CHI PHI Accreditation Report

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Natalie Richard
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1 CHI PHI Accreditation Report Intellectual Development Chi Phi was ranked 15 th out of 18 Interfraternity Council Chapters in the fall 2012 semester with a GPA of , a decrease of from the spring 2012 semester. The GPA placed the chapter below the All Fraternity, All Men, All Greek and All Undergraduate average. Chi Phi was ranked ninth out of 19 Interfraternity Council Chapters in the spring 2013 semester with a GPA of , an increase of from the fall 2012 semester. The GPA placed the chapter above the All Fraternity and All Men average. Chi Phi s fall 2012 new member class GPA was 2.91 ranking fifth out of six Interfraternity Council Chapters. The new member class GPA was for spring 2013 ranking eight out of 19 Interfraternity Council Chapters. Chi Phi had 17% of the chapter on the Dean s List in the fall 2012 semester and 20.7% on the Dean s List in the spring 2013 semester. Chi Phi s overall term grade point averages are consistently higher than their Inter/National Headquarters chapter average of The Committee commends the chapter member receiving the Sparks Medal for obtaining the highest grade point average in the chapter. Chi Phi s Briarfield Alumni Association continues to sponsor a dinner for members who have earned a 3.0 semester grade point average or higher. Knowing the chapter s academic ambitions, the Committee recommends that Chi Phi raise the metrics for this reward to serve as a true motivational and challenging incentive. Chi Phi s Briarfield Alumni Association continued to sponsor a monetary incentive for the most improved and highest individual grade point averages. The Alumni Association also provided a reward to the highest performing academic team and a Presidential Scholarship this past year. The Committee commends the chapter s alumni association for their continued support. The chapter has different types of support and requirements for members that fall below the chapter s 2.7 minimum good standing grade point average, below a 2.5, or below a 2.3 term average. The Committee believes that these safety net tiers are in place and a best practice, but Chi Phi should work with the Center of Academic Success to ensure there is optimal support. The Committee recommends that the chapter also evaluate these grade point average metrics to reflect chapter trends. Chi Phi requires a membership vote of confidence if an individual s grade point average is at a 2.3 or below in order to have a chapter leadership position. The Committee recommends that the fraternity create a minimum grade point average for a leadership position while emphasizing academics as a priority. Chi Phi continues to have a 3.0 minimum grade point average to join the chapter, but does allow exceptions for special circumstances. The Committee would like to see the chapter define a special circumstance to ensure that this remains a rare occurrence while upholding academic standards. Chi Phi continued to hold their Thursday night dinner and discussion initiative with sessions by Career Services, the Lehigh University Police Department, the Alumni Association, and their Faculty Advisor, Professor Sinclair. The Committee would like

2 the chapter to intentionally evolve this initiative by providing educational opportunities around the topics of diversity, inclusion and privilege. The Committee recommends that Chi Phi identify intellectual interests and create educational opportunities around them utilizing member experiences, achievements and involvement. The chapter should consider utilizing social media outlets as an avenue for self-reflection to document their learning throughout the year. The Committee would like to see the chapter further develop, evaluate and assess their peer tutor system during the upcoming year. The Center of Academic Success would serve as a great resource to the chapter. How does Chi Phi provide opportunities for member development, intellectual growth, and education on topics of diversity, pluralism and privilege? In the area of Intellectual Development, the Committee rated Chi Phi to be a Gold Chapter. Leadership Development The chapter s former chapter president, Patrick Lee, was asked to facilitate Chi Phi s Inter/national Headquarters sponsored Alpha s Academy this past January. The chapter s current president also attended the conference and utilized what he learned to lead an executive board planning retreat at the start of the spring semester. Chi Phi held an officer responsibilities and expectations workshop with the Assistant Director of Student Leadership Development as an immediate follow-up to their spring goal setting retreat. The chapter also utilized the Office of Student Leadership Development staff at the beginning of the fall semester for a truth what if activity. Chi Phi has identified general member involvement as a concern. The Committee recommends that the chapter work with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs to address this concern. The chapter participates in officer webinars sponsored by Inter/national Headquarters. Chi Phi members attended their Regional Leadership Alliance (RLA) this past spring semester. The Committee commends the chapter for supporting Chi Phi Headquarter initiatives. The chapter will be sending representatives to their Inter/national Headquarters sponsored College of Excellence Program, a Chi Phi only Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) Session and their Convention this summer. The Committee would like to see the chapter be intentional about whom they send to these experiences, as these are excellent officer transition opportunities. The Committee looks forward to participants creatively bringing back these experiences to campus. The chapter has two undergraduates and alumni going through the Goliard Program, an educational program designed to encourage in-depth learning on the Heritage and History of Chi Phi. The Committee commends the chapter for having participants in this highly esteemed program.

