Purpose
The Standards for Success at Western Carolina University is to help foster growth of our chapters and overall Greek system. The program calls for chapters to take responsibility and accountability for the areas of campus and Greek Life they are a part. The program asks for timely submission of forms related to overall chapter life, management, participation, and goals.
Towards the end of the spring semester each chapter must submit to the Greek Life Accreditation Committee, an annual report detailing the standards the chapter chose to meet. The report is set up to be an overview and an outline to assist chapters for both reviewing the past semester as well as goal setting. Constant planning and oversight are key components for chapters to succeed. The chapter is encouraged to submit the same material for the awards process for their specific organization.
The following criteria serve as the foundation for all healthy Greek organizations and, if implemented well, can enhance the Greek undergraduate experience. The requirements follow the five Greek community core values: scholarship, chapter management, leadership education, service, and spirit.
Scholarship
It is expected that each chapter will contribute to the academic mission of the university. It is expected that each chapter will foster an environment conducive to academic achievement and success.
Chapter Management
It is important for chapters to have a stable foundation in order to be most successful. Many resources help build this foundation such as the Inter/National Headquarters, advisors, councils, the Greek Life office, and the University.
Leadership Education
Chapters should be laboratories for personal growth and leadership development. Chapters should offer programming designed for the education of all members, not just new members. Programming can be in the form of specific programs offered to the chapter, attendance at other programs designed for a larger audience, and/or the sponsorship of educational programs open to the entire Greek community or University community.
Service
Community service and philanthropy projects involve the chapter’s interaction with the larger campus community and neighboring areas. These initiatives support the guiding principles of Greek letter organizations and help members develop a broader perspective of their environment and their role in society.
Spirit
Chapters should have pride not only in their own organization but also their council, Greek Life, WCU sporting teams, and the institution as a whole. Proud to be a Catamount!
Levels of Excellence
Five Pillar Chapter - Chapter of Excellenc/ Chapter in Compliance
Four Pillar Chapter- Chapter Above Average/ Chapter in Compliance
Three Pillar Chapter- Chapter in Compliance/ Meets Minimum Expectations
Below Three Pillar- Chapter in Non-Compliance
Chapter Awards for Achievemens
Five Pillar Chapter:
· Letter sen to National Headquarters
· Listed as 5 pillar chapter on Greek Life website
· Eligible for Chapter of the Year Award
· Plaque
Four Pillar Chapter:
· Letter to National Headquarters
· Listed as 4 pillar chapter on Greek Life website
· Certificate
Three Pillar Chapter:
· Listed as 3 pillar chapter on Greek Life website
· Certificate
Non- Compliant Status:
· Chapter will be placed on a Probationary Status
· Social privileges will be lost
· Chapter will be listed as non-compliant on Greek Life website
· Chapter may not participate in Greek Week or other Greek events (at the discretion of the Greek Advisor)
· Chapter may not vote in council meetings
· Chapter will have a progress review at the end of the fall semester.
If by the end of the spring semester, the chapter is not at three pillar status the chapter will no longer be recognized as a student organization on Western Carolina University’s campus and a conversation with the National organization will be had about removing the charter.