Scholarship PacketTable of Contents:

Scholarship Incentives and Ideas 1Awarding and Recognition 3Basic Programming 5Innovative Programming 7How to: Scholarship Committee 930 Ways to Showcase Academics 10 Academic Levels of Development 12Tips to a 4.0 13Struggling In The Past 14Sample Academic Plan 15Resources 17

Scholarship Incentives and Ideas:

Tutor and Support: Form tutoring groups by course, major, or related courses. Have a member

who is performing well in the course lead the group. Provide tutors for new members and members having difficulty with a

course through the Center for Academic Success. Distribute a list with every member’s major.

Chapter Programming Minimize activities during midterms, dead week, and final exam week. Set aside a meeting to create a master schedule of member’s classes, test,

and paper/projects due so the scholarship chair can keep track. Provide this calendar for members or post it in a prominent place in the

house by the month.Chapter House/Room Environment

Specify certain areas in the house for study space Establish quiet hours for non-public areas of the house Use a scholarship bulletin board to showcase high achievers of scholarship Create “I need help” or “I can help” bulletin board for members

Recognize Members Highlight a scholar of the week Announce or post names of members who received an A for the past week Invite your favorite professor for an appreciation dinner or event Recognize the new member with the highest GPA, a member in each class

with the highest GPA, and the chapter valedictorianChapter Meeting Activities

Set a chapter GPA goal for the semester Announce drop/add week dates Offer a study tip a week Recognize members who received an A on an assignment Do a peer course evaluation Hold a workshop on choosing a major, study habits, test taking tips, etc. Host a faculty member in your chapter for recognition Announce any Academic Events happening on campus for the week

Statistic to Track The all-men’s average The all-fraternity average The all-undergraduate average

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The average for each class (Freshman, Sophomore, Juniors, Seniors) The average for each pledge class Chart the number of members above each of these statistics and showcase

their achievements in the house or at chapter.Celebration of Achievement

Hold an event after midterms Hold an event just before finals as a spirit boost for the last push Host your favorite faculty member for dinner at chapter or another event Celebrate your chapter GPA is it is above the statistics Publicize academic achievements in the campus newspaper

Campus Challenge Challenge another chapter on campus to a term GPA contest.

o Higher GPA winso Lower GPA hosts a dinner for the winning chaptero Creates a social event from an Academic Competition

Exam Events Have healthy snacks available at the house or designated study space Have a study break with popcorn or yogurt Arrange for parents to send care packages to chapter members Have a finals feast after finals week is completed to celebrate the end of the

semester and the end of examsAwards

Honor members above the all-fraternity/sorority average Recognize the new member with the highest GPA Recognize the member with the highest GPA in each pledge class Recognize the member with the highest GPA in each classification Recognize the big/little member pair with the highest GPA Honor the top 10 members academically in chapter

Awarding and Recognition

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Planning a Scholarship Awards NightThe scholarship committee should take the time to have a scholarship celebration each semester to recognize the accomplishments of chapter members. The activity can be a dinner, a dessert and coffee, or a simple program. All members should be present for the event, and do not forget to invite a few others:

Council Officers Vice President of Student Services Office of Student Activities Staff Greek Life Staff Alumni Faculty Members President

Awards to be given at the scholarship event might include:

4.0’s for the semester Dean’s List Members Highest GPA in chapter Most improved GPA in chapter Highest Big/Little GPA Pledge Class with the highest GPA Faculty Member of the Semester/Year Award Outstanding Mentor

Other Items to Mention:

Other campus academic awards the chapter has won over the past year National academic awards won over the past year Overall chapter GPA progress Programming initiative or workshops the chapter may be doing Individual awards chapter members have won regarding academic

excellence

Weekly Recognition for Chapter MembersEach meeting, take the time to recognize members who have done well academically during the past week. Develop ways to monitor chapter members’

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accomplishments during the week, and then prior to chapter print academic achievement awards or certificates to be given to members at chapter.

