In January of 2000, the University of Central Arkansas formed the GREEK TASK FORCE. 

The mission of the Greek Task Force is to create a standard of accountability and integrity based on the founding principles of fraternities and sororities by: 

1.  Assessing strengths and weaknesses of the Greek Community.
2.  Recommending policies and programs to promote the well being of the members of the Greek Community.
3.  Improving relationships with the UCA and Conway communities. 

In order to accomplish the first objective, all fraternities and sororities were invited to participate in the "Greek Experience Survey" developed by the University of Minnesota. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2000.

In order to accomplish the second objective, several policies were considered. First, a system of "deferred rush" was developed and approved. Second, several model "greek rating systems" were examined. It is hoped that the mission of "creating a standard of accountably and integrity" will be partly achieved through this rating system. The system that follows was modeled after the University of Delaware's Five Star Rating System. 

To improve the management and the quality of sorority and fraternity chapters at the University of Central Arkansas, the Greek Task Force, Inter-fraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, in coordination with the Office of the Dean of Students and the Office of Greek Affairs, have implemented the following evaluation system.

The results of the evaluation will be used to designate a chapter as a Five Star, Four Star, Three Star, Two Star, or One Star chapter.  This information will be published and may be used with national and local alumni as well as prospective members.

Substantial awards are given to the highest-scoring fraternities and sororities for participation in specific activities.  Prize money may be awarded to Recognized Student Organizations who participate in Risk Management Planning.  Please see Party Planning Guide 2000 for details on how to compete for these awards.

The highest scoring Five-Star Fraternities and Sororities also receive The President's Gold Cup for the Most Outstanding Five-Star Chapter. This award circulates among the winning chapters yearly.  The highest-ranking sorority and fraternity are recognized as the best Five-Star Chapters in UCA's Greek System at the Greek Awards Banquet held each year.

The second highest-scoring fraternity and sorority are designated as Silver Cup Winners.  The third highest chapters are recognized as Bronze Cup Winners.

Each spring, awards may also be given to the fraternity and sorority with:

The highest grade point average
The most improved academic standing
Excellence in Community Involvement
Excellence in Alumni Relations
Excellence in University Relations
Greek Woman of the Year
Greek Man of the Year

 These awards may be presented at the Greek Awards Banquet.

The following areas will receive an evaluation each year:

1.   Academics 

2.   Financial Management 

3.   Philanthropy 

4.   Risk Management 

5.   Campus Involvement 

6.   Membership Intake and/or Pledge Program

 

Total Points Possible:

 Scoring Criteria:

• 90% of points possible = Five Star status 

• 77% of points possible = Four Star status

• 64% of points possible = Three Star status

• 51% of points possible = Two Star status

• 37% of points possible = One Star status

The intent of the Five Star Chapter evaluation is to provide a method by which chapters can quantify and document their activities and successes.  This process will also help accomplish the mission of the Greek Task Force of creating a standard of accountability and integrity.  There is an expectation that all chapters will strive to attain a Five Star rating and that the Greek system at the University of Central Arkansas will be an example of excellence to Greek systems nationwide.

Recognizing that dramatic change cannot happen overnight, this program will, at the outset, demonstrate to chapters their current standing within the Greek system.  This information should be used as baseline data and will provide a starting point form which improvements will be made.

Chapters will not be able to maintain status quo.  Continued improvement, where needed, will be expected.  At the end of spring semester, 2000, One-Star chapters may not be allowed to have any social activities or membership intake until they reach Two-Star status.  Chapters at Two-Star and Three-Star status may not be allowed to have any social activities until they reach Four-Star status.  A One-Star chapter can only remain in that status for one year before the University of Central Arkansas considers removing recognition from the organization.

It is the position of the IFC, Panhellenic Council, and NPHC that a good chapter places a strong emphasis on academics.  It is the obligation and expectation of a sorority or fraternity to provide an environment which will be conducive and supportive of the strong academic performance of its members.

60 points    The chapter grade point average exceeds the University's all women's or all men's average.

*Each chapter must have an overall grade point average for its full current membership that is at or above the respective male and female campus averages.

GPA CATEGORIES:

• I.      Chapter is at or above all men's/all women's average and receives the full 88 point award.

• II.     Chapter within .10 points of the all men's or all women's average will receive 28 points.

• III.    A chapter within .20 or more points of the all men's or all women's average will receive no points.

Chapters below the all men's or all women's average will need to continue to improve in order to avoid sanctions.  Chapters at or above the all men's or all women's average will need to maintain cumulative GPA's at or above the all men's or all women's average in order to receive the full 88 points in this category.  Chapters can move up or down each semester.
 
 
 

 *Each chapter must elect a scholarship chair. This individual's name, social security number, and telephone number must be included in the evaluation report. The scholarship chairperson will be required to submit an outline of his or her scholarship plans each semester. The scholarship chair will also be required to share any information on scholarship requirements or programming that is provided by the chapter's national organization.
 
**Grade point averages for rushees offered bids will be checked by the Office of Greek Affairs. Additionally, grades for new initiates will also be checked and recorded. In order to receive the full point award, chapters will need to monitor the academic performance of their rushees and initiates.

