True Blue Accreditation

The Program

The purpose of the accreditation program is threefold:

  1. Allows chapter leaders the autonomy to assess and identify where challenges exist and where improvements can be made within their organization giving chapters the ability to create objectives that are pertinent to their success.
  2. Allows chapters the capability to align the values of their organization with the institution’s values, those outlined in the True Blue pledge, which will aid chapters in sustaining their relevancy on campus.
  3. Allows for additional and intentional support from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life as staff members will meet with chapter leaders and advisors regularly to discuss outlined goals, progress, and opportunities for the office to assist.

Chapter Goals

Chapters will create goals for the year, beginning in January, and concluding in November of that year. Goals will be submitted to FSL during the chapter’s first initial accreditation meeting. Chapter leaders will create a minimum of one goal under each True Blue Area of Achievement. Goals should support the mission and values of the chapter’s organization and those of “True Blue.”

True Blue Areas of Achievement:

  1. Scholarship
  2. Membership
  3. Service
  4. Health and Safety
  5. Respect for Diversity
  6. Leadership

Accreditation Measures

Chapters will be given a status of “Exceeds Expectations - True Blue,” “Meets Expectations,” "Approaching Expectations," or “Does Not Meet Expectations.” Each chapter’s status will be determined by an Accreditation Committee composed of MTSU faculty and staff and the IFC, NPHC, and CPH president or their designee. Chapter leaders will be given 15 minutes to present to the Accreditation Committee their goals for the year and what actions the chapter took to achieve their goals.  A five minute question and answer period will follow each presentation.

Accreditation Statuses Defined:

Exceeds Expectations-True Blue – The chapter met goals in each of the True Blue Areas of Achievement and has added value to the MTSU fraternity and sorority community over the past year! The FSL Staff will look for the chapter to set goals that require them to stretch even further for continued success.

Meets Expectations – The chapter has done well in several of the True Blue Areas of Achievement and has shown signs of progress. Given another year with the chapter growing and continuing to push themselves we believe that the chapter could be True Blue in future years. 

Approaching Expectations – The chapter attempted to meet goals and did meet some but fell short of meeting expectations. Staff will work with the chapter to get them to meeting expectations in the next year with additional support.

Does Not Meet Expectations – The committee noted that the chapter had strived to reach its goals but still has some work to do and needs to focus on improving the core areas of operation. "Does Not Meet Expectations" status does not reflect the loss of chapter privileges. Instead it reflects a time allocated for growth and achievement within the chapter. Chapters on "Does Not Meet Expectations" status will work with FSL staff to develop and implement a three year Chapter Development Plan.

A chapter receiving “Does Not Meet Expectations” status for three consecutive years will be under review with the university and an intentional discussion will be had involving advisors, chapter leaders, and Headquarters staff regarding the chapter’s relevancy at MTSU.

Unsatisfactory – Status given to chapters who failed to present or have outstanding registration delinquencies.

Minimum Standards

In an effort to fulfill basic administrative needs all chapters must meet the expectations below in order to be accredited. Additionally, the minimum expectations are designed to ensure the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is meeting the needs of our community members.

  • Attendance requirements must be fulfilled for  identified True Blue events.
  • Chapter leaders must meet with FSL staff a minimum of two times per semester to discuss objectives.
  • Chapter must have a minimum yearly semester GPA of 2.75.
  • Rosters, Bid Acceptance Forms, Annual Report Updates, Officer Update Forms, etc. must be submitted by established deadlines.
  • At least one chapter representative must be in attendance at All-Presidents meetings.
  • Chapter must not have any major university judicial violations.

Points to Consider

  • Accreditation statuses will be posted on the FSL website.
  • Chapters must achieve “Exceeds Expectations - True Blue” or “Meets Expectations” to apply for FSL Awards.
  • Chapters will work with their staff contact from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to discuss goal progress.
  • Supporting materials will be made available on the FSL website to assist chapters with setting objectives and accreditation presentations.

Chapter Goal Setting True Blue Accreditation Areas of Achievement