The task force proposed two recommendations to Dr. Leslie Webb for consideration of the initial charge and action items. They also sought final feedback from chapter leadership on the recommendations in January 2021.
Recommendation 1
The fraternity and sorority community will adopt a set of standards for conduct, member development, and accountability. The standards will serve as a baseline framework and set of expectations for every chapter within the community.
These community standards were developed based on the responses from a survey sent to every active fraternity and sorority member in October 2020. They were further informed by a discussion with chapter advisors at a meeting on November 17, 2020. Finally, the task force also consulted assessment data for the Boise State University fraternity and sorority community and a review of research and high-impact practices that contribute to student growth and success.
There are 7 community standards:
- Academic Achievement
All chapters should actively work to support members in their academic efforts, promote lifelong learning, and create opportunities for growth and improvement related to academic excellence.
- Chapter Management
A high-performing chapter is one that is attentive to detail in all areas of chapter operations. They are organized, efficient, and timely.
- Equity and Inclusion
To achieve equity and inclusion for all members of our community, fraternities and sororities must make intentional efforts to examine and make changes to their current practices and cultures.
- External Relations
As members of the Boise State community, your organization represents the Bronco Standard just as it does your national organization. Chapters should be proactive in maintaining a positive image with alumni, community members, inter/national organizations, non-affiliated students, parents, and staff and faculty.
- Member Recruitment and Development
Developing members throughout their membership experience is a hallmark of membership in a fraternity and sorority. Chapters should identify methods to engage members in ongoing education, skill building, and leadership development.
- Risk Reduction
The fraternity and sorority experience should include the promotion of healthy lifestyles, understanding expectations, and organizational accountability both internally and externally. The health and wellbeing of members is paramount.
- Service and Philanthropy
As part of a community, fraternity and sorority members can serve as change agents to address community needs, advocate for important causes, and change the world. Service includes giving of our time and talents. Philanthropy includes raising money or resources to assist the mission of a charitable organization.
Recommendation 2
Each Boise State fraternity and sorority chapter will be asked to participate in an annual chapter excellence program called Breakthrough. This accrediting program will be focused on lifting up individual chapters and the entire community through a process of continuous improvement. It will be based around the 7 community standards.
Every chapter is different in what it excels at and what it is challenged by currently. Because of this, Breakthrough will not be a ‘one size fits all’ model. Instead, it will:
- Encourage each chapter to assess their current reality
- Determine goals to fit their individual needs
- Develop plans to meet established goals
- Reflect on success and opportunities for improvement.
Each chapter will be automatically enrolled in Breakthrough. The process will operate on a points-possible system, meaning that all components will have a value assigned to them and it is the chapter’s responsibility to complete each component in a timely and thorough manner to receive credit.
The chapter excellence program is in development through a review of accreditation programs at other institutions and consultation with headquarters staff. It will be informed by feedback from university stakeholders, alumni, and chapter members.
Breakthrough will be introduced to chapter leaders in spring 2022 and launched in the following fall.