Accreditation program improves
chapter operations

2007-08 marked the third year of Theta Xi’s Chapter Accreditation program.  As the Grand Lodge looks to evaluate the program this year, the work of chapter officers and members along with their advisors and alumni officers has demonstrated an impressive ability to build stronger chapters.

The program is based on holding chapters accountable to nine standards that address the foundations of chapter operations.  These nine standards (summarized below) form the template for the Annual Report To The Fraternity that each chapter and colony must file by June 1 of each school year.

The results of this annual reporting process demonstrate amazing improvements that have raised the bar across the board in Theta Xi.  A chapter must achieve at least six of nine standards to maintain accreditation and to qualify for national awards.   Over each of the past three years, the number of chapters accredited has increased.  Additionally, the number of total accreditation standards achieved by the chapters has grown each year.  A summary of their accreditation results are shown below:

A detailed report on each chapter's performance is available in .pdf format at
2007-2008 Accreditation Results.

As a critical component of Theta Xi’s Leadership Initiative, the Nine Standards of Operations, Annual Report To The Fraternity and Accreditation Program has proved its worth and value.  More important, it’s been a win-win situation.  Chapters are getting stronger which builds a stronger national organization.

A brief description of the Nine Standards of Operations is included here:

1.   RITUAL - The chapter shall conduct a Ritual meeting whenever business is conducted. 

2.    RECRUITMENT - Each chapter shall have at least 30 undergraduate members at the end of the school year, including graduating members.

3.   MEMBER EDUCATION - Each chapter shall utilize the core associate member education program from Alpha Nine and ongoing education for all members.

4.    SCHOLARSHIP - Each chapter shall maintain a chapter grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

5.   FINANCES - The chapter is current with all fees due to Fraternity Headquarters, to the chapter’s alumni association/housing corporation, and to their campus IFC/IGC.

6.    CHAPTER OPERATIONS - The chapter submits all forms to Fraternity Headquarters on a timely basis, maintains accurate membership records with Fraternity Headquarters, has no violations of campus or Fraternity policy, is represented at all national organization meetings, and the membership places a priority on attending chapter meetings. 

7.   CAMPUS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS - The chapter participates in service projects, has a positive reputation on their campus and in their community, and chapter members provide leadership on their campus. 

8.   HOUSING - Separate criteria for housed and non-housed chapters:

                Housed Chapters:  The chapter has a house that is operating at a profit.

Unhoused Chapters:  A savings account in control of the alumni association has been established that the chapter contributes to every term that can be used for future needs, including housing.

9.    ALUMNI - The chapter has a chapter advisor, a faculty advisor, and an alumni association board.