The following awards will require a submission packet from the Chapter. Please be sure to review the requirements carefully and contact Director of Member Engagement Dan Coutcher at coutcher@chiphi.org with questions. You can also reach out to your Leadership Consultant. Submissions should be made via Dropbox. Letters of recommendation may be sent to awards@chiphi.org should the writer prefer.
THOMAS GEHRING AWARD FOR CHAPTER EXCELLENCE
The 1980 Chi Phi Congress passed a resolution to recognize Chi Phi’s outstanding Chapters annually. The Award for Chapter Excellence was named after Dr. Thomas Gehring, Iota Delta 1960, who served as Grand Zeta until his death. The Gehring Award recognizes Chapters which exemplify the characteristics that define the standards by which other Chapters should be evaluated.
Applicants for the Gehring award should strive to apply for at least two (2) other Chapter Awards.
Provide a year in review narrative that addresses the Chapter’s challenges, achievements, improvements, and overall journey during the 2019-2020 academic year. This should be a detailed, honest reflection of the Chapter.
The Chapter should submit an application that addresses/includes the following items:
- A letter detailing why the Chapter is deserving of the Gehring Award.
- List of short- and long-term Chapter goals which were identified at the beginning of the year with progress updates (from throughout the year) on each.
- Description of risk management policies and how the Chapter excels in this area – include specific examples.
- Description of all philanthropy and community service events hosted and/or participated in throughout the year along with a description of how the Chapter’s efforts have made a positive impact on the community.
- Description of how the Chapter has worked on Alumni engagement and outreach and the effects of those efforts.
- Description of all Total Membership Education performed throughout the year along with a description of how these educational sessions have made a positive impact on the Chapter and/or community.
- Identify participation at National Programming events (i.e. Alphas and Thetas Academy, Regional Leadership Alliances, Regional Ritual Retreats, and Fall Officer Webinars) and discuss the impact these programs have had on the Chapter.
- Three (3) Letters of recommendation from Key Alumni, Community Leaders, and/or current University Administrators.
BATES BLOCK CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT AWARD
Named for E. Bates Block, Gamma 1940, Eta 1942, Psi Delta 1970, a former Grand Alpha, Grand Gamma, and Grand Eta, this award is presented annually to the Chi Phi Chapter that has demonstrated the best participation, visibility, and involvement in the leadership of extracurricular activities, student functions, and interrelated programs that promote good will and strengthen their respective College or University.
The Chapter should submit a written letter/summary that addresses the following items:
- Achievements, successes, and improvements made by the Chapter regarding campus involvement during the 2019-2020 academic year. This should be a detailed, honest account of the strides the Chapter has made in this area, the challenges they have faced along the way, as well as successes and growth made throughout the year.
- Why is the Chapter deserving of this award?
- How is your campus involvement different or superior to other Chapters on campus?
- List and provide a description of all activities on your campus led by or participated in by Chi Phi Brothers.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from Key Alumni, Community Leaders, and/or current University Administrators.
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
This award recognizes Chapters that have achieved an exceptional impact on their communities through acts of service (as opposed to just financial donations).
The Chapter should submit an application that that addresses/includes the following items:
- List and provide a description of all community service efforts (including total number of service hours) led by or participated in by Chi Phi members. Verification of these hours is recommended.
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation from Key Alumni, Community Leaders, current University Administrators, and/or organizations with which the Chapter served.
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS
This award is given to Chapters that have a significant influence on the success of Chi Phi’s official philanthropy as adopted by Congress: The Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
The Chapter should submit a written letter/summary that addresses the following items:
- List and provide a description of all involvement with the Boys and Girls Club throughout the 2019-2020 academic year. The Chapter is welcomed to note any previous experience with the organization as well as any future (continued) plans.
- Types of activities done with the BGCA, number of Brothers involved, hours, (if applicable), money donated, and impact made on the community.
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation: one (1) by Alumni Volunteers or current University Administrators and one (1) from a representative of the BGCA.
PHILANTHROPIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes Chapters that achieve an overall level of philanthropic success, on all levels and in all ways.
The Chapter should submit a written letter/summary that addresses the following items:
- Achievements, successes, and improvements made by the Chapter in the area of philanthropy during the 2019-2020 academic year. This should be a detailed account demonstrating the efforts, challenges, and obstacles the Chapter faced and, hopefully, overcame throughout the year in order to make Philanthropic efforts a priority for all members.
- Why is the Chapter deserving of this award?
- List and provide a description of all philanthropy efforts (including dollars raised) led by or participated in by Chi Phi members.
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation from Alumni Volunteers, University Administrators, and/or representatives from organizations impacted.
- Please note: Hours spent holding a fundraising event will not be considered a philanthropy event or a community service event.
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING RISK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The Award for Outstanding Risk Management Practices was established by the 140th Congress of the Fraternity to recognize those Chi Phi Chapters which demonstrate excellence in overall risk management programming and practices.
The award will be given to a Chapter that excels in the definition and implementation of their Social Event Policy plan and Crisis Management Plan as well as the level of education provided to all members and the community regarding best risk management practices.
The Chapter should submit an application that that addresses/includes the following items:
- Submit copies of the Social Policy Plan, guest lists, Crisis Management Plan, along with all Risk Management Programs hosted throughout the 2019-2020 academic year.
- Detailed description of how these policies are implemented, and successes and challenges faced regarding risk management. Specific examples are to be included.
