The New Accreditation Process

I spoke to Malcolm McDaniel, Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life, about the new Accreditation process for Greek organizations.

1. What is the current accreditation process?

The current Accreditation process requires chapters to submit one packet that evaluates leadership and member development, organizational operations, community service and engagement, academic and intellectual advancement, facilities management (for those with houses), and the overall chapter. The chapter then presents about their organization to a panel comprised of myself, our Graduate Coordinator Craig Shook, and a third Stevens staff member.

2. How is it different from the old one?

The former Accreditation process (known as 5 Star), required chapters to submit numerous documents throughout the year via DuckLink to earn a certain amount of points. Chapters then needed to meet a minimum of points to achieve two stars to remain in good standing.

3. I understand there is a presentation for the process, could you give me more details about it?

The presentation offers chapters the opportunity to highlight their major accomplishments from the past year.

4. Why did you decide to implement this process?

When I started at Stevens in January 2018, fraternity and sorority members expressed a strong dislike for the 5 Star program. I reviewed the 5 Star packet model and felt that it could be improved.  I felt it was important to implement an accreditation process that gave chapters the ability to focus on themselves, not compare themselves to others, and also one that complimented what chapters already have to submit to their headquarters. 

5. Which chapters are required to participate?

Any chapter that belongs to the Interfraternity Council, Stevens Panhellenic Council, and Cultural Greek Council must participate in Accreditation.

6. Have the chapters that are participating met your expectations? Why or why not?

The chapters surpassed my expectations! I am really proud of how all of the chapters have navigated this new process.

7. When will the results of the process be out?

We are looking to communicate Accreditation results to all chapters by early July.