Purpose

Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Iowa fosters a holistic collegiate experience by providing students with opportunities to belong, serve, lead, thrive, and succeed. These five opportunities have been outlined as the foundation for a healthy and successful chapter that advances the mission of each chapter on campus. Fraternity and Sorority Life has established the Hawkeye Excellence and Goal Achievement Program to support the planning, progress, and sustainability of social fraternities and sororities on campus, along with acknowledging achievements throughout the calendar year.

Vision

The vision for Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Iowa is to create an environment for the students, chapters, councils, and the overall community to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviors to achieve their individual and collective goals through intentional coaching, education, and programming that stems from research and assessment data.

 Fraternity and Sorority Life Support

Fraternity and Sorority Life is dedicated to supporting organizations to meet the recognition requirements and excel in target areas. To that end, FSL will provide the following:

Programming

  • Membership experience programs that onboard members to the fraternity and sorority community and communicate expectations and aspirations of fraternity and sorority membership
  • Leadership development programming to provide aspiring leaders with vital skills and knowledge to have a positive impact

Guidance and Accountability

  • Advising, support, and guidance for the four governing councils, Order of Omega, Programming Board and other community initiatives, as appropriate
  • Coaching and support for individual organization success
  • Annual review of chapter recognition and achievement of standards

Resources

  • Liaison and referrals to other campus offices that may assist chapters in providing programming and development opportunities for their members
  • Communication regarding programming, outreach, service, and philanthropic opportunities throughout the year

Promotion and Recognition

  • Recognition of chapters who are meeting and exceeding target areas, as well as establishing goals for areas of opportunity
  • Publicizing a report each semester (February/June) highlighting the important aspects of each organization at the University of Iowa and their achievement in the Hawkeye Excellence and Goal Achievement Program
  • Advertising the collective accomplishments of the community, as well as individual initiatives, as appropriate

Hawkeye Excellence and Goal Achievement Program Guidelines

Reviewing of Chapter Standing

At the end of each semester, chapter activity will be reviewed and evaluated by FSL. FSL will determine the progress and achievement of each chapter in all focus areas at the end of each spring semester, as well as the overall standing of each chapter at the end of each fall semester. Chapter leaders and advisors will receive a mid-year report in June each year and a final report in February each year. FSL coaches will meet with each chapter president to discuss the organization’s successes, areas of opportunity, and goals for the subsequent year.

Process

All chapters are responsible for reporting the Recognition Requirements and their activities and achievement by the deadlines established in this document or communicated by FSL. Chapters are encouraged to report on their activities as they occur to ensure all activities are reported accurately. However, at minimum, reports must be submitted by the deadlines outlined.

Chapters must comply with all provisions of the Recognition Requirements articulated in this document to be considered a recognized student organization at the University of Iowa. In addition, chapters that exceed all targets in any of the focus areas (i.e. Academic Achievement, Campus and Community Involvement, Civic Engagement, Council Involvement, Education and Learning, Financial Stewardship, Health and Safety, Leadership Development, Membership Growth and Development, Stakeholder Engagement) will be considered for recognition of excellence in that area. Chapters that meet standards across 6 or more focus areas will be recognized for Standards Achievement. Chapters that exceed standards across 6 or more focus areas will be recognized as a Hawkeye Excellence Chapter and will be considered for Chapter of the Year. 

Recognition Requirements

For a chapter to be a recognized organization through FSL and at the university, the chapter must update and provide information to FSL each semester.  

Recognition requirements include: 

 
ItemItem to be SubmittedMethod of SubmissionDeadline for Submission
R.1Chapter Certificate of InsuranceEngage FormAnnually by expiration date on the certificate.
R.2Organization RegistrationEngage Registration

Academic Term Officers: May 1-31

Semesterly Term Officers: May 1-31

Calendar Term Officers: December 1-31

R.3Member/Officer Roster Update (any changes to members, new members, officers, advisors)

Roster Management System

President Contact Update

Chapter Officer Contact Update

 

Spring Roster 1: February 1

Spring Roster 2: April 15

Fall Roster 1: September 1

Fall Roster 2: November 15

Failure to update or provide required information with FSL by the designated deadline will result in the organization being placed on a “frozen” status in Engage. Organizations that are “frozen” lose organization privileges, such as the ability to register and host events, book rooms on campus, utilize campus facilities, and participate in campus-sponsored events and programs.

