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Creating Chapters of Excellence

In 2001 the Fraternity and Sorority Residential Initiative Committee convened to construct a model that would support the Greek system’s participation in the university’s Residential Initiative. In keeping with the mission to bring greater depth, purpose, and value to the fraternity and sorority experience, the Committee created a two-year pilot program entitled Creating Chapters of Excellence (CCE).

Implementation of the program began in fall 2003 with the hiring of a director, the creation of a programming council, and the selection of nine organizations represented by the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Letter Council, and the Panhellenic Association Council. Funding was provided through alumni gifts and chapter contributions toward the overall cost of $250,000.

By 2009, the West Campus House System will complete the Residential Initiative. At that time, it is the objective that every fraternity and sorority will volunteer to participate in the Creating Chapters of Excellence program. Chapter enrollment increased to 14 chapters in 2005-2006. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs will expand the program and staffing incrementally each year.

The goal of the pilot is to generate higher expectations and standards for each organization that will ultimately strengthen Cornell's fraternity and sorority system. Through participation, chapters receive the following: 

  • Greater support from faculty, staff, and live in mentors to help each organization achieve their potential. 
  • An enhanced living community that is more consistent with other housing options provided by the university. 
  • An opportunity for alumni and friends to target tax-deductible gifts for this educational purpose. 
  • Interesting and creative programs and opportunities that support members’ personal and intellectual development. 
  • Cutting edge leadership training for officers, emerging leaders that will enable members to lead and communicate their experiences to future employers.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha has certainly shown signs of improvement since our involvement in the CCE program. Not only have we worked more efficiently as a chapter, but we have clearly made strides to participate in and plan programs involving a broader range of chapters in the Cornell Greek community.”
-Kimberly Dowdell, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.