Most study hours completed in a week Member who the most homework, projects, exam, etc. for the past week Member who received the most A’s for the courses over the past week Member who has accomplished a lot on their own during the week, but still

took time to help other chapter members with their academics.

Chapters should try to recognize individuals weekly with awards or verbal acknowledgement, but do not sacrifice the quality for quantity when deciding who should win awards in your chapter.

Developing a Chapter Scholarship AwardEach chapter should set aside money to be given away as a scholarship to chapter members who exceed academic expectations each semester. A scholarship can also be set up to use as a recruiting tool for the chapter as well. In developing a chapter scholarship fund there are different ways to be successful. Here are guidelines:

1. Develop a committee to manage the chapter scholarship fund. Members can include: Treasurer, Scholarship Chair, and New Member Educator

2. The committee should decide what type of scholarship will be given. Ideas:a. High Member GPA in each Pledge Classb. Members achieving a 4.0c. Most improved GPAd. Members coming off academic probatione. Need-basedf. Chapter members exceeding in leadership, service, and academicsg. Outstanding New Member

3. Develop an application form or interview process if necessary4. Decide how the scholarship fund will be continuously funded

a. Chapter fund allocatedb. Alumni Donationsc. Fundraiserd. Parent Contributions

5. Decide when the scholarship will be given (preferably at an awards night)Basic Programming

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Programming is one of the most important components of any successful chapter. Good scholarship programming is the key to building a chapter firmly rooted in academic excellence. Programming can include everything from the basics, to awards and recognition, or innovative ways to keep members interested in pursuing good scholarship. It is the responsibility of the scholarship chair and their committee to identify the needs of the chapter and implement effective programming to meet those needs.

The Basics:

Grade Requirement- Every chapter should have grade requirements for all members. These requirements should be practiced during both rush and after rush. All chapter members should be held accountable to the same standards.

Set a grade standard for affiliation Require a minimum GPA to vote in meetings Require probationary status for members under the minimum GPA

Study Hours- Study hours should be maintained by all chapter members throughout the semester. Set up times in the house that study hours can be observed by all members. Even if they are not studying, they should be respectful of a chapter member who is.

Establish quiet/study hours in an area of the chapter house or on campus for at least four days a week.

Establish rules for the chapter to observe during these study hours (how loud music can be played, how much talking is allowed, etc.)

When scheduling chapter activities, take into account study hours Make sure all members are required to do study hours

Penalties for Bad Scholarship- Once you have set up grade requirements for chapter members, you must also develop a form of discipline for those who do not follow through on the minimum standard.

Loss of vote in meetings Loss of right to hold chapter office Loss of social privileges Loss of intramural participation More required study hours Monthly one-on-one meetings with scholarship chair

Physical Facilities- Take the time to designate an area of the chapter house for study purposes only or rent out a room on campus for study purposes.

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Set up hours and take the time to make sure that area provides members with:

Adequate lighting Tables and comfortable chairs Resources or reference materials for courses Enforced study atmosphere for members Chapter resources or library

Scholarship Wall/Bulletin Board- Designate an area of the chapter that will be used strictly for scholarship. Make sure that the area is visible to all members and visitors. Update the board/wall regularly and make sure it includes some of the following:

List members who are achieving academic excellence List members who are on academic probation Set up tutor lists and campus resources list Study tip of the month or week Post study hours and rules Advertise chapter and campus academic programming

Innovative Programming

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Looking for new ideas to spark academic excellence in chapter members? Here are a few innovative ideas you and your chapter might want to try out:

Brag Board- Take a section of the bulletin board that you have designed and set it up to look like Mom’s refrigerator. Every time a chapter member does well on an exam, paper, or gets into a professional program/ honor society recognize them on this wall. Just set out a decorated jar or shoebox with slips of paper next to it. Have chapter members write the accomplishments on the paper and slip it inside. Then simply take a sheet of paper, write their name and accomplishment and place it on the wall. Remember to update it frequently so it doesn’t get too cluttered!

Exam Week Treats- Whether it’s for mid-terms or finals, set out treats in the study area of the chapter house for members who are in the midst of cram sessions. Make sure to provide both healthy and sugary treats for members who are hitting the books really hard during this time.