Focus Area 1: Academic Achievement

Members of the fraternity and sorority community at Iowa will strive for excellence in their academic endeavors. Organizations will provide support for academic achievement of chapter members to ensure their individual and collective intellectual development and academic success. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in academic achievement.

ItemStandardOpportunity for GrowthMeets StandardExceeds Standard
1.aAcademic Achievement PlanChapter does not submit or implement an Academic Achievement PlanChapter submits and implements an Academic Achievement PlanChapter submits and implements an Academic Achievement Plan that challenges members to strive for academic success, provides scholastic support, and recognizes improvement and excellence in academic performance
1.bChapter Semester GPA at or above peer group average1Below peer group averageAt peer group averageExceeds peer group average
1.cChapter Semester GPA at or above average compared to previous year (fall to fall and spring to spring comparison)Below previous chapter semester averageAt previous chapter semester averageExceeds previous chapter semester average
1.dChapter Percentage of Members on Dean’s List and President’s ListBelow the all-university percentage of undergraduate students on the combined Dean’s List and President’s ListAt the all-university percentage of undergraduate students on the combined Dean’s List and President’s ListAbove the all-university percentage of undergraduate students on the combined Dean’s List and President’s List
1.eChapter New Member Semester GPA at or above peer group average2Below peer group averageAt peer group averageExceeds peer group average

1,2 Fraternities will be compared to the all-men’s GPA. Sororities will be compared to the all-women’s GPA. 

Reporting

Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

Item to be submittedmethod of submissionDeadline for Submission
Academic Achievement Plan (1.a)Engage FormMarch 1

Focus Area 2: Campus and Community Involvement

Members in the fraternity and sorority community will participate in activities that help them to build positive relationships and learn about various areas and individuals throughout the Iowa and Iowa City community. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in campus and community involvement.

ItemStandardOpportunity for GrowthMeets StandardExceeds Standard
2.aChapter engages in university or Iowa City community events focused on campus pride and traditions, career and academic enhancement, and creating a welcoming and respective campus environment (i.e. Homecoming, Dance Marathon, Thursdays at the IMU, Career Fair, Day of Dialogue, Engagement Fair/Fest, Taste of Iowa City etc…)3Chapter does not engage in at least 2 university or Iowa City community events with 80% of its membership participating between the total number of eventsChapter engages in at least 2 university or Iowa City community events with 80% of its membership participating between the total number of eventsChapter engages in at least 2 university or Iowa City community events with 100% of its membership participating between the total number of events
2.bChapter members participate in student organizations, campus leadership opportunities, or challenging academic activities outside of their fraternity or sorority each semester (i.e. student organizations, new student orientation, resident assistant, USG, internship, undergraduate research, work study)Less than 70% of the chapter’s membership participates in involvement opportunities outside of their fraternity or sororityAt least 70% of the chapter’s membership participates in involvement opportunities outside of their fraternity or sorority each semesterAt least 85% of the chapter’s membership participates in involvement opportunities outside of their fraternity or sorority each semester

3 Events requiring chapter participation to meet governing council obligations are excluded. Organization meetings or events primarily sponsored by fraternities, sororities, or governing councils also do not fulfill this standard. Iowa athletic events will not be considered. 

Reporting

Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

Item to be SubmittedMethod of SubmissionDeadline for Submission
Program Evaluation (2.a)Engage FormMay 8 and December 11
Member Engagement List (2.b) Engage FormMay 8 and December 11

 

Focus Area 3: Civic Engagement

Members in the fraternity and sorority community will participate in activities that allow them to become positively engaged in and give back to their local, state, national, and global communities. This includes engagement in community service, service-learning, and philanthropic activities. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in civic engagement.