- Chapter goals to achieve stronger risk management practices within the Chapter and/or the community and steps the Chapter has taken to meet those goals.
- At least three (3) letters of recommendation from Alumni Volunteers and/or current University Administrators.
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING RECRUITMENT PRACTICES
The Award for Outstanding Recruitment Practices was established to recognize those Chi Phi Chapters which demonstrate excellence in overall recruitment efforts and planning. The award will be given to a Chapter that demonstrates its ability to establish relationships during recruitment which turn Friends into Brothers.
New Member retention and other data may be considered in a finalist for this award.
The Chapter should submit an application that addresses/includes the following items:
- Submit copies of the Recruitment Plan, including a list of all events and members of the Recruitment Committee.
- Detailed description of how these events are implemented, and successes and challenges that the Chapter has faced regarding Recruitment.
- Chapter goals to further improve their Recruitment Practices and focus on their Chapter’s growth.
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation from Alumni Volunteers and/or current University Administrators.
AWARD FOR MOST IMPROVED RECRUITMENT
The Award for Most Improved Recruitment was established to recognize those Chi Phi Chapters which demonstrate their efforts to improve their recruitment through both practice and results. The award will be given to a Chapter which has placed emphasis on improving their recruitment and strengthening their Chapter through growth.
New Member quantity, retention, and other data may be considered in a finalist for this award.
The Chapter should submit an application that addresses/includes the following items:
- Submit copies of the Recruitment Plan, including a list of all events and members of the Recruitment Committee.
- Detailed description of how the Chapter has taken steps to improve its recruitment process over the past year, including the successes and challenges that the Chapter has faced in these steps.
- Chapter goals to further improve their Recruitment and focus on their Chapter’s growth.
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation from Alumni Volunteers and/or current University Administrators.
OUTSTANDING TOTAL MEMBERSHIP EDUCATION PROGRAM
At the 149th Chi Phi Congress in Austin, Texas, this award was approved in order to recognize Chapters who have implemented outstanding, comprehensive total membership education programming which incorporates education for the betterment of fraternal understanding, personal development, and leadership development.
The Chapter/Colony should submit an application that addresses/includes the following items:
- Detailed outline of all TME programs performed throughout the course of the year. Information should include date, time, those in attendance (percentage of Chapter/any alumni attendees), and specific information regarding the program(s) (i.e. if a speaker was present, content covered, details involved in planning, follow up after the program, etc.).
- A summary should also be submitted explaining how these programs benefited Brothers and the entire Chapter—what changes/improvements were seen amongst the Brotherhood?
- What plans does the Chapter have for TME in the upcoming year and/or what changes would the Chapter make to the TME program from the previous year—and why?
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI EVENT
At the 149th Chi Phi Congress in Austin, Texas, this award was approved in order to recognize an outstanding Chapter Event that promotes positive Alumni relations. The event will be reviewed for effort, outreach, and impact made on both the Alumni and Undergraduate men.
The Chapter/Colony should submit an application that addresses/includes the following items:
- Detailed explanation of the Alumni event: date, time, those in attendance (number of undergraduates as well as Alumni), and specific details surrounding the event. Explain what took place, how Alumni and undergraduates were involved/engaged with each other, etc.
- A summary should also be submitted that explains the benefits this event has on the entire Brotherhood.
- How does Alumni involvement benefit the Chapter?
- What positive outcomes are seen from this event?
- What changes/alterations does the Chapter plan to make to ensure this event remains a success?
- What else is needed from Alumni in regards to support?
- A letter of confirmation and recommendation from an Advisor or Alumni Association Officer is recommended, but not required.
OUTSTANDING NEWSLETTER AWARD
This award is designed to recognize the achievements, successes, and improvements in the area of Alumni newsletter development. The newsletters will be reviewed for pertinent and relevant content along with Alumni outreach and engagement.
The Chapter/Colony should submit an application that addresses/includes the following items:
- A copy of the newsletter that was distributed to all Alumni in both fall AND spring.
- A copy of the email in which the Alumni newsletter was distributed should be included in the packet.
- A summary explaining the work the Chapter did in writing, organizing, and distributing the Alumni newsletter. The summary should also include information regarding the effect the newsletter has on Alumni relations with the Chapter:
- Does it encourage Alumni to be more involved with the Chapter?
- Do Alumni offer ideas to encourage more Alumni attendance or ways to improve the Chapter?
- What next steps would the Chapter like to take to ensure this newsletter stays effective and engaging?
- A letter of confirmation and recommendation from an Advisor or Alumni Association officer is recommended, but not required.
OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATION/PUBLIC RELATIONS
This award is designed to recognize those Chapters that have excelled in promoting the values of the Fraternity through various social media outlets (website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.). The Chapter’s public relations and communications efforts will be reviewed for level of activity, engagement, and promotion of values and philanthropic/service efforts.
The Chapter/Colony should submit an application that addresses/includes the following items:
- Links to each social media account (Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) and website maintained by the Chapter/Colony.
- Three (3) screenshots or other examples of your best social media posts/engagements (no more than 1 year old, as of your submission date).
- A summary of actions taken over the past academic year to improve the quality, quantity, and success of your communications efforts and how you plan to maintain these efforts over the course of the next year and beyond. Summary should also include which Officer/Chairman/Brother(s) are responsible for maintaining your accounts.
- If your Chapter/Colony does not maintain any of the following, include an explanation why: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
