Refined during the 2025-26 academic year with oversight from Sam Lopez, associate director of Student Involvement, SOE builds on prior efforts to provide a structured approach to chapter development, encouraging organizations to engage intentionally across key areas, including intellectual development, membership development, chapter operations, alumni and graduate engagement, responsibility, health, and safety, and housing operations.

Throughout the year, chapters participated in training, educational programs, and philanthropic initiatives, with members across all class years contributing to their organization’s progress. A points-based tracking system measured engagement and outcomes, with chapters earning recognition at the Red, Bronze, Silver or Gold level based on overall performance.

Supporting chapters throughout this process is a chapter coaching model led by Assistant Directors of Student Involvement Aniya Jerkins, IFC/NPHC advisor, and Kayla Hedrick, PA/MGC advisor. Through ongoing coaching, individualized support, and regular check-ins, staff work directly with chapter leaders to help them interpret expectations, set goals and make meaningful progress within the SOE framework.

The SOE program is also made possible through collaboration across multiple campus partners, creating a holistic and integrated approach to student organization development. Contributing offices included the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education; Kernodle Center for Civic Life; Gender & LGBTQIA Center; Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life; Health Promotion, Academic Accommodations & Accessibility; Center for Leadership; Residence Life; Student Conduct; Inclusive Excellence; Hazing Prevention Coalition; and Belk Library.

Thirteen organizations achieved Gold Status, the program’s highest level of recognition: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Beta Theta Pi, Chi Upsilon National Latin Sorority, Inc., Delta Delta Delta, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Delta, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Kappa and Zeta Tau Alpha.

Chapter leaders also participated in end-of-year presentations, sharing accomplishments, challenges, and goals with a panel of Elon faculty and staff. These presentations, combined with each chapter’s SOE performance, helped inform the selection of the Chapter of the Year recipients across the four governing councils. Chapter of the Year honors recognize organizations that distinguish themselves through a strong commitment to leadership, accountability and community engagement.

This year’s recipients are:
Beta Theta Pi (Interfraternity Council) demonstrated strong growth and achievement across the academic year, earning top marks in both fall and spring semester GPAs, and receiving national recognition through the Knox Award. The chapter expanded member engagement through a variety of brotherhood events and campus partnerships, including collaborations with the Burlington Animal Shelter, while also showing a commitment to health and safety through high participation in training programs and prevention initiatives.

Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (Multicultural Greek Council) excelled academically and organizationally, earning an “Above & Beyond” rating for both fall and spring semesters’ GPAs, and actively participating in academic enrichment initiatives such as the Chapter Study Challenge and campus study programs. The chapter showed strong commitment to leadership and service through executive board engagement, partnership with the Mebane Public Library, alumni programming and recognition at the national level.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (National Pan-Hellenic Council) maintained an active presence in leadership, educational engagement and community programming throughout the year. The chapter achieved high academic success while participating in identity-based programming and campus events, including the Black Solidarity Conference and Spring Pride. Their efforts also included hosting a Rise Against Hunger service event and engaging members in professional development opportunities, reflecting a focus on both community impact and member growth.

Alpha Chi Omega (Panhellenic Association) demonstrated comprehensive excellence across all areas of the Standards of Excellence program, exceeding expectations in member education and leadership development. The chapter hosted a wide range of sisterhood, philanthropic, and career-focused initiatives, including “Walk a Mile,” Alpha Chi Olympics, and a professional headshot and LinkedIn workshop, while also establishing partnerships with Family Abuse Services. Their strong participation in health and safety training and consistent chapter operations reflect a well-rounded and highly engaged organization.

The Office of Student Involvement will continue to build on the program’s first year, with plans to further support chapter development and enhance opportunities for engagement across the fraternity and sorority community.