ItemStandardopportunity for growthmeets standardexceeds standard
3.aChapter members participate in hands-on community service opportunities4Average number of hours per chapter member is less than 8 hours per yearAverage number of hours per chapter member is between 8-10 hours per year with more than 80% of the membership actively volunteeringAverage number of hours per chapter member is more than 10 hours per year with more than 80% of the membership actively volunteering
3.bChapter collectively engages in community service projects5Chapter does not engage in community service projects with more than 50% of the membership actively volunteeringChapter engages in at least 1 community service project with more than 50% of the membership actively volunteeringChapter engages in education and reflection prior to and following community service projects to enhance members’ sense of civic responsibility and understanding of other perspectives and cultures
3.cChapter collectively implements philanthropic events or initiatives6Chapter does not implement philanthropic events in which more than 50% of the membership participates in the event(s)Chapter implements at least 1 philanthropic event in which more than 50% of the membership participates in the event(s) and reports money raised or goods collected, if applicableChapter engages in education and reflection prior to and following philanthropy events to enhance members’ sense of civic responsibility and understanding of other perspectives and cultures and reports money raised or goods collected, if applicable

4,5 

Working or attending a philanthropy event does not qualify as community service hours. Community service is active participation and hands-on interactions with organizations or individuals that benefit from your time, allowing you to make a connection between yourself, the skills you offer, and the needs of the community. 

6 Participating in or attending a philanthropy event does not qualify. Fraternities and sororities must sponsor and host an event that raises money, collects goods, or provides education for a worthwhile cause. A philanthropy event is defined as a program where the nonprofit organization is the primary focus and raises money or awareness for a philanthropic cause. 

Reporting
Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

Item to be submittedmethod of submissiondeadline for submission
Community Service HoursEngage FormMay 8 and December 11
Program EvaluationEngage FormMay 8 and December 11

Focus Area 4: Council Involvement

Fraternities and sororities are most successful when they maintain positive and supportive relationships with chapters across all four fraternity and sorority governing councils (IFC, MGC, NPHC, PHC) at Iowa. The university believes that fraternities and sororities should collaborate with their inter/national organizations and actively participate in their respective governing council. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in council involvement.

ItemStandardOpportunity for GrowthMeets StandardExceeds Standard
4.aChapter is recognized and maintains good standing with a governing council (IFC, MGC, NPHC, PHC)7Chapter is not in good standing with the governing councilChapter is in good standing with a governing councilChapter is considered a model organization among its peers based on criteria outlined by a governing council’s constitution and bylaws 
4.bChapter participates in events with each governing council and/or chapters from each governing council8Chapter does not participate in events with each governing council and/or chapters from each governing councilChapter engages in at least 4 events, 1 with each governing council and/or chapters from each governing council, with 80% of its membership participating between the number of eventsChapter engages in at least 4 events, 1 with each governing council and/or chapters from each governing council, with 100% of its members participating between the number of events
4.cEngagement in Governing Council Leadership (Executive Board, Judicial Board, Recruitment Guide, etc…)Chapter has no members run for council leadership, is not represented on the governing council executive board, or does not participate in council leadership opportunitiesChapter member(s) run for council leadership, are elected to the governing council executive board, or are selected to serve in a leadership role led by a council executive board officerN/A

7 Governing councils will provide documentation of chapter standing at the end of each calendar year.

8 Events involving alcohol or recruitment/intake are excluded.

Reporting

item to be submittedmethod of submissiondeadline for submission
Program Evaluation (4.b)Engage FormMay 8 and December 11

Focus Area 5: Education and Learning

Fraternities and sororities at Iowa will enhance their members’ individual and personal development by providing high-impact experiences and learning opportunities. These activities should promote leadership, self-awareness, teamwork, critical thinking, cultural competence, creativity, and intellectual growth. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in education and learning.

