Standards Evaluations & Awards

Standards Evaluations

As a result of recommendations provided through the 2010 Coalition Assessment Project, a Blue Ribbon Committee was formed comprised of students, staff, and alumni volunteers to review and provide suggestions for the advancement of the Fraternity & Sorority community at Old Dominion University.

The Blue Ribbon Committee identified four primary areas in which all recognized chapter should be striving to excel. These areas include:

  • Scholarship - The chapter will develop and maintain an academic program that supports chapter members' educational endeavors and contribute to the academic mission of the university.
  • Community Relationships (Chapter, ODU, and National) - The chapter will create a positive community which fosters brotherhood and sisterhood within their respective chapter and promotes collaboration among Fraternity & Sorority Life and Old Dominion University. The foundation of brotherhood and sisterhood should be grounded in (1) organizational values and (2) a safe and healthy environment.
  • Leadership Development - The chapter will foster an environment that encourages, supports, and promotes leadership in its members.
  • Integration of Values and Purpose - The chapter will teach and uphold the values of their organization, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and Old Dominion University. Chapters will facilitate programming and/or initiatives (that enhance chapter members' commitment to their organizational purpose. The chapter will foster and promote environments that are consistent with their purpose. Chapter members will be knowledgeable of their organizational values and be able to connect how these ideals relate to their daily activities.

The Standards evaluation process provides chapters a comprehensive evaluation of the alignment with the areas listed above, the experiences offered to members, as well as the overall impact the chapter has within the community. The purpose of the process is to ensure that chapters are provided with the feedback they need to fully assess their impact. Stakeholders, specifically including chapter advisors, alumni members, national/regional representatives are asked to participate in this process as they have a critical role in supporting chapter development. The Standards evaluation process will incorporate feedback from the following representatives:

  • Chapter Executive Boards
  • National/Regional Representatives
  • Chapter Advisors
  • Chapter Presidents/Council Leadership
  • Campus Administrators

Fraternity & Sorority Life wishes to provide chapters the opportunity to participate in a thorough evaluation process that ensures constructive feedback while respecting the confidentiality of internal policy and ritual. Chapters are encouraged to take full advantage of this evaluative process however the chapter may use discretion in deciding what information to submit for review.

Multiple methods will be utilized to evaluate chapter standards. The overall evaluation will be based on self-assessment, stakeholder evaluation, peer panel presentation, and administrative review. Each group of evaluators will be assigned to evaluate a specific set of criteria on the basis of relevance. Evaluators will rate the chapter on a scale of 1-8. Scores of 1- 2 will indicate a rating of "Establishing"; 3-4 will indicate a rating of "Progressing"; 5-6 will indicate a rating of "Accomplished"; 7-8 will indicate a rating of "Excellence."

Overall Ratings:

  • Establishing (1-2): The chapter may or may not have the basic foundations necessary for an effective organizational management. The chapter needs to invest significant effort and attention in improving within this area.
  • Progressing (3-4): The chapter has the basic structure necessary for effective organizational management however the chapter shows considerable inconsistency in following espoused standards.
  • Accomplishing (5-6): The chapter has established an effective structure for managing the operations of the organization and promoting its mission. The chapter consistently adheres to the espoused standards of the organization.
  • Excellence (7-8): The chapter meets the criteria outlined under Achieving as well as facilitates innovative initiatives which advance the scope of their espoused standards

2021 Standards Evaluations forms are closed!

The Blue Ribbon Committee identified four primary areas in which all recognized chapter should be striving to excel. These areas include:

  • Scholarship - The chapter will develop and maintain an academic program that supports chapter members' educational endeavors and contribute to the academic mission of the university.
  • Community Relationships (Chapter, ODU, and National) - The chapter will create a positive community which fosters brotherhood and sisterhood within their respective chapter and promotes collaboration among Fraternity & Sorority Life and Old Dominion University. The foundation of brotherhood and sisterhood should be grounded in (1) organizational values and (2) a safe and healthy environment.
  • Leadership Development - The chapter will foster an environment that encourages, supports, and promotes leadership in its members.
  • Integration of Values and Purpose - The chapter will teach and uphold the values of their organization, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and Old Dominion University. Chapters will facilitate programming and/or initiatives (that enhance chapter members' commitment to their organizational purpose. The chapter will foster and promote environments that are consistent with their purpose. Chapter members will be knowledgeable of their organizational values and be able to connect how these ideals relate to their daily activities.

The Standards evaluation process provides chapters a comprehensive evaluation of the alignment with the areas listed above, the experiences offered to members, as well as the overall impact the chapter has within the community. The purpose of the process is to ensure that chapters are provided with the feedback they need to fully assess their impact. Stakeholders, specifically including chapter advisors, alumni members, national/regional representatives are asked to participate in this process as they have a critical role in supporting chapter development. The Standards evaluation process will incorporate feedback from the following representatives:

  • Chapter Executive Boards
  • National/Regional Representatives
  • Chapter Advisors
  • Chapter Presidents/Council Leadership
  • Campus Administrators

Fraternity & Sorority Life wishes to provide chapters the opportunity to participate in a thorough evaluation process that ensures constructive feedback while respecting the confidentiality of internal policy and ritual. Chapters are encouraged to take full advantage of this evaluative process however the chapter may use discretion in deciding what information to submit for review.