Notes of Encouragement- Know of a chapter member who has a big test or paper coming up soon? Or has someone just had a really hectic week with school, activities, and personal stuff. Utilize your scholarship committee to drop that person a note during the week to encourage the heart and show support

Book Trade- Instead of taking your books back to the bookstore at the end of the semester coordinate a book trade within the chapter or with another chapter on campus. Set up a time when chapter members can bring their books in and exchange or sell their books for a fair price.

Family Letters- Send letters to families acknowledging the positive achievements their child is making in the chapter. Let them know about the programming your chapter is providing for them during the year, as well as notify them of scholarships and awards your chapter is winning. Also take advantage of the opportunity to solicit them to help with exam week treats, chapter house libraries, and educational programming. This is a very simple way to generate some positive PR.

Collecting Money for Missed Class- Set up teams of chapter members that will be responsible for holding each other accountable for skipping

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classes. Place a jar in the designated study area and challenge chapter members weekly to hold each other accountable. When someone on the opposite team misses a class, go with them and make them drop in a nickel or dime for each class missed. At the end of the semester count the money, deposit it in a scholarship fund, and announce to the chapter the total collected. Then challenge them to lower the amount collected each semester.

The “A” Team- Pass around a box during chapter meetings having each member who achieved an “A” on an assignment, test, paper, etc. drop their name in the box for each “A”. At the end of each month hold a drawing at chapter meeting and give the winner a prize for becoming a part of the “A” Team.

Pizza and Ice Cream- Food can be a powerful motivator for chapter members. Take a day each semester and hold a pizza party or a make your own sundae party for those members who were on the Dean’s List.

Tutor Lists- Ask chapter members to volunteer their “expertise” in different areas of study (i.e. math, chemistry, English, etc.). Give each chapter member a copy of the list and encourage him or her to use the list as needed. If you have a member on academic probation for the semester inquire if a chapter member is willing to meet with them regularly to help them in an area they are struggling in.

Competitions- Nothing is better than some friendly competition to get people motivated. Set up teams within the chapter that include members from all different areas (i.e. chapter officers, new members, academic probation, 4.0’s, etc.). Set weekly or monthly goals for the teams to achieve. The group that achieves the goal first or the best wins a prize. Keep fresh ideas, and inspire chapter members to work hard to accomplish the goals set by the committee.

How to: Establishing a Scholarship Committee

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Committees are essential in order to provide a chapter with effective scholarship programming. The committee should be working closely with the Scholarship Chair to provide chapter members with an academic atmosphere. The committee should be composed of chapter members from several classes, and an advisor (scholarship advisor).

Purpose of the Scholarship Committee: Evaluate chapter programming for each academic term Set goals for each academic term Execute the duties assigned by the Scholarship Chair (keeping records,

setting up the study space, executing programs) Work with members not in good academic standing Maintain study hour records for Scholarship Chair Developing and implementing incentive and recognition programs Developing a New Member academic program

Committee Members: Selected by the scholarship chair Must be in good academic standing with chapter Should be knowledgeable about all policies and procedures regarding

scholarship Must keep all information regarding each member’s academic status

confidential Must attend al scholarship committee meetings Work with a judicial board to enforce academic regulations

30 Ways to Showcase that Academics Are Important

1. Set a GPA goal.

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2. Choose a vocabulary word of the week. 3. Offer a study tip of the week or a study goal of the week. 4. Announce members who were admitted to honor societies. 5. Give small prizes or have a drawing for every member who attended every

class/discussion/lab session for the past week. 6. Announce any member who got an “A” the previous week at your meeting.

Have a small prize or drawing for her. 7. Limit programming so chapter members have more time for study and to

take care of themselves. 8. Collect a small amount (25 cents or more) for every class that a member

missed during the week. Use the money for a chapter scholarship fund or for prizes/awards for scholarship.

9. Chart/post your chapter’s academic standing as compared with the all-university, all-Greek, all-men’s, all-fraternity, all-sorority and all-women’s averages.