ItemStandardOpportunity for GrowthMeets StandardExceeds Standard
5.aChapter engages in educational programs addressing hazing, mental health and wellness, violence prevention, alcohol and other drugs, healthy relations, values congruence, accountability, bystander intervention, or creating a respective and welcoming environment9Chapter engages in less than 3 educational programs with more than 50 % of membership actively participatingChapter engages in 3-5 educational programs with more than 50% of the membership actively participating between the number of programsChapter engages in 6 or more educational programs with more than 75% of the membership actively participating between the number of programs
5.bAnnual Engagement in New Member Academy sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life10Less than 100% of the chapter’s first-year members completed required New Member Academy ICON modules100% of the chapter’s first-year members completed required New Member Academy ICON modules100% of the chapter’s first-year members completed required New Member Academy ICON modules on time
5.cEngagement in Fraternity and Sorority Life Current Events Course (Spring Semester)Chapter has no members enrolled in the courseChapter has 1 member enrolled in the courseN/A

9 Educational programs fulfilling university or inter/national organization outcomes or sanctions for misconduct or policy violations are excluded.

10 Chapters with past due completion will be placed on a “frozen” status on Engage. Organizations that are “frozen” lose organization privileges, such as the ability to register and host events, book rooms on campus, utilize campus facilities, and participate in campus-sponsored events and programs.

Reporting
Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

item to be submittedmethod of submissiondeadline for submission
Program Evaluation (5.a)Engage FormMay 8 and December 12

Focus Area 6: Financial Stewardship

Fraternities and sororities are most successful when they employ sound financial practices that reflect stewardship and create transparency. As a result, members are able to evaluate their membership experience and return on investment. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in financial stewardship.

ItemStandardopportunity for growthmeets standardexceeds Standard
6.aChapter prepares a budget to present to its membership and advisor for approval11Chapter does not submit evidence of a prepared budgetChapter submits evidence of a prepared budget approved by its membership and advisorChapter submits evidence of a prepared budget that is approved by its membership and advisor and considers the organization’s stewardship and members’ return on investment
6.bChapter conducts a mid-year assessment, evaluating its financial successes and failures12Chapter does not conduct a mid-year assessmentChapter conducts and submits evidence of a mid-year assessmentChapter conducts and submits evidence of a mid-year assessment that considers and reflects on the organization’s stewardship and members’ return on investment
6.cChapter conducts a year-end assessment, evaluating its financial successes and failures13Chapter does not conduct a year-end assessmentChapter conducts and submits evidence of a year-end assessmentChapter conducts and submits evidence of a year-end assessment that considers and reflects on the organization’s stewardship and member’ return on investment

11 Appropriate evidence includes a prepared chapter budget and/or a letter confirming approval of the prepared budget by chapter membership signed by the chapter advisor. Concerning line items may result in further discussions with your FSL Chapter Coach and/or the Office of Student Accountability.

12, 13 Appropriate evidence includes official chapter expense reports and/or written analysis signed by the chapter advisor.

Reporting
Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

Item to be SubmittedMethod of SubmissionDeadline for Submission
Chapter Budget (6.a)Engage FormFebruary 1
Chapter Budget Assessment (6.b, 6.c)Engage FormMay 8 and December 11

Focus Area 7: Health and Safety

Members of the fraternity and sorority community at Iowa shall comply with risk management policies set forth by the university and their inter/national organization. Fraternities and sororities have a responsibility to create and maintain safe, constructive, and positive spaces for their members and guests. Organizations that are found responsible for misconduct or university policy violations by the Office of Student Accountability during the calendar year will automatically be issued an “Opportunity for Growth” rating for the health and safety focus area. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in chapter health and safety.

ItemStandardOpportunity for GrowthMeets StandardExceeds Standard
7.aRisk Prevention and Safety Plan14Chapter does not submit or implement a Risk Prevention and Safety PlanChapter submits and implements a Risk Prevention and Safety Plan and reports their progressChapter submits and implements a Risk Prevention and Safety Plan that includes intervention strategies based on the PREFF model and reports their progress
7.b2025-2026 Annual Engagement in Violence Prevention Education (VPE) Tiers 1 sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Women’s Resource and Action CenterLess than 80% of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education80% of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education90% or more of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education
7.c2025-2026 Annual Engagement in Violence Prevention Education (VPE) Tier 2 sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Women’s Resource and Action CenterLess than 80% of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education80% of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education90% or more of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education
7.d2025-2026 Annual Engagement in Violence Prevention Education (VPE) Tier 3 sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Women’s Resource and Action CenterLess than 80% of the chapter’s third-year members completed Violence Prevention Education80% of the chapter’s third-year members completed Violence Prevention Education90% or more of the chapter’s third-year members completed Violence Prevention Education
7.e2025-2026 Annual Engagement in Violence Prevention Education (VPE) Tier 4 sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Women’s Resource and Action CenterLess than 80% of the chapter’s fourth-year+ members completed Violence Prevention Education80% of the chapter’s fourth-year+ members completed Violence Prevention Education90% or more of chapter’s the fourth-year+ members completed Violence Prevention Education
7.f2025-2026 Annual Engagement in Alcohol and U Education sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Wellness15Less than 80% of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education80% of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education90% or more of the chapter’s members completed Violence Prevention Education