***This information will be checked at the conclusion of each academic semester.

Poor financial management of a chapter is likely to have negative effects on overall chapter management. Implications may include a poor credit rating, loss of necessary chapter programs, deterioration of morale, and potentially even physical discomfort. Through discipline, consistent bookkeeping, qualified supervision, and fiscal control, the chapter will build an atmosphere of fiscal responsibility and security.

 *In order to receive the full six points, a chapter must submit a finalized chapter budget including the appropriate signatures within two weeks after the first day of classes each semester. This should be submitted to the Office of Greek Affairs.  

Up to three days late = 3 points.
Up to to seven days late = 1 point. 
Seven or more days late = 0 points.  

Chapters need not submit actual dollar amounts with their budgets. Percentage allotments indicating the percentage of chapter funding to be spent on a particular event or area of concern will suffice. (i.e. Scholarship = 35%, Social = 15%, etc.)

EXAMPLE for Collection of Monies:

EXAMPLE for Expenses:

**Chapter advisor will sign a statement that he/she has been kept up-to-date on the fiscal status of the chapter. The treasurer will also sign that he/she has communicated with the chapter advisor(s) on a regular basis.

***Chapter advisor, chapter treasurer, and chapter president will sign a statement attesting to the compliance with policies adopted by their chapter/national organization.

****This information will be verified through the treasurers or IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and University personnel.

It is expected that an acceptable chapter will comply with all University policies and maintain proper communications and behavior to support positive and interactive relationships with the surrounding Greek community, University, and local communities. A chapter should maintain a presence as a "Good Citizen" and strive to instill in its membership a thorough understanding of the standards of these varying communities as well as an appreciation of positive relationships.

*Date and description of community service/philanthropic project will be recorded in evaluation report.  Chapter will be required to submit written documentation from the charity, organization, etc. for whom the community service project is completed.

**The name, date, and topic of the program will be recorded in the evaluation report. If the chapter makes use of University personnel or resources for this program, the name and phone number of the facilitator must be included.

*** The name, date, location, and title of the event will be recorded in the evaluation report.  Examples:  Alcohol & Drug Awareness Week, Up til Dawn, Disability Awareness Week, Don't Get Singled Out, Takin' it to the Streets College Volunteer Day, and UCA Volunteer Fair.

Risk Management -- 25.2% of Total Point Value
(126 points possible)

It is expected that an acceptable chapter will comply with all University policies and maintain proper communications and behavior to support positive and interactive relationships with the Greek,  University, and local communities.

*Chapters with chapter houses and/or chapter rooms must participate in an "evaluation tour" with the Coordinator of Greek Affairs and other University officials. Deductions for hazardous and/or unsanitary conditions will be made at the discretion of the reviewers. (examples: fire and safety checks, check with UCAPD for noise complaints).  Contact Greek Services and Leadership Development for inspection form guidelines.

**Any chapter found responsible of a judicial infraction other than an alcohol violation or disruptive conduct charge by the University's judicial system will lose 22 points. Any chapter found responsible for an alcohol/drug policy violation will lose 22 points (per semester). Any violation of the University's Alcohol/Drug policy and/or IFC, or Panhellenic Council risk management policy will result in a 22 point (per semester) deduction.

***Chapters who register events and are scored will be eligible for these points.  Those chapters with no events checked during the semester will not include this score in their average or total for this semester (hence no penalty for lack of party check).

A fraternity or sorority chapter's image is formed greatly by its involvement in campus activities. Co-curricular involvement of chapter members, chapter participation in annual campus events, campus leadership positions held by chapter members, and inter-Greek relations are only some of the ways a chapter may contribute to this image.

*The names and social security numbers of students participation in co-curricular activities will be recorded in the evaluation report. This information will be checked with proper University office including the Office of Student Activities, Recreation and Intramural Programs, etc. Involvement in one or more of the 170 registered student organizations will be counted in this point total.

**The names, social security numbers, executive board position title, and leadership development workshop will be recorded in the evaluation report. This information will be checked against the sign-in sheets.

***The name, social security number, and telephone number of the PR chair will be recorded in the evaluation report. The job description will also be included in the evaluation report.

****The delegate or representative's name and position will be included in the evaluation report.

*****A printout of the chapter's local web page will be attached to the evaluation report.

******The IFC Vice President for Administration, the Panhellenic Secretary, or the NPHC Secretary will record attendance at meetings and submit that information to the Coordinator of Greek Affairs.

It is the estimation of the IFC, Panhellenic Council, and NPHC that the membership intake and/or new member education program is essential to the positive development of chapter members. Hazing, as defined by the University of Central Arkansas' Code of Conduct, is totally unacceptable. The membership intake and/or new member program must be conductive to the strong academic performance of every new member.

  *This information will be verified independently through the University. Mid-term grade reports may be requested to check on a chapter's academic progress and standing.

**Any chapter found responsible for intake or hazing violations will lose 11 points PER violation.

**Chapters will be required to submit a copy of their national's policies regarding intake and new member education and any manuals or related additional material. An advisor's signature will be needed to verify that proper procedures were followed. Follow-up with a chapter's national/international organization may also be appropriate.

***Attendance at these events will be recorded and reported by IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC new member education chairs.  example:  Greek 101

 ****List of new members will be checked against bid offers to verify this information. Flexibility will be maintained for small pledge classes.

For More information contact Terry Love, Director of Greek Services and Leadership Development.