3 Chi Phi s Matthew Chiaverini was slated onto the Interfraternity Council Executive Board as the Treasurer. This is the second consecutive year that the chapter has representation on the board. Chi Phi s Matthew Chiaverini serves as a Member at Large on Chi Phi s Grand Council. Chi Phi s current Chapter President, Gabriel Rosenbrien, participated in a Ride-a- Long with the Lehigh University Police Department this past year. Chi Phi held a First Aid training session with a University of Delaware staff member in the spring semester. Chi Phi has had Ritual and social based interactions with chapters at Lafayette College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cornell University, Boston University, and Hobart College. The chapter has also been asked by Inter/national Headquarters to help the Franklin and Marshall College chapter with their new member education initiatives. The chapter s Field Executive visited the chapter in October. The Committee would like to see the chapter intentionally utilize analysis reports during retreats and executive board meetings. The chapter has extended their new member education period beyond an orientation weekend. The Committee recommends that the chapter evaluate their decision to ensure academics and the purpose of new member education remains a priority. Chi Phi does not elect a president within new member classes with the philosophy that the plan is meant to help begin to build leaders. The Committee considers this a best practice. The Committee recommends that Chi Phi continue to educate members on Inter/National Headquarter resources, structures and Psi chapter history. The Committee highly encourages the chapter to uphold their recruitment strategy and approach to grow the organization with the most and best True Gentleman. The Committee believes that there is a good amount of brotherhood activities within the fraternity, including go-karting and Secret Santa during the holiday season. Chi Phi is making documenting adjustments to their seven semester themed continuing membership education plan to address membership concerns. The Committee is happy to hear that house points are utilized as incentives to this initiative. The Committee recommends that the chapter make continuing education a focus area during the academic year. The chapter received the 2012 Dr. Thomas Gehring Award by Inter/National Headquarters for being the most improved chapter. The chapter also continues to be accredited through their Inter/national Headquarters process. How can the chapter utilize the various external leadership development experiences brothers have to educate and collaborate with other Greek organizations? In the area of Leadership Development, the Committee rated Chi Phi to be a Gold Chapter. Community Development

4 The chapter standards board recognizes members who have gone above and beyond in positively contributing or supporting chapter activities such as Initiation attendance. The chapter has also instituted a Brother of the Week recognition. Chi Phi held a Porch Pancake event during the fall semester to raise funds for the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. The fraternity was able to build their relationship with the organization while donating $300. Chi Phi remained committed to their adopted two mile stretch of highway by the I- 78/Route 412 Interchange near Hellertown. The chapter participated in a clean-up session each semester. Chi Phi actively participates in the Lincoln Elementary School Homework Club by sending members to help on Thursday s. The Committee commends the chapter for their South Bethlehem involvement. Chi Phi built a relationship with the local Boys and Girls Club and Ronald McDonald Charities during the academic year. The Committee looks forward to seeing these partnerships grow. Chi Phi has instituted a ten hour community service requirement per semester. The Committee recommends that the chapter monitor trend and how the fraternity selects activities knowing that community service involvement has been identified as a resource. The Community Service Office would serve as a great resource for Chi Phi. The Committee recommends that Chi Phi incorporate education self-reflection into their community service and philanthropy activities. Chi Phi participated in an Office of Advancement Programming and Education (P&E) Account pilot program. The Committee would like to see the chapter continue their relationship with this University office. The chapter s alcohol reintroduction plan during the fall semester was well executed, including their How to Have a Safe Party Program with Assistant Director, Rebecca Davison. Chi Phi s first event with alcohol at their facility since spring 2010 during Parent s Weekend had over 100 brothers, alumni and family members in attendance. The Committee commends Chi Phi for their follow-up. Chi Phi members were sent home from their Inter/national Headquarters sponsored College of Excellence (COE) Program in summer 2012 due to an incident regarding alcohol. The Committee is happy to learn that the chapter s standard board was enacted. Chi Phi was held responsible by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Expectations for hosting an unregistered party in April. The fraternity received a warning and educational sanction. The Committee is happy to hear that the chapter s standard board also took action on members. How does Chi Phi collaborate with other chapters to incorporate self-reflection and education into their community service and philanthropy activities? In the area of Community Development, the Committee rated Chi Phi to be a Gold Chapter. Organizational Development