14 Chapters are not permitted to host events with alcohol until an acceptable Risk Prevention and Safety Plan is submitted and approved by FSL.
15 Chapters are expected to host Alcohol and U in a campus building. Rooms can be reserved through IMU Event Services-Mazevo or through Classroom Scheduling

Reporting
Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

item to be submittedmethod of submissiondeadline for submission
Risk Prevention and Safety Plan (7.a)Engage FormFebruary 1

Focus Area 8: Leadership Development

Fraternities and sororities at Iowa will foster leadership potential within their members throughout all stages of their academic career by providing and encouraging meaningful experiences locally and nationally. These activities should promote integrity, responsible and ethical decision-making, and setting an example for others. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in leadership development. 

ItemStandardOpportunity for GrowthMeets StandardExceeds Standard
8.aEngagement in Leadership LAUNCH sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority LifeLess than 80% of the incoming executive board completes Leadership LAUNCH and submits officer goals.80% of the incoming executive board completes Leadership LAUNCH and submits officer goals.100% of the incoming executive board completes Leadership LAUNCH and submits officer goals.
8.bOfficer Transitions16Chapter does not plan or implement a retreat or meeting for newly elected officers to be properly transitioned by outgoing officersChapter plans and implements a retreat or meeting for newly elected officers to be properly transitioned by outgoing officersChapter plans and implements a retreat or meeting for newly elected officers to be properly transitioned by outgoing officers that included engagement in mid-range (3-5 years) chapter planning and goal setting
8.cEngagement in officer training programs sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life (ADVANCE Leadership Summit, Phired Up Recruiter Certification, Welcome Back Leadership Summit, etc…)17Chapter has partial or no participation in officer training programsChapter has full participation in officer training programsN/A
8.dEngagement in leadership development experiences sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life (ASCEND Rising Leaders Retreat, etc…)Chapter has no participation in leadership development experiencesChapter has full participation in leadership development experiencesChapter has full participation in leadership development experiences and either has at least 1 member serve as an ASCEND Peer Educator or attends ISLE or UIFI 18
8.eChapter participates in monthly Cooperative Meetings (Formerly known as All Council Meetings) 19Chapter has partial or no participation in the CooperativeChapter has full participation in the CooperativeN/A
8.fEngagement in leadership programs or business meetings sponsored by the chapter’s inter/national or regional organization (Officer Training, Convention, Conclave, Regional Conference, Regional Meeting, Leadership Academy, etc…)20Chapter is not represented at an inter/national or regional leadership program or business meetingAt least 1 chapter member attended an inter/national or regional program or business meetingChapter hosts at least 1 inter/national or regional program or business meeting, sends more than the minimum number of representatives, or submitted application for an inter/national award

16 Chapter advisors, graduate chapter members, regional representatives, or inter/national representatives should be involved in officer transition activities. In addition, officers should collectively prepare goals to move the chapter towards excellence as defined by the university and their inter/national organization.

17 Chapters must have an executive board member replacement if unable to attend. Absences due to scheduling or academic commitments must be excused by FSL, in writing, at least 2 weeks prior to the program. Officer or member absences due to family or medical emergencies must be excused by FSL, in writing, at least 24 hours prior to the program. 