10.Compare the percentage of members below a 2.0 (or 2.5, 3.0) with those on the dean’s list.

11.Post/circulate an I Need Help/I Can Help sheet with the name of the member and the name of the class at your chapter meeting.

12.Have an ice cream sundae event. For every A earned, the member gets a scoop of ice cream or a topping.

13.Invite faculty and alumnae to an academic excellence event. 14.Hold a scheduling night in your chapter so members can sign up for classes

together before they register. 15.Challenge another chapter academically for a pizza (or other) party given by

the chapter that has lower grades that term for the chapter that has higher grades.

16.Make healthy snacks available, especially during midterms and finals. 17.Post a chapter calendar that notes each member’s tests/papers due. Other

members can check that calendar before they ask people to go out. Try not to schedule chapter events when the majority of members have tests/papers due.

18.Arrange for parents to send care packages for midterms/finals. 19.Hold career-oriented workshops for members on résumé writing,

interviewing, etc. 20.Reserve parking places for top scholars or the scholar of the week. 21.Donate a book to the library in honor of your graduating seniors or your

senior with the top GPA.22.Publicize chapter/council academic achievements in the campus newspaper.

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23.Fund (or partially fund) a chapter member’s research project. Honor the professor she is working with during a chapter event.

24.If you have a chapter house, enforce quiet hours for study time. Have Internet access available. If possible, have copy and fax machines in the study area.

25.Hold a workshop on choosing a major or on the best classes other members have taken.

26.Provide information about on-campus services: the career center, the learning center, the writing center, tutoring, counseling, advisement, etc.

27.Give new members a tour of the library or libraries and how to use them. 28.Have members sign scholarship improvement contracts. 29.Post a list with everyone’s majors. 30.Post a list with favorite professors/classes. 31.Recruit scholars for your chapter

Academic Levels of Development

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Consider the needs of different class levels in your chapter/council when planning your programming

Freshman are excited, enthusiastic, and eager. They need to: Learn to prioritize time and activities Find a mentor Identify goals in each class Begin to take responsibility for decisions and actions

Sophomores may have lost some of their enthusiasm and become complacent. They need to:

Begin to identify course interests and career paths Take on leadership roles Become accountable for decisions and actions Think about internships, study abroad, or co-ops program

Juniors may have determined their course of study or possible career path. They need to:

Set clear expectations of themselves Take on more challenging leadership roles Have an internship related to their interests/major/career Be aware of student services and professional organizations Make professional contacts in their chosen field Cultivate potential recommendations

Seniors are focusing on their lives after college. They need to: Make sure they completed requirements for graduation Use all resources provided by career services Have prepared a resume and practiced interview skills Serve as a role model for all members Cultivate potential reference Prepare for the job search, graduate school, etc. Celebrate Graduation

Does your academic program encompass all of these needs in some way?

Top 9 Tips to a 4.0

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1) Know yourself and plan a schedule of balanced activities; prioritize and learn to say “no”. Leave some flexibility in your schedule to account for unexpected assignments and other surprises that inevitably come up.

2) Go to every class prepared, and get to know your professors. Read assigned material in advance so you are ready to participate in the discussion.

3) Sit in the front of the class.

4) Review notes immediately after class and study as soon as possible after class. Highlight points emphasized by the professor.

5) Study at a regular time and in a regular place (near a window for the best light, if possible) that maximizes your efforts. If possible, study early in the day for greater comprehension of material. Limit late-night study to review material.

6) Limit blocks of study time to no more than two hours on any one course at a time. Take breaks to maximize your effectiveness and enhance efficiency.

7) Plan enough time for studying to do justice to each class. Reduce distractions to promote concentration (turn your cell phone off, put a “do not disturb” sign on your door and use background music only to block out noise).

8) Take care of yourself; eat properly and get enough sleep to function at your highest level. Make time for exercise and recreational activities.

9) Trade time — do not steal it. Keep a sheet of paper handy to jot down ideas or make a “to do” list so you can take care of those concerns later.