Multiple methods will be utilized to evaluate chapter standards. The overall evaluation will be based on self-assessment, stakeholder evaluation, peer panel presentation, and administrative review. Each group of evaluators will be assigned to evaluate a specific set of criteria on the basis of relevance. Evaluators will rate the chapter on a scale of 1-8. Scores of 1- 2 will indicate a rating of "Establishing"; 3-4 will indicate a rating of "Progressing"; 5-6 will indicate a rating of "Accomplished"; 7-8 will indicate a rating of "Excellence."

Overall Ratings:

  • Establishing (1-2): The chapter may or may not have the basic foundations necessary for an effective organizational management. The chapter needs to invest significant effort and attention in improving within this area.
  • Progressing (3-4): The chapter has the basic structure necessary for effective organizational management however the chapter shows considerable inconsistency in following espoused standards.
  • Accomplishing (5-6): The chapter has established an effective structure for managing the operations of the organization and promoting its mission. The chapter consistently adheres to the espoused standards of the organization.
  • Excellence (7-8): The chapter meets the criteria outlined under Achieving as well as facilitates innovative initiatives which advance the scope of their espoused standards

2021 Standards Evaluations forms are closed!

Awards

Each Spring semester, the chapters and members of the fraternity and sorority community have an opportunity to apply for awards based on the events and programs from the previous calendar year. The awards offered include both individual awards, as well as chapter awards.

  • Dr. Dana Burnett, Outstanding Fraternity Man/Sorority Woman of the Year
    This award recognizes one Fraternity member and one Sorority member for their outstanding leadership, service, GPA, and overall contribution to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community as well as to Old Dominion University.
  • Donald K. Marchand Outstanding Alumni/nae Award
    This award is named in honor of Donald K. Marchand, a past advisor for Sigma Nu Fraternity. Donald Marchand was instrumental in shaping the ODU Fraternity & Sorority Life community and exemplified the qualities of an outstanding advisor and volunteer. This award recognizes a chapter advisor or alumni/ae volunteer who possesses outstanding qualities and contributions to their respective chapter, as well as to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community. All advisors and alumni/ae volunteers must not have been a recipient of the 2021 Donald K. Marchand Outstanding Alumni/ae Award.

  • Best Program

    Community Service/Philanthropy: Community Service or Philanthropy event/program executed by chapter

    Leadership: Leadership program planned and executed by chapter for chapter members, ODU Students, or community

    Risk Management: Program encouraging healthy behaviors and choices executed by chapter. It needs to be a program that is not a direct initiative of inter/national organization, but rather a program designed by local ODU chapter.

    Diversity & Inclusion: Program/Event directly promoting diversity and inclusion efforts within ODU student community or outside of ODU.

    Co-Sponsorship: Co-sponsored program within the ODU Fraternity & Sorority Life community. Both organizations have to submit separate applications in order to be considered.

  • Outstanding New Member of the Year
    This award is given to one IFC member, one MGC member, one NPHC member, and one PHC member, who joined during the Spring 2021 or Fall 2021 semesters. The criterion includes their leadership, service, GPA, and overall contribution to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community as well as to Old Dominion University.

  • Selfless Helper
    This award will be given to five outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life members who have excelled within the Fraternity & Sorority Life community but have not been recognized. The applicant should be an unsung hero who puts in hours of behind-the-scenes work. They are a positive role model and advocate for the ODU Fraternity & Sorority Life community and should value and be committed to the Fraternity & Sorority Life ideals and the university.

  • Outstanding Senior
    This award will be given to five seniors or collegiate members graduating or accepting alumni status by or before December 2022, who have excelled in leadership, scholarship, service, or campus involvement. Nominees cannot be recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life Senior Award

  • Outstanding Community Service
    This award recognizes one Fraternity member and one Sorority member for their outstanding commitment to service within the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community, the University community, and the local community. Nominees must be in good standing with their Chapter and the University.

  • Dr. Dana Burnett, Outstanding Fraternity Man/Sorority Woman of the Year
    This award recognizes one Fraternity member and one Sorority member for their outstanding leadership, service, GPA, and overall contribution to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community as well as to Old Dominion University.

  • Outstanding New Member of the Year
    This award is given to one IFC member, one MGC member, one NPHC member, and one PHC member, who joined during the Spring 2021 or Fall 2021 semesters. The criterion includes their leadership, service, GPA, and overall contribution to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community as well as to Old Dominion University.

  • Selfless Helper
    This award will be given to five outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life members who have excelled within the Fraternity & Sorority Life community but have not been recognized. The applicant should be an unsung hero who puts in hours of behind-the-scenes work. They are a positive role model and advocate for the ODU Fraternity & Sorority Life community and should value and be committed to the Fraternity & Sorority Life ideals and the university.

  • Outstanding Senior
    This award will be given to five seniors or collegiate members graduating or accepting alumni status by or before December 2022, who have excelled in leadership, scholarship, service, or campus involvement. Nominees cannot be recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life Senior Award.

