By Amy Everson
Senior Manager of Student and Alumni Affairs, APUS

In 2013, the Office of Student Affairs created the Chapter Standards program to help student organizations create opportunities for leadership and engagement with the university community, including other students, alumni, faculty and staff. This program was also intended to build a sense of community among and within our student organization member populations.

In addition, the Chapter Standards program helps APUS student organizations to build and promote programs, such as guest speakers and community service projects, for their members. University expectations are shared with student organizations, and university leaders honor and recognize chapter achievements.

Categories Recognized in the Chapter Standards Program

Student organizations can have their performance and involvement in six different categories recognized under the Chapter Standards Program: Leadership, Professional, Academic Recognition, University Service, Community Building, and Social. Through these categories, student leaders can collaborate with other organizations, volunteer in their communities, build their network, recognize the academic accomplishments of their organization members and contribute to the university community.

However, there are a few requirements that student organizations need to follow in order to maintain an active standing with the university. The more activities that an organization is involved in, the higher their university standing is.

Annual funding is also based on the chapter’s standing. The current levels are bronze, silver, gold or platinum.

2019 Chapter Highlights

Our student organizations were highly active this year. The highlights from 2019 include:

• Phi Alpha Delta competed in the national Mock Trial Competition in Washington, D.C. AMU student Jacob Nixon was recognized as Outstanding Chapter President. Chapter advisors James Barney and Cecilia DeSilva Selbrede were recognized as Outstanding Chapter Advisors.
• Kimberlee Ratliff, chapter advisor for Active Minds, was recognized as Chapter Advisor of the Year.
• Pi Gamma Mu West Virginia Iota was recognized as a Star Chapter by Pi Gamma Mu International.
• The Historical Studies Honor Society hosted their 2nd Annual Paper Presentation in May with Lew Taylor, Sarah Weller and Deanna Simmons, which was live-streamed so members across the globe could watch.
• Multiple student organizations participated in Rise Against Hunger and Grad Fest during Commencement weekend.
• Students for the Exploration and Development of Space hosted guest speaker Dale Skran, a Board of Director of the National Space Society (NSS) and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the NSS.

Over the last six years, our student organizations have seen a tremendous amount of growth. Eleven organizations received medals in 2013, but now, 50 student organizations have received bronze, silver, gold, or platinum medal standings. We are looking forward to continued success in 2020, including the establishment of new organizations and opportunities for engagement!