Greek Advancement Program

The Greek Advancement Program (GAP) at the University of Cincinnati serves as a framework for chapters to recognize and address the needs of members, to highlight the work of chapters to improve the fraternal experience, and to identify opportunities for collaboration across the community.  GAP relies on the authentic reflections of each organizations' leaders about the current state of our chapters and member experiences paired with strategic efforts to improve the cultures in our organizations.  GAP is not a “one size fits all” approach which and allows chapters to focus on their unique needs and experiences. GAP supports a culture of improvement which helps the entire FSL community to grow.

The focus areas of GAP reflect the strategic priorities of Fraternity and Sorority Life.  Within each focus area, chapters develop strategic goals based on the current state of their organization, attend programming related to their goals, and reflect on their progress.  Success at GAP is measured not only through meeting deadlines and attendance minimums, but importantly by the improvements made within the organization.  

Focus Areas

Fraternity and sorority members are students first and all organizations hold scholastic excellence as a foundational value. Chapters should foster a culture which prioritizes academics and supports the academic achievement of its members.  

Minimum Standard: The chapter should maintain a semester GPA at or above the all-undergraduate average.

80% of chapter membership (including new members) must attend at least one (1) program related to the academic goal of the chapter. The chapter is encouraged to make their goal related to one of the following areas, unless otherwise approved by their Chapter Liaison. 

  • Academic Skill Buildling 
  • Goal Setting 
  • Time Management 
  • Study Skills 
  • Note Taking Skills

Service and community involvement is an integral part of the fraternal expeirence. Fraternities and sororities have a unique capacity to serve the communities to which they belong. Chapters should develop reciprocal partnerships with one or more community organization(s) and develop a culture of engagement to create positive social change.

Minimum Standard: Chapter members should complete ten (10) hours of community service each semester. A service hour tracking template can be found on the GAP Forms and Documents page. 

The chapter should complete at least one (1) community service or advocacy-based program each semester.

  • Service - Activities where organization members dedicate their time to volunteer and assist members of the community 
  • Philanthropy - Fundraising initiatives organized by fraternities or sororities to benefit local and national charitable organizations 
  • Advocacy-based program - An initiative created to promote and support a specific cause by raising awareness, influencing public policy, mobilizing community action, and educating others about the issue 

Fraternities and sororities must maintain strong internal operations to suppor thteir strageic goals and the development of their memebers. Chapters are expected to utilize University and Council resources and maintain strong relationships with their (Inter)National organizations and the FSL office through transparency and timely record keeping.

Minimum Standard: The chapter should maintain good standing with their council and the university.  The chapter should submit the following paperwork and dues payments by designated deadlines.

  • Council Dues 

  • Membership Intake/New Member Paperwork 

  • Roster

The chapter should have representatives at the following meetings:

  • Council Meetings

  • Liaison Meeting 

  • President's Cabinet

The health and safety of members and guests is the paramount priority of fraternities and sororities. Chapters should continuously work to create healthy environments that foster the individual well-being of their members and guests.

Minimum Standard: 80% of chapter membership (including new members) must attend at least one (1) program related to the health and safety goal of the chapter. The chapter should make their goal related to one of the following areas, unless otherwise approved by their Chapter Liaison.

  • Alcohol or Other Drugs
  • Bystander Intervention  
  • Hazing Prevention 
  • Mental Health
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Sexual Health 
  • Physical Health 

Fraternities and sororities were founded to spaces of belonging for students which fosters the sharing of ideas across differences.  Chapters should strive to create an inclusive environment where members can explore their personal identities, find belonging as their authentic selves, and seek to understand the experiences and viewpoints of others.  

Minimum Standard: 80% of chapter membership (including new members) must attend at least one (1) program related to the identity and inclusion goal of the chapter.  The chapter should make their goal related to one of the following areas, unless otherwise approved by their Chapter Liaison.

  • Ability Status

  • Ethnicity 

  • Gender/Gender Identity/Gender Expression

  • Immigration Status

  • Race

  • Religion 

  • Sexuality

  • Social Class

  • Veteran Status

The undergraduate experiences of fraternity and sorority members should help to develop skills that members use throughout their lifetime.  Whether in personal, professional, or volunteer capacities, these skills allow fraternity and sorority members to create a positive impact in any community.  Chapters should create an environment where members can learn and practice these skills.

Minimum Standard: 80% of chapter membership (including new members) must attend at least one (1) program related to the Leadership and Career Development goal of the chapter.  The chapter should make their goal related to one of the following areas, unless otherwise approved by their Chapter Liaison.

  • Alumni Engagement

  • Career Development 

  • Leadership Development