  • Outstanding Community Service
    This award recognizes one Fraternity member and one Sorority member for their outstanding commitment to service within the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community, the University community, and the local community. Nominees must be in good standing with their Chapter and the University.

Nomination is not required.

  • Academic Achievement Awards (both chapter and individual)

  • Outstanding IFC Chapter (determined by the Standards Evaluation)

  • Outstanding NPHC Chapter (determined by the Standards Evaluation)

  • Outstanding PHC Chapter (determined by the Standards Evaluation)

  • Outstanding MGC Chapter (determined by the Standards Evaluation)

Fraternity and Sorority Life Chapter of the Year will be selected from the winners of the results of the Standards Evaluation.

  • Dr. Dana Burnett, Outstanding Fraternity Man/Sorority Woman of the Year
    This award recognizes one Fraternity member and one Sorority member for their outstanding leadership, service, GPA, and overall contribution to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community as well as to Old Dominion University.
  • Donald K. Marchand Outstanding Alumni/nae Award
    This award is named in honor of Donald K. Marchand, a past advisor for Sigma Nu Fraternity. Donald Marchand was instrumental in shaping the ODU Fraternity & Sorority Life community and exemplified the qualities of an outstanding advisor and volunteer. This award recognizes a chapter advisor or alumni/ae volunteer who possesses outstanding qualities and contributions to their respective chapter, as well as to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community. All advisors and alumni/ae volunteers must not have been a recipient of the 2021 Donald K. Marchand Outstanding Alumni/ae Award.

  • Best Program

    Community Service/Philanthropy: Community Service or Philanthropy event/program executed by chapter

    Leadership: Leadership program planned and executed by chapter for chapter members, ODU Students, or community

    Risk Management: Program encouraging healthy behaviors and choices executed by chapter. It needs to be a program that is not a direct initiative of inter/national organization, but rather a program designed by local ODU chapter.

    Diversity & Inclusion: Program/Event directly promoting diversity and inclusion efforts within ODU student community or outside of ODU.

    Co-Sponsorship: Co-sponsored program within the ODU Fraternity & Sorority Life community. Both organizations have to submit separate applications in order to be considered.

  • Outstanding New Member of the Year
    This award is given to one IFC member, one MGC member, one NPHC member, and one PHC member, who joined during the Spring 2021 or Fall 2021 semesters. The criterion includes their leadership, service, GPA, and overall contribution to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community as well as to Old Dominion University.

  • Selfless Helper
    This award will be given to five outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life members who have excelled within the Fraternity & Sorority Life community but have not been recognized. The applicant should be an unsung hero who puts in hours of behind-the-scenes work. They are a positive role model and advocate for the ODU Fraternity & Sorority Life community and should value and be committed to the Fraternity & Sorority Life ideals and the university.

  • Outstanding Senior
    This award will be given to five seniors or collegiate members graduating or accepting alumni status by or before December 2022, who have excelled in leadership, scholarship, service, or campus involvement. Nominees cannot be recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life Senior Award

  • Outstanding Community Service
    This award recognizes one Fraternity member and one Sorority member for their outstanding commitment to service within the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community, the University community, and the local community. Nominees must be in good standing with their Chapter and the University.

  • Dr. Dana Burnett, Outstanding Fraternity Man/Sorority Woman of the Year
    This award recognizes one Fraternity member and one Sorority member for their outstanding leadership, service, GPA, and overall contribution to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community as well as to Old Dominion University.

  • Outstanding New Member of the Year
    This award is given to one IFC member, one MGC member, one NPHC member, and one PHC member, who joined during the Spring 2021 or Fall 2021 semesters. The criterion includes their leadership, service, GPA, and overall contribution to the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community as well as to Old Dominion University.

  • Selfless Helper
    This award will be given to five outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life members who have excelled within the Fraternity & Sorority Life community but have not been recognized. The applicant should be an unsung hero who puts in hours of behind-the-scenes work. They are a positive role model and advocate for the ODU Fraternity & Sorority Life community and should value and be committed to the Fraternity & Sorority Life ideals and the university.

  • Outstanding Senior
    This award will be given to five seniors or collegiate members graduating or accepting alumni status by or before December 2022, who have excelled in leadership, scholarship, service, or campus involvement. Nominees cannot be recipients of the 2021 Outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Life Senior Award.

  • Outstanding Community Service
    This award recognizes one Fraternity member and one Sorority member for their outstanding commitment to service within the Fraternity & Sorority Life Community, the University community, and the local community. Nominees must be in good standing with their Chapter and the University.

Nomination is not required.

  • Academic Achievement Awards (both chapter and individual)

  • Outstanding IFC Chapter (determined by the Standards Evaluation)

  • Outstanding NPHC Chapter (determined by the Standards Evaluation)

  • Outstanding PHC Chapter (determined by the Standards Evaluation)

  • Outstanding MGC Chapter (determined by the Standards Evaluation)

Fraternity and Sorority Life Chapter of the Year will be selected from the winners of the results of the Standards Evaluation.

Academic Student Success

ODU is committed to the academic excellence of all students and provides a variety of resources to support student success, including important resources for our undergraduate students.