5 The chapter utilizes an on-line dropbox service to aid officer transition and to maintain records of documents. The Committee recommends that the chapter utilize the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs and Student Leadership Development to solidify election, shadowing, and officer transition processes. The Committee recommends that Chi Phi take a StrengthsQuest Inventory as part of their efforts. Chi Phi s new member educator attends executive board meetings when the process is taking place to provide updates and concerns. The Committee considers this a best practice for chapters that have a similar executive board structure. Chi Phi s Briarfield Alumni Association held a meeting during new member orientation weekend this past October. The Alumni Association also re-sent their strategic plan around undergraduate involvement, integrating recent graduates, mentoring, and outside constituent involvement. The Committee commends alumni for their continued leadership as they step into a crucial next couple of years with the graduation of the re-founding members. Chi Phi re-worked their chapter website this past spring semester. The chapter is in the process of creating a fraternity calendar. Chi Phi should continue utilizing their social media outlets to connect and engage with constituents. The Committee would like to see the chapter develop a three to five year plan around the areas of membership, leadership, brotherhood and operations. The Committee expects the chapter to be able to provide a detailed explanation of their dues structure for active and new members, be able to articulate the reasoning behind their dues for , and how this reasoning was explained to active members during the year as well as potential new members. The chapter now has an internal and external social chair to improve timeliness and communications with constituents. Chi Phi revised the role of the appointed Omicron position to help keep brotherhood morale up within the fraternity. The Committee commends the chapter for their intentionality. Chi Phi reviewed and passed their chapter by-laws at the beginning of April Chi Phi reduced the number of committees within the organization to emphasize focus areas and to improve clarity among general members. The Committee recommends the chapter to utilize the fall retreat to communicate tasks, responsibilities, and structure. The Office of Student Leadership Development would be a good resource for the chapter. How can Chi Phi establish relationships and collaborate with other Greek organizations for support on developing a strategic plan for the future of the chapter? In the area of Organizational Development, the Committee rated Chi Phi to be a Gold Chapter. Facilities Management Chi Phi had no common damages for the fall 2012 semester. Chi Phi s common damages for the spring 2013 semester were $

6 Chi Phi created an Alumni Memorial Wall along the walls of their staircase. The chapter turned their computer room into a laundry room, remodeled their first floor back pub room, purchased a projector, screen, and used piano through the Programming and Education (P & E) Account. The Committee commends Chi Phi for continuing to respect and appreciate the funding invested by alumni to their learning and living environment. The Committee recommends that the chapter discuss Bystander Intervention to ensure this continues. The chapter received a life safety violation warning for a propped open fire door but did not have any lease violations during the academic year. The chapter president has to lock-off the kitchen one morning in April in response to an issue where members had sprayed the kitchen with significant amounts of grease and accidently put out the stove pilot light. Chi Phi continued to implement their daily waits system and weekly Sunday night clean process. The entire membership participates in the clean process prior to chapter meetings. The chapter has been proactive working with the Office of Residential Services to identify maintenance projects and work orders, including re-sodding the front lawn outside the facility and hanging up garlands during the holiday season. The Committee reminds chapter leadership to be diligent about attending meetings with the Office of Residential Services throughout the upcoming year. The chapter hired a new chef at the beginning of the academic year. Chi Phi is at a 100% collection rate in regards to chapter dues. The chapter has continued to do a good job executing their break move-out plans to ensure that the chapter facility is left in proper condition. How has the chapter worked to ensure that sustainability/green initiatives are part of the overall facilities management of the organization? In the area of Facilities Management, the Committee rated Chi Phi to be a Gold Chapter. Overall Rating Overall, Chi Phi has been rated a Gold chapter by the Accreditation Committee. The chapter continued to grow as an organization this past year with multiple successes in each of the Accreditation areas. The Committee would like to see the chapter provide opportunities for intellectual growth around the areas of inclusion and privilege develop their continuing education program, incorporate reflection to their service activities, strategically plan ahead, and enhance sustainability initiatives. The Accreditation Committee assigns Chi Phi an overall rating of Gold, which is considered an exceptional level of achievement in the Accreditation process, with all the privileges and rewards that accompany such a rating. Congratulations! Chapter Development Questions

7 How does Chi Phi provide opportunities for member development, intellectual growth, and education on topics of diversity, pluralism and privilege? How can the chapter utilize the various external leadership development experiences brothers have to educate and collaborate with other Greek organizations? How does Chi Phi incorporate self-reflection and education into their community service and philanthropy activities? How can Chi Phi establish relationships and collaborate with other Greek organizations for support on developing a strategic plan for the future of the chapter? How has the chapter worked to ensure that sustainability/green initiatives are part of the overall facilities management of the organization? Best Practices The chapter has different types of support and requirements for members that fall below the chapter s 2.7 minimum good standing grade point average, below a 2.5, or below a 2.3 term average. The Committee believes that these safety net tiers are in place and a best practice, but Chi Phi should work with the Center of Academic Success to ensure there is optimal support. The Committee recommends that the chapter also evaluate these grade point average metrics to reflect chapter trends. Chi Phi does not elect a president within new member classes with the philosophy that the plan is meant to help begin to build leaders. The Committee considers this a best practice. Chi Phi s new member educator attends executive board meetings when the process is taking place to provide updates and concerns. The Committee considers this a best practice for chapters that have a similar executive board structure.

CHI PHI Accreditation Report

CHI PHI Accreditation Report 2014-2015 Intellectual Development Chi Phi was ranked seventh out of 17 Interfraternity Council Chapters in the fall 2014 semester with a GPA of 3.06878, a decrease of.01958