Every year, sorority house members compete for the Award of Excellence, which is awarded each November by the National Panhellenic Council, a delegate said.

“A chapter that receives the Award of Excellence has gone above and beyond to be successful in every single aspect possible, from academics, to philanthropy, to involvement on campus outside of the Greek community,” said Julie Sherrill, junior Panhellenic delegate.

Greek Life provides a set of criteria that each sorority strives to achieve throughout the year. This includes volunteer work, philanthropy events, involvement and leadership in RSOs, scholarships, academic success, educational programs about health awareness, safety and interaction with other members of Greek Life including NPHC, IFC and the Panhellenic Council.

The council also considers non-Greek participation, such as RSO involvement, by chapter members. Each member of every chapter must be involved in at least one RSO. The council takes interaction with UA faculty into account as well.

Each chapter is required to fill out paperwork about their chapter, which is combined and judged by the council, said Anna Shirley, junior psychology major and member of Kappa Delta.

“Each member is required to fill out several pages of information. One may inquire about scholarships a member has, or an RSO she is involved in, or any leadership positions she has acquired throughout college,” Shirley said. “It speaks volumes about each member and what she has accomplished.”

The recipient of the award qualifies for even more distinguished honors, such as Most Outstanding Chapter, Sherrill said.

It’s nice for chapters to be recognized for the work its members are doing, said Anna Paige Frein, junior social work major and Zeta Tau Alpha member.

“Many people believe that joining a sorority is for social purposes only, and awards like this help us to show others that we’re involved on campus and in our community. We’re making a difference in so many ways that lie outside of our own house,” Frein said.