Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

By Phil Lucas (Student Government President)

Each year one emerging student organization and one outstanding student organization are chose to be honored at the end-of-the-year Student Leadership Awards Banquet. Traditionally, these organizations generally have large memberships. However, many groups exist with a small number of students, but still work diligently to ensure the development of their members. The current Student Government executive board pledged during the 2011 campaign to provide better recognition for all student groups, small and large. The Five-Star Organization Awards are the result of months of research and development, lead by Vice President George Mansour and President Phil Lucas. The goal was to provide a system by which student groups of all types could continuously check themselves against set criteria and improve their status. Each organization that qualifies for more than  three stars receives a framed certificate to display.

The criteria for earning stars, listed in order of easiest to accomplish to the most difficult, are:

1)      Defined and Positive Purpose: The organization’s existence is a positive attribute of the University.

2)      Teamwork and Collaboration Skills: The organization teaches teamwork through its day-to-day operations and collaborates with students, faculty, and staff.

3)      Contribution to the University and Community: The organization gives back to the University and pursues a relationship with the City of Southfield.

4)      Responsibility and Citizenship Development: The organization builds leaders who have integrity, accountability, and a commitment to developing the next generation of great citizens.

Campus Tradition Development: The organization adds to the collegiate experience by establishing traditions that help foster pride within the University.

We are extremely proud to announce that the Five-Star Organizations for 2011–12 are Chi Omega Rho Sorority, Dance Team, Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, Delta Tau Sigma Sorority, Out! At LTU With Friends, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and Theta Tau Fraternity. The presidents of these organizations will be in attendance at the prestigious Student Leadership Awards Banquet in April.

We are also very proud to announce the Four-Star Organization Award winners: Black Student Union, Math Club, Society of Automotive Engineers, and Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

With a little hard work, any organization on campus can be Five-Star caliber. Award-winning organizations can continue to show growth in each of the categories by further developing their student members. They can also work as mentors to other student groups on campus as we continue to grow in student leadership opportunities.

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