The Buchanan Cup application is now available

At each Conclave, we honor our highest performing chapters with the Buchanan Outstanding Chapter Award, which recognizes excellence in every area of chapter operations. Download the application for the 2013 Buchanan Outstanding Chapter Award now.

Your chapter’s submission is due no later than March 11, 2013. You can email the application to buccup@sigep.net.

In his September message about the effort to improve the Buchanan Cup Award process, Grand President Bert Harris explained his goal to simplify the application and make the review and selection process more transparent.

Now you can begin the process that recognizes superior and sustained chapter achievement. As you and your chapter prepare to apply, keep the following best practices in mind:

Completing the application

• Appoint a brother to lead the application process as a project manager.  Ask for volunteers from the chapter and build a committee around him to complete the application.  This committee can focus on and engage senior members who have a chance to leave a legacy by helping secure a Buchanan Cup.  Giving responsibility to freshmen and sophomore members provides them an opportunity to learn about all areas of the chapter’s operations.
  
  

• Develop a project plan between December and March with deadlines and tasks assigned to specific people  for review. This ensures the application sections are getting completed throughout February. Be sure to leave time before the due date to review the application as a whole.
  
  

• Utilize the holiday break to make significant progress on the application instead of waiting until classes and chapter operations resume in January.
  
  

• Identify a strong writer who can review application responses and essays.  Thoughtful and concise responses will create a stronger application.
  
  

• Be honest and transparent in the application, especially if the chapter has had risk management incidents or struggled in an area of operations.  Explaining the issue along with the chapter’s proactive response will always be more respected than keeping information from those who review applications.
  

Coordinating supporting materials and collecting information

• Schedule a meeting with your Office of Greek Life as soon as possible to discuss the application and their letter of assessment.  Like a letter of recommendation, the more notice you give campus professionals, the more likely they are to invest time and energy in completing the letter.  Schedule follow-up meetings in January and February to check on progress.
  
  

• Request a letter of recommendation from your chapter counselor or Alumni and Volunteer Corporation president.  Agree on a deadline, and follow up to ensure they are making progress.
  
  

• Contact your district governor to let him know you are applying, and be sure he submits an assessment for your chapter.
  
  

• Review the information needed from the last four semesters (academics, manpower, involvement, etc.) and identify the best source for collecting each item, whether it comes from members, young alumni, your regional director, or the university.

Your regional director and district governor can provide additional guidance on best practices for completing the application. If you have questions on the process for submitting the application, please contact Kristen Reid.

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