Audience: Chapter Officers, Executive Council, Boards of Governors
Category: Chapter Operations → Standards & Accountability
What is the Borradaile Challenge?
The Borradaile Challenge is Phi Kappa Tau’s primary framework for evaluating overall chapter performance during the calendar year.
Each chapter is assessed across 12 performance categories, with each category earning one of three designations:
Minimum Expectations
Exceeds Expectations
Outstanding
Your chapter’s overall standing is determined by a composite score based on performance in all categories.
Why the Borradaile Challenge Matters
The Borradaile Challenge is used to:
Set clear expectations for chapter success
Guide goal setting and officer planning
Measure year-over-year improvement
Inform recognition, awards, and intervention strategies
Every chapter should be reviewing its Borradaile standing at least once per month during Executive Council meetings.
Key Downloads
👉 Borradaile Challenge Grading Scale (PDF)
Use this to understand how points are awarded and how composite standings are calculated.
👉 Borradaile Challenge Tracking Tool
Use this worksheet to track progress throughout the year and identify priority focus areas.
Need help? Your Chapter Services Consultant can review your tracker and help you create a plan to improve your standing.
How Scoring Works
Each category earns points based on whether the chapter meets Minimum, Exceeds, or Outstanding criteria.
Points are weighted across categories
Scores are combined to calculate a final composite standing
Falling below minimum standards in key compliance areas may impact overall status, regardless of other performance
Performance Categories & Standards
Below are the 12 Borradaile Challenge categories. Expand each section to view expectations.
Chapter Compliance Standards
Chapter Compliance Standards
Health & Safety
No Health & Safety Policy violations
All required education, reports, and documentation submitted on time
New Members
All new associate members complete approved new member education and online training
Financial
Chapter is financially current
No financial suspension for a 90-day balance during the previous calendar year
Reporting
All required reports submitted to Executive Offices on time
Campus Relationship
Chapter meets with campus FSL or equivalent office at least once per semester
Educational Programs
Chapter participates in all mandatory Phi Kappa Tau educational programs
Public Relations / Social Media
Chapter social media follows Phi Kappa Tau policy and reflects Fraternity values
Operations
Operations
Outstanding
Officer transition completed
Goal-setting retreat with Board of Governors
Active Standards Board
Annual strategic plan
Exceeds Expectations
Officer transition completed
Goal-setting retreat
Active Standards Board
Minimum Expectations
Officer transition completed
Active Standards Board
Brotherhood
Brotherhood
Outstanding
8+ non-social brotherhood events per term
All Ritual ceremonies performed
Brotherhood Awards Program
Brotherhood retreat
Exceeds Expectations
5–7 non-social brotherhood events per term
All Ritual ceremonies performed
Brotherhood Awards Program
Minimum Expectations
4 non-social brotherhood events per term
All Ritual ceremonies performed
Membership
Membership
Outstanding
50+ members or above IFC average
Top ⅓ of IFC chapters
Exceeds Expectations
50+ members or above IFC average
Top ½ of IFC chapters
Minimum Expectations
40+ members or above IFC average
Recruitment
Recruitment
Outstanding
Recruits 25% of chapter size
Top ⅓ of IFC recruitment results
Exceeds Expectations
Recruits 25% of chapter size
Top ½ of IFC recruitment results
Minimum Expectations
Recruits 25% of chapter size
Retention
Retention
Outstanding
85% initiated member retention through graduation
90% of associate members initiated annually
Exceeds Expectations
80% initiated member retention
85% of associate members initiated annually
Minimum Expectations
75% initiated member retention
75% of associate members initiated annually
Academics
Academics
Outstanding
Chapter GPA ≥ 3.2
ORGPA ≥ 3.0 and ≥ 0.2 above campus AMA GPA
Approved scholarship program
Exceeds Expectations
Chapter GPA ≥ 3.0
ORGPA ≥ 2.85 and ≥ 0.1 above campus AMA GPA
Approved scholarship program
Minimum Expectations
Chapter GPA ≥ 2.75 and at/above campus AMA GPA
Approved scholarship program
Membership Development
Membership Development
Outstanding
Hosts Ritual Workshop
Attends 3 additional personal or professional development workshops
Exceeds Expectations
Hosts Ritual Workshop
Attends 2 additional workshops
Minimum Expectations
Hosts Ritual Workshop
Attends 1 additional workshop
Community Service
Community Service
Outstanding
30 service hours per man average
At least 2 SeriousFun volunteers
Exceeds Expectations
20 service hours per man average
At least 1 SeriousFun volunteer
Minimum Expectations
10 service hours per man average
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
Outstanding
$130 per man average donated
Minimum $2,500 to SeriousFun Children’s Network
Exceeds Expectations
$75 per man average donated
Minimum $1,500 to SeriousFun Children’s Network
Minimum Expectations
$40 per man average donated
Minimum $500 to SeriousFun Children’s Network
Stakeholder Outreach
Stakeholder Outreach
Outstanding
4 alumni/parent publications
4 alumni/parent events
18 multimedia social features
Exceeds Expectations
3 alumni/parent publications
3 alumni/parent events
12 multimedia social features
Minimum Expectations
2 alumni/parent publications
2 alumni/parent events
6 multimedia social features
Campus & Community Involvement
Campus & Community Involvement
Outstanding
80% of members involved in another organization
20% hold leadership roles
Exceeds Expectations
66% involved
10% hold leadership roles
Minimum Expectations
50% involved
At least one member in a leadership role
How to Use This Resource Effectively
✅ Review your Borradaile standing monthly
✅ Focus on 2–3 priority categories per term
✅ Assign ownership to officers
✅ Track progress using the Borradaile Tracker
✅ Involve your Board of Governors early
Need Help?
If you have questions about:
Interpreting standards
Improving a specific category
Tracking or reporting requirements
👉 Contact your Chapter Services Consultant