18 ISLE stands for the Iowa Student Leadership Experience, which occurs in the spring semester in February and members can sign up through Engage. UIFI stands for the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and is for members of all governing councils, which occurs during the summer and Fraternity and Sorority Life will be awarding 4 registration scholarships per year for members of the Iowa Fraternity and Sorority Life community to attend.

19 Chapters must have an executive board member replacement if unable to attend. Absences due to scheduling or academic commitments must be excused by FSL, in writing, at least 2 weeks prior to the program. Officer or member absences due to family or medical emergencies must be excused by FSL, in writing, at least 24 hours prior to the program. 

20 As a reminder, many inter/national organizations offer scholarships to members interested in attending regional or national leadership programs outside of FSL.

Reporting
Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

Item to be SubmittedMethod of SubmissionDeadline for Submission
Leadership LAUNCH (8.a)ICON/Qualtrics

Fall Elections: January 23, 2027

Spring Elections: TBD

Semesterly Elections: January 23, 2027 

Officer Transition Program Evaluation Forms (8.b)Engage Form

Fall Elections: February 15

Spring Elections: September 1

Semesterly Elections: February 15 & September 1

Program Evaluation (8.f)Engage FormMay 8 and December 11

Focus Area 9: Membership Growth and Development

Members of the fraternity and sorority community will participate in activities that allow them to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become well-rounded and civically engaged. Chapter leadership will work with their members to identify appropriate growth and development. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in membership growth and development.

ItemStandardopportunity for growthmeets standardexceeds Standard
9.aGrowth and Sustainability Plan21Chapter does not submit or implement a Growth and Sustainability PlanChapter submits and implements a Growth and Sustainability Plan Chapter submits and implements a Growth and Sustainability Plan that includes proactive, intentional activities that focus on building authentic relations with potential new members 
9.bNew Member Education/Intake Plan22Chapter does not submit or implement a New Member Education or Intake PlanChapter submits and implements a New Member Education/Intake Plan Chapter submits and implements a New Member Education/Intake Plan that includes new member goal setting 
9.cNew Member Class or Line Chapter does not increase membership with a new member class or line Chapter increases membership with a new member class or line at least once during the calendar yearN/A
9.dMembership Development and Retention PlanChapter does not submit or implement a Membership Development and Retention PlanChapter submits and implements a Membership Development and Retention Plan Chapter submits and implements a Membership Development and Retention Plan that includes strategies to increase member retention and address member development across all years of their college experience 
9.eChapter hosts or supports activities that promote siblinghood and spending quality time with other members (ex. Intramural teams, chapter retreats, movie nights)23Chapter does not engage in siblinghood activitiesChapter engages in and evaluates at least 2 siblinghood activitiesChapter engages in and evaluates at least 2 siblinghood activities that include a discussion of how members define brotherhood/ sisterhood/siblinghood and what expectations they have of one another
9.fPeer Accountability Process24Chapter does not submit evidence of a peer accountability processChapter submits evidence of a peer accountability process approved by its inter/national organizationChapter submits evidence of a peer accountability process that is approved by its inter/national organization and considers the development and behavioral change of members in the process

21 Submitted plans should comply with inter/national policies and include activities and experiences that are meaningful, positive, safe, and constructive. Chapters are not permitted to conduct recruitment or intake activities until an acceptable Growth and Sustainability Plan is submitted and approved by FSL each semester. Chapters below 5 members must meet with their chapter coach to review and discuss.

22 Submitted plans should comply with inter/national policies and be conducive to strong academic performance of all new members. Included activities and experiences should be meaningful, positive, safe, and constructive. Chapters are not permitted to conduct new member or intake activities until an acceptable New Member Education or Intake Plan is submitted and approved by FSL each semester.

23 Activities must be “members only” to qualify. Mandatory chapter meetings or events and events involving alcohol are excluded. Semester-long events, such as intramural teams, only need to be documented once each semester. 

24 Appropriate evidence includes a peer accountability process outlined and/or a letter confirming approval of peer accountability process signed by the chapter advisor. 

