Standards of Excellence

Standards of Excellence (SOEs) are the established standards at the University of Richmond that ensures every fraternity and sorority is well-managed and fully-committed to the highest quality of a member experience. These standards reflect themes and best practices within areas of member development, academic excellence, civic engagement, and community involvement.

Each standard has a point-value assigned to varying levels of completion:

Needs Improvement - 0 points

Meets Standard - 1 point

Exceeds Standard - 2 points

There are 50 points available in total through the Standards of Excellence program and standards can be completed throughout the year.

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  • Chapter Operation Standards
    • Chapter has a primary chapter advisor.
    • Chapter uploads an Officer Roster (Name, Position, Cell Number, Email) to their SpiderCentral files.
    • Chapter pays financial obligations in a timely manner, including council dues, lease payments, etc.
    • Chapter maintains status as an active Registered Student Organization through the Center for Student Involvement.
    • Chapter updates their membership roster at the start of each semester, including adding new members, tagging abroad/inactive members, and denoting alumni.
    • Chapter submits a calendar of all new member and/or membership intake activities through the New Member Education Plan form.
    • Chapter uploads a Philanthropy Event Report within seven (7) days of hosting a Philanthropy Event.
    • Chapter uploads a service hour report at the end of each semester to their SpiderCentral ‘Files’ area within their group page.

    Total Points Possible: 8

  • Health & Safety Standards
    • Chapter uploads relevant insurance documents to their SpiderCentral files.
    • Chapter registers all affiliated activity (such as meetings, chapter, events with alcohol) in the necessary timeframe.
    • All chapter members complete required Adam’s Law education, per status of membership (potential new member, new member, and active member).
    • Chapter hosts a minimum of one (1) risk prevention event for the chapter or greater community.
    • Chapter creates a Safety & Crisis Plan for in case of emergencies and reviews it with the chapter at-large.
    • Chapter meets facility and space-holding expectations: including passing space inspections, proper space closures, and treating the space with respect.

    Total Points Possible: 6

  • Leadership Development Standards
    • Chapter establishes annual goals and reviews progress.
    • Chapter completes all ‘Lead Out Loud’ requirements per semester.
    • Chapter President (or designee) attends all monthly President roundtables.
    • Chapter conducts officer transitions and maintains written transition materials.

    Total Points Possible: 8

  • Member Experience Standards
    • Chapter conducts an annual member satisfaction assessment.
    • Chapter semester GPA meets or exceeds the all-undergraduate average.
    • Chapter provides academic support programming (study hours, faculty engagement, scholarship recognition, etc.)
    • Chapter participates in a Recruitment and/or Intake process annually.
    • Chapter members complete at least four (4) hours of service per year.
    • 80% of members are involved in non-chapter activities.
    • Chapter hosts one (1) career or personal development program annually.
    • Chapter recognizes academic and member achievements.
    Total Points Possible: 16

  • Community & Collaboration Standards
    • Chapter coordinates at least one (1) community service project each semester.
    • Chapter coordinates at least one (1) philanthropy event each semester.
    • Chapter coordinates at least one (1) values-based program each semester.
    • Chapter demonstrates engagement with alumni and/or advisors.
    • Chapter collaborates with another fraternity or sorority chapter annually.
    • Chapter participates in community-wide programs and initiatives within Fraternity & Sorority Life.

    Total Points Possible: 12