Standards of Excellence
Download the Northwestern University Fraternity & Sorority Life Standards of Excellence Program Guide (PDF)
Purpose
The purpose of the Standards of Excellence is to ensure that each fraternity and sorority provides its members with the highest quality experience, grounded in the core principles of our FSL community: wellness, accountability, chapter development, social justice, and campus & community partnership
Philosophy
Fraternity & Sorority Life believes that every chapter has the power to elevate both its own organization and the broader Northwestern community. The Standards of Excellence program empowers chapters to chart their own course toward success while meeting essential standards of compliance and efficiency. Recognizing that each chapter is unique, this program encourages chapters to assess their needs, plan strategically, and execute goals tailored to their individual vision. Through this approach, chapters can foster sustainable, positive change that aligns with the overarching vision, mission, and core values of the Fraternity & Sorority Life community.
Chapter Coaching
Fraternity & Sorority Life is committed to supporting chapters through ongoing, intentional conversations about their development. We believe this should be a continuous process where chapters explore and implement better ways to serve both their organization and the broader community.
Q1 - Strategic Goal Setting
- Chapters will conduct an assessment to identify their strengths and areas for growth. The purpose of this assessment is to help chapters better understand their current situation and evaluate how to create a more impactful membership experience. Chapters should assess members’ attitudes and beliefs, as well as quantitative data (e.g., GPA, conduct violations, chapter surveys). Chapters are encouraged to involve stakeholders such as members, alumni, chapter advisors, regional advisors, and/or inter/national headquarters staff in the assessment process. Chapters should align their assessments with the Vision, Purpose, Core Values, and Standards of Excellence Philosophy of Fraternity & Sorority Life, as well as their own organization’s guiding principles.
- After completing the assessment, chapters should use the results to create strategic goals and an action plan for implementation. These will be reviewed with the Chapter Coach to identify potential support opportunities. The goals and action plan will form the foundation of the chapter's final report.
- Chapters must complete the assessment and develop their strategic goals and action plan within one month of a leadership transition. This ensures that the new leadership team has a clear understanding of the chapter’s current status and goals, allowing them to move forward with a focused strategy for success.
Q2 - Progress Review
- Chapters are expected to review and discuss the progress of their strategic goals from the previous quarter with their Chapter Coach during their scheduled meeting this quarter. During this review, chapters should provide a detailed update on each goal, including any milestones achieved, challenges encountered, and next steps. Additionally, chapters should assess whether any adjustments to their original action plan are necessary to stay on track or improve outcomes. This progress review will ensure chapters remain aligned with their strategic objectives and can proactively address any emerging needs or obstacles.
Q3 - Final Report & Transition
- Chapters will prepare a final report to be discussed during their scheduled meeting with the Chapter Coach this quarter. This report serves as a reflection on the chapter’s progress and a tool for future planning.
- The final report should provide a comprehensive summary of the chapter’s progress in achieving its strategic goals, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for growth. Additionally, chapters should include key lessons learned, the impact on members, and any recommendations for ongoing development. Optional sections may include: chapter achievements, feedback from members, and insights for improving future goal-setting processes. The report should be concise and limited to one double-sided page.
- To ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition, chapters must review their transition plan with their Chapter Coach. This discussion should cover key areas such as officer training, the creation or updating of transition resources, and support for new leadership in preparing for the upcoming term. It is strongly recommended that incoming leaders be present at this transition meeting to ensure alignment and continuity as they assume their roles.