We are pleased to announce a new Mitchell Chapter Standards program for the 2011-2012 year.

Why Change Mitchell Chapter Standards?
We have recognized over the last several years that Chapters have struggled with the previous MCS process. Documentation was at times tedious, scoring was difficult to calculate, and there was a lot to track over the course of an entire academic year.

The International Fraternity Executive Committee appointed an MCS Review Committee whose intention was to examine Mitchell Chapter Standards in hopes of finding a better process. The committee’s goals were:

• Try and reduce the number of base points Chapters must document in the reporting process
• Try and reduce the required amount of documentation a Chapter must collect for the report
• Align the Report with the Doctrine of Excellence
• Shift the focus of the report so that foundational elements are better represented, therefore carrying more meaning

How Does The New MCS Process Benefit The Chapter?

• Significant reduction in documentation in support of foundational elements (Tier 1 objectives)
• As a result of fewer requirements, less documentation is required
• 35 items are currently required (Tier 1) versus 55 potential points previously
• Effective with this new process, most of the foundational elements of Tier 1 are reviewed by HQ assuming that Chapters submit them as a normal course of business. Examples include:
• Membership #’s – via rosters, New Member Forms, and University Reports
• General deliverables (i.e. rosters, meeting minutes, bylaws, etc)
• Chapter Advisor/Greek Advisor Signoffs
• Grade Reports (majority of Chapters already receive this information because their Greek Life Offices create these reports already)
• Better definition of foundational elements for general Chapter operations
• Alignment of the Report with the Doctrine of Excellence, connecting the document further with our operations, adding additional value to each.
• Simplified scoring procedure, allowing for better understanding of process (as defined above

What Changes have been made?
The new MCS program is a 3-Tier system with 8 categories. The 1st Tier of this system are considered Foundational Elements.

Tier 1 requirements are key operational components that are “foundational” in nature for basic organizational operational success. The number of Tier 1 requirements is 35; all (ie. 100%) of these requirements must be met. If 100% of Tier 1 objectives are met, objectives met in Tier 2 & 3 count toward annual award determination. If less than 100% of Tier 1 objectives are met, then Tier 2 & 3 will still be scored but Chapter will be ineligible for awards, and will be on Probation per below.

Tier 2 requirements represent operational objectives that are important to strong Chapter operations. There are 36 Tier 2 objectives.

Tier 3 requirements represent operational objectives that we feel exemplify a Chapter that goes above and beyond normal expectations. There are 35 Tier 3 objectives.

MCS Submission Process
The Chapter must submit a package to be received at Headquarters by June 15th (no postmarked by, no late submissions accepted as in the past), outlining their achievements in the respective objectives over the course of the academic year. We have standardized this process so that it is easier for the Chapter to both collect and submit the information required in the new MCS. Please review the attached MCS 2011-2012 Requirements for more information.

Awards
Chapter wishing to compete in our awards program will be judged on their “total score”. A complete updated description of our available awards and qualifications may be found in the MCS 2011-2012 Requirements document in the “Awards” section.