This document provides information and ideas for establishing effective scholarship programming within a fraternity or sorority chapter. It includes suggestions for basic programming elements like setting grade requirements, study hours, and penalties for poor grades. It also provides innovative programming ideas such as creating a "brag board" to recognize academic achievements, holding exam week treats, and setting up tutor lists. The document outlines how to establish a scholarship committee to implement programming and stresses the importance of recognizing academic excellence through awards and weekly acknowledgements at chapter meetings.

1. Scholarship Packet
Table of Contents:
Scholarship Incentives and Ideas 1
Awarding and Recognition 3
Basic Programming 5
Innovative Programming 7
How to: Scholarship Committee 9
30 Ways to Showcase Academics 10
Academic Levels of Development 12
Tips to a 4.0 13
Struggling In The Past 14
Sample Academic Plan 15
Resources 17

2. 1
ScholarshipIncentives 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
coursethrough 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 postit 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 showcasehigh 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 postnames of members who received an A for the past week
 Invite your favorite professorforan appreciation dinner or event
 Recognize the new member with the highest GPA, a member in each class
with the highest GPA, and the chapter valedictorian
Chapter 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

3. 2
 The all-undergraduate average
 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 boostforthe 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 wins
o Lower GPA hosts a dinner for the winning chapter
o 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 popcornoryogurt
 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 exams
Awards
 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

4. 3
Awarding and Recognition
Planning a Scholarship Awards Night
The 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

5. 4
Weekly Recognition for Chapter Members
Each meeting, take the time to recognize members who have done well
academically during the past week. Develop ways to monitor chapter members’
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 pastweek
 Member who received the most A’s for the courses over the pastweek
 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 Award
Each 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 Class
b. Members achieving a 4.0
c. Most improved GPA
d. Members coming off academic probation
e. Need-based
f. Chapter members exceeding in leadership, service, and academics
g. Outstanding New Member
3. Develop an application form or interview process if necessary
4. Decide how the scholarship fund will be continuously funded
a. Chapter fund allocated
b. Alumni Donations
c. Fundraiser
d. Parent Contributions
5. Decide when the scholarship will be given (preferably at an awards night)

6. 5
Basic Programming
Programming is one of the most important components of any successfulchapter.
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 bothrush 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 accountstudy 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

7. 6
PhysicalFacilities-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. 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
ScholarshipWall/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
 Poststudy hours and rules
 Advertise chapter and campus academic programming

8. 7
InnovativeProgramming
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’tget 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 bookstoreat the end
of the semester coordinate a booktrade 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.

9. 8
Collecting Money for Missed Class- Set up teams of chapter members
that will be responsible for holding each other accountable for skipping
classes. Place a jar in the designated study area and challenge chapter
members weekly to hold each other accountable. When someone on the
oppositeteam 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 boxfor 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 copyof 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.

10. 9
How to: Establishinga ScholarshipCommittee
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 composedofchapter 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

11. 10
30 Ways to Showcasethat Academics Are Important
1. Set a GPA goal.
2. Choosea 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 pastweek.
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/postyour 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 ofice 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.Posta 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.

12. 11
21.Donate a bookto 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.
23.Fund (or partially fund) a chapter member’s research project. Honor the
professorshe 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 copyand 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.Posta list with everyone’s majors.
30.Posta list with favorite professors/classes.
31.Recruit scholars for your chapter

13. 12
Academic Levels of Development
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?

14. 13
Top 9 Tips to a 4.0
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 soonas possibleafter class.
Highlight points emphasized by the professor.
5) Study at a regular time and in a regular place (near a window for the bestlight,
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 doorand 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.

15. 14
6 Reasonsfor Struggling in the Past
1) PoorMember Selection-To have successful, productive contributing
members, a chapter must recruit men and women who have the potential to
succeed academically and who believe academics are a priority. Chapter
members who are likely to fail academically will not help build a strong and
successfulchapter and should not be extended a bid. Chapters should set
academic expectations and standards – and enforce them.
2) No organized scholarshipplan- 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 supportwhat 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) Poorstudy skills- Many students find that high schoolprepared 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. Poorperformance can
be improved if the individual takes the initiative to learn proper skills and
correct bad habits.

16. 15
CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP PLAN
Adopted _________
I. Scholarship Team
Members of our Scholarship Team Include:
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 __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________.
Scholarshipin Pledge Education
The chapter will support the pledge class by implementing the following during pledge education:

17. 16
•___________________________________________________________________________________.
•___________________________________________________________________________________.
•___________________________________________________________________________________.
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 – ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.

18. 17
Resources:
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%20Res
ource%20for%20College%20Panhellenics.pdf
http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/greek_life/forms_reports_and_policies/pdf/S
cholarship%20Manual.pdf
http://www.tke.org/files/file/soar.pdf
http://www.phigam.org/document.doc?id=3802&chid=63