do activities with one another.

III. E. 1. Greek Relations Activities

Chapter conducts a joint alcohol-free non-social activity with another Greek chapter with the participation of at least 30% of chapter membership. Activities can be, but are not limited to, community service projects, educational programs, cultural events, sporting activities, etc. Educational programs and community service projects included in other categories can also be included in this section for additional points if the program is done with another Greek chapter. Programs conducted as part of a judicial sanction are excluded.

Chapters that are affiliated with an (inter)national organization benefit from utilizing the services and programs of the organization and networking with other chapters.

III. F. 1. Attendance at (Inter)National Organization Events

The chapter has the required attendance at mandatory programs and events of the (inter)national organization (national or regional leadership conferences, conventions, etc.). Local organizations may earn these points by sending members to regional conferences such as AFLV, I-LEAD, LeaderShape, etc.

III. F. 2. (Inter)National Publicity

The chapter submits articles and photographs to the (inter)national magazine, newsletter, or related website that are published. Local organizations may earn these points for being featured in any (inter)national magazine, newsletter, or related website related to higher education or fraternity/sorority life.

III. F. 3. Interaction with Other Chapters

Chapter conducts at least one joint activity (social or non-social) with another undergraduate chapter of the same affiliation. This can include Founders Day events that involve two or more undergraduate chapters. Local organizations may earn these points by conducting a joint activity with other local Greek-lettered organizations from another university.

III. F. 4. (Inter)National Recognition

Chapter has earned an award or recognition from their (inter)national headquarters within the award period. Local organizations may earn these points by earning an award or recognition from an (inter)national organization affiliated with higher education or fraternity/sorority life.

A positive public image is important to a successful Greek community, and chapters need to take pro-active steps to disseminate positive information about the CSUB Greek experience.

III. G. 1. Public Relations Plan

Chapter has developed and approved a comprehensive Public Relations Plan.

III. G. 2. Local Website & Social Media Page

Chapter maintains and updates its own local website and social media page viewable by the public.

III. G. 3. Local Media

Chapter receives positive coverage from a local media outlet including the local news stations, the Bakersfield Californian, or the Runner.

IV. Policy Compliance

IV. A. 1. Risk Management Educational Sessions

The chapter sponsors/attends risk management related programs with at least 50% attendance at each program. Examples of such programs include: alcohol/drug issues, hazing issues, fire safety, crisis management, rape/sexual assault awareness, etc. Programs conducted as part of a judicial sanction are excluded. Programs may be the result of collaborative efforts.

IV. A. 2. Additional Risk Management Educational Sessions

Additional points for additional risk management-related programs sponsored/attended by at least 30% of the chapter membership, up to a maximum of 20 points per year. Programs conducted as part of a judicial sanction are excluded. 

IV. A. 3. Chapter Risk Management Plan

Chapter submits its Risk Management Plan that outlines how the chapter reduces risk.

IV. A. 4. Chapter Crisis Management Plan

Chapter submits its Crisis Management Plan that outlines how the chapter would deal with a crisis.

IV. B. 1. Dry Events

The chapter co-hosts, with at least one other Greek organization, an alcohol-free social function with at least 30% attendance from each chapter involved.

IV. C. 1. Chapter Code of Conduct

Chapter has a written Code of Conduct or membership contract which includes member expectations regarding alcohol and drugs, hazing, fighting, and other risk management issues. 

IV. C. 2. Chapter Judicial/Standards Process

The chapter has an internal discipline process that handles violations of the chapter’s Code of Conduct. An advisor should be part of the process.