6 Reasons for Struggling in the Past1) Poor Member Selection- To have successful, productive contributing

members, a chapter must recruit men and women who have the potential to

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CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP PLANAdopted _________

succeed academically and who believe academics are a priority. Chapter members who are likely to fail academically will not help build a strong and successful chapter and should not be extended a bid. Chapters should set academic expectations and standards – and enforce them.

2) No organized scholarship plan- High academic achievement is most often found in chapters that have a scholarship chair who works to encourage academic achievement.

3) Lack of Goals- Concrete individual and chapter academic goals – goals that are realistic, but still require some stretching to meet – motivate members by giving them something to strive for, an accomplishment to celebrate, and by reminding them of commitments they have made. Goals should be discussed and agreed upon by the entire chapter – remember, people support what they help create.

4) Lack of motivation- This is one of the difficult areas to address. The chapter officers must set the tone, educating members about the importance of academic excellence and always underscoring, in big and small ways, the chapter’s commitment to excellence. Motivation can come through good recruitment, leadership, effective programming, awards and recognition, and member education.

5) Over-emphasis on activities- Chapter that are over-programmed with social and intramural activities often have trouble stressing the academic side of college. It is important that chapters balance activities with academics, just as members must learn to intelligently balance their lives and time commitments.

6) Poor study skills- Many students find that high school prepared them poorly for the level of work expected in college. The chapter should offer members seminars and resource materials in such areas as study skills, time management, note-taking, and test-taking strategies. Poor performance can be improved if the individual takes the initiative to learn proper skills and correct bad habits.

I. Scholarship Team

Members of our Scholarship Team Include:

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Scholarship Chairman: ______________ (name). His/Her role is to_______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Scholarship Advisor: ______________ (name). His/Her role is to________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Recruitment Chairman: ______________ (name). His/Her role is to______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

New Member Educator: ______________ (name). His/Her role is to______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Officers. Their role is to__________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

II. Academic Goals

The chapter goal is to achieve a _____ GPA during the _______ term.

This is important to the chapter because ____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________.

III. Recruitment Standards

In order to receive a bid, recruits must have at least a ___ college GPA, or ____ high school GPA.

The chapter will evaluate this by __________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________.

Scholarship in Pledge Education

The chapter will support the pledge class by implementing the following during pledge education:

•___________________________________________________________________________________.

•___________________________________________________________________________________.

•___________________________________________________________________________________.

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IV. Academic Support

In order to reinforce an environment conducive to academic achievement and support brothers who may be struggling, the chapter will implement the following throughout the semester:

•____________________________________________________________________________.

•____________________________________________________________________________.

•____________________________________________________________________________.

V. Recognition & Incentives

In order to reinforce the chapter’s commitment to scholarship and recognize those brothers and pledges performing well, the chapter will implement the following:

•____________________________________________________________________________.

•____________________________________________________________________________.

• ____________________________________________________________________________.

VI. Accountability & Academic Requirements

The ________ Chapter has adopted the following academic standards: • The minimum GPA to give a bid to a Potential New Member is a ________________.• The minimum GPA to hold chapter office is a _______________________________.

o An officer may be removed if he earns less than a ____________________________.

• Each brother must earn a ______ GPA each term to remain in Good Standing with the chapter.

The _____ Chapter will take the following steps if the minimum GPA requirements are not met:

• The first term a brother does not achieve the chapter standard – ________________________

____________________________________________________________________________.

• The second term a brother does not achieve the chapter standard – ______________________

_____________________________________________________________________________.

• The third term a brother does not achieve the chapter standard – ________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________.

Resources:

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This packet was adapted with the help of the National Panhellenic Council, Western Illinois University Fraternity and Sorority Life, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.

https://www.npcwomen.org/resources/pdf/Academic%20Excellence%20A%20Resource%20for%20College%20Panhellenics.pdf

http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/greek_life/forms_reports_and_policies/pdf/Scholarship%20Manual.pdf

http://www.tke.org/files/file/soar.pdf

http://www.phigam.org/document.doc?id=3802&chid=63

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