Pursuit of Excellence Program (PEP)
The Pursuit of Excellence Program (PEP) is Sigma Nu Fraternity’s chapter assessment, standards, and improvement program. Unlike traditional “minimum standards” programs, the Pursuit of Excellence Program is designed to be year-round planning, evaluation, and improvement program.
In summer 2022 the Fraternity's High Council raised the bar with updates to the Evaluation Guidelines to reset expectations for chapter performance. Criteria from pre-pandemic and pandemic operations were reviewed and modified to chart a new course for chapter excellence. More information on the process and results of this update can be found in the Evaluation section of this page. Resources for adapting operations to a virtual format can still be found in the Virtual Operations section of the Best Practices Library.
Program Overview | Evaluation | Chapter Self-Assessment | Resources | Action Plans
Program Overview
These summary documents explain the program in greater detail and provide a full listing of the program’s standards, criteria for excellence, and available resources to achieve excellence.
Pursuit of Excellence Program Overview and FAQ
The Strategy Session is designed as an All-Chapter LEAD session to be conducted at the beginning of each academic year. The session engages chapter members in the strategy and problem-solving process to create direction for the chapter's continued improvement.
PEP Strategy Session
Chapters with one or more deficiencies (i.e., ratings of Poor, Substandard, or Fair) should use the Improvement Plan Guidelines as a resource in creating their improvement plans.
PEP Chapter Improvement Plan Guidelines
Evaluation
Chapters are evaluated comparatively to the Criteria for Excellence. The Evaluation Guidelines provide an objective scale for assessing chapters in their pursuit of excellence.
Evaluation Guidelines *Updated and Effective as of August 2022*
A description of changes made to the PEP Evaluation Guidelines effective as of August 2022 can be found in the below resource.
Evaluation Guidelines Changes - Effective August 2022
Chapter Self-Assessment
The Fraternity's official instruction manual for chapters to use in creating their annual submission for the program. This step-by-step guide includes an overview of the program, guidance notes for completing the chapter's self-assessment session and instructions for completing and submitting the chapter self-assessment booklet, and supporting documentation.
Self-Assessment Guide *Updated for 2024-2025*
The standard, formal booklet for chapters to complete as their annual submission of documentation for the program. This editable form should be completed and submitted by April 30.
Chapter Self-Assessment Booklet *Updated for 2024-2025*
Resources
The program assesses chapter operations across three standards, broken into ten subcategories. Click the standard to access the resources relevant to the subcategories listed immediately below. Also consult the Fraternity’s Best Practices Library for innovative ideas and model plans, including a new section on Virtual Operations.
- Service and Philanthropy
- Campus Leadership
- Principles Congruent Environments
- Intellectual Development
- Candidate Development
- Brother Development
- Alumni Development
- Recruitment and Manpower
- Chapter Operations
- Governance and Accountability
Action Plans
The following PEP Action Plans were created to support chapters in developing a comprehensive plan for achieving Excellence in each of the 10 subcategories of the Pursuit of Excellence Program. Each plan facilitates the establishment of officer and committee expectations, tasks, goals, and operational strategies. Chapter officers should update their respective action plan each academic term.
Strategic Planning Resources
The following resources exist to support the chapter in the strategic planning process.
Strategic Planning and Action Plans Overview
This resource provides initial guidance and support for the Chapter Strategic Plan Template and the 10 PEP Action Plans. The overview provides resources for developing a strategic plan and creating S.M.A.R.T. goals for a chapter's operations.
Chapter Strategic Plan Template
This resource serves as a helpful guide for the development of your chapter's strategic plan. This template complements work completed through the PEP Strategy Session and the Strategic Planning LEAD Session.