Reporting
Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

item to be submittedmethod of submissiondeadline for submission
Growth and Sustainability Plan (9.a)Engage Form

Spring: December 12, 2025

Fall: May 1

New Member Education/Intake Plan  (9.b)Engage Form

Spring: February 6

Fall: September 11

Membership Development and Retention Plan (9.d) Engage FormMarch 1
Program Evaluation (9.e)Engage FormMay 8 and December 11
Peer Accountability Process Outline (9.f)Engage FormFebruary 1

Focus Area 10: Stakeholder Engagement

Fraternities and sororities are most successful when they maintain an active and positive relationship with their respective stakeholders (alumni, graduate chapter members, families). The university believes that fraternities and sororities should discover and implement opportunities for alumni and graduate chapter members to remain involved and families to get involved in and be informed about chapter activities. The following standards will be used to evaluate each chapter’s progress toward excellence in stakeholder engagement.

Itemstandardopportunity for growthmeets standardexceeds standard
10.aChapter provides alumni members opportunities to engage in chapter activities or remain informed of chapter life and events25Chapter does not provide communication or engagement opportunities for alumni or graduate membersChapter publishes an annual alumni newsletterChapter publishes an annual alumni newsletter and hosts at least 1 program that engages alumni or graduate members in meaningful ways
10.bChapter provides family members or chapter member support systems opportunities to engage in chapter activities or remain informed of chapter life and events26Chapter does not provide communication or engagement opportunities for family members or chapter member support systemsChapter publishes an annual newsletter or hosts at least 1 program that engages family members or chapter member support systems in meaningful waysN/A

25,26 Events involving alcohol are excluded.

Reporting
Each chapter must submit the following to Fraternity and Sorority Life:

item to be submittedmethod of submissiondeadline for submission
Program Evaluation (10.a, 10.b)Engage FormMay 8 and December 11

Improvement and Accountability Measures

Improvement and accountability measures are intended to provide support and guidance for chapters that are not meeting a majority of the targets in 1 or more of the focus areas. The following table provides an overview of the action a chapter should expect. 

Target areas for GrowthCorrective actions
1-4 Focus Areas for GrowthChapter works with FSL Chapter Coach to create a Goal Achievement Plan addressing the focus area(s) for growth
5 or more Focus Areas for GrowthChapter schedules and participates in a structured dialogue led by the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, or a designated FSL Staff member, during the month of February that fosters community, builds relationships, and focuses on growth and improvement for the upcoming year. The dialogue will include a majority of the current chapter executive board, council president, council accountability officer, and any council officer whose roles and responsibilities align with the areas of growth. Upon completing the dialogue conversation, the chapter will work with their FSL Chapter Coach to create a Goal Achievement Program that addresses the focus areas for growth and the strategies for improvement discussed. 
5 or more Focus Areas for Growth (Consecutive Years with No Improvement)

Chapter made insufficient progress toward minimum standards and must participate in a structured dialogue with their FSL Chapter Coach, Director of FSL, respective governing council president and peer accountability officer, chapter advisor, inter/national organization representative, and any other relevant stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to remain recognized at Iowa. Following the discussion, FSL will determine the status of the chapter moving forward. University recognition may be withdrawn. If recognition is not withdrawn, specific requirements will be developed that are designed to help the chapter address the most significant deficiencies. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in loss of recognition. 

 

Goal Achievement Plan

Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Iowa believes that a high-functioning and successful chapter is one that has a vision and path toward goal achievement, and this is a tool that will aid in that process. In this process chapters will review data from the previous calendar year and create a Goal Achievement Plan that addresses areas for growth for the upcoming calendar year. The data provided in a final report in February will serve as a yearly benchmark of successes and areas of opportunity for chapter leaders to review historical data and trends and compare their progress from year to year. The purpose of the Goal Achievement Plan is to ensure chapters remain relevant to their inter/national organization, governing council, and the University of Iowa by setting goals that address each area for growth. 

item to be submittedmethod of submissiondeadline for submission
Goal Achievement Plan27Engage FormMarch 1

27 Once the Goal Achievement Plan has been submitted, please set up a meeting with your FSL Chapter Coach to review. The Goal Achievement Plan will also be shared with chapter advisors and inter/national partners.