Fill Out Your Omega Psi 77 Form

What is the Omega Psi 77 form?

The Omega Psi 77 form is the application for the Graduate Chapter of the Year Award within the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. It is designed for graduate chapters to demonstrate their contributions to the fraternity at both the district and international levels, as well as their impact on the local community. The form outlines specific guidelines, criteria, and requirements that chapters must follow to apply for this prestigious award.

Who is eligible to apply for the Graduate Chapter of the Year Award?

Graduate chapters with a financial membership between 5 and 49 members may submit the application. To qualify, the chapter must be in good standing at both the district and international levels during the immediate year prior to the award and the year of the award. However, newly chartered graduate chapters are exempt from this requirement for the prior year.

What are the key components required in the application submission?

Each section of the application must include specific items to avoid point deductions. Required components include an agenda or flyer for events, labeled photos with descriptions and dates, and a written report summarizing each activity's results. It’s essential that all photos coincide with the dates covered in the application period. Moreover, mandatory items must be provided even though the committee will confirm certain details with the International Headquarters (IHQ).

How is the scoring evaluated for the application?

The evaluation is based on a maximum score of 100 points, broken down into various categories. These categories include the Year Book (which assesses presentation and labeling), fraternity programs, and chapter awards and recognition. Each section has different weightings, with particular emphasis on the quality and clarity of information presented. For instance, the Achievement Week program can gain up to 12 points, while the overall Year Book has a maximum of 12 points allocated to it.

What formatting guidelines should be followed for the submissions?

Forms must be submitted electronically in PDF format on a CD, DVD, or thumb drive. The entire packet should not exceed 100 pages and must follow the specified outline without deviation. Adhering strictly to the evaluation criteria is crucial, as failing to do so can result in deductions. Each section should be clearly labeled, and documentation should reflect the required content setup.

Are there any specific signature requirements for the application?

Yes, the application must include a signature page that is essential for validation. Signatures from both the Chapter Basileus (president) and the Keeper of Records and Seal (KRS) are required to confirm that they have reviewed and approved the contents of the application. Electronic signatures are acceptable, providing they meet the necessary criteria.

What common mistakes should applicants avoid when completing the Omega Psi 77 form?

Common pitfalls include submitting an application without dating the events or activities listed, including items multiple times in different sections, and failing to adhere to the outlined order and formatting. It is critical to ensure clarity and completeness in each response, as any deviation from the guidelines may lead to disqualification or point deductions.

When completing the Omega Psi 77 form, many applicants unwittingly make errors that can jeopardize their submission. One common mistake is failing to follow the format requirements strictly. Each section of the application is designed to capture essential information in a specific order. If this order isn’t honored, point deductions may occur. It's crucial to adhere to directions, as even small deviations can impact your chapter's chances.

Another frequent pitfall is the inclusion of undated activities. Each event or activity submitted must have a date that corresponds with the fiscal year of the fraternity. Without proper dates, those entries may not get considered at all. Take the time to ensure that everything listed is dated accurately; missing this vital detail can quickly lead to disqualification.

Additionally, members often duplicate entries, mistakenly thinking that reiterating activities will bolster their application. However, credit is granted only once for each event. To avoid this problem, carefully evaluate where each activity fits best and only list it once. This practice not only adheres to the rules but also ensures clarity and conciseness in the application.

Furthermore, neglecting to include required signatures can pose a significant hurdle. Both the Chapter Basileus and the Keeper of Records and Seal must validate that they have reviewed and approved the application. Without these signatures, the application cannot be accepted. Always check that these vital affirmations are included before submitting your documents.

Lastly, many applicants overlook the importance of quality over quantity. The form explicitly states that the packet should not exceed 100 pages, focusing on quality rather than mere volume. Strive for a high-quality, well-organized presentation that aligns with the evaluation criteria. A concise, targeted application can make all the difference in conveying the chapter's achievements effectively.

When applying for the Graduate Chapter of the Year Award using the Omega Psi 77 form, several other forms and documents may enhance your submission. These documents ensure that all essential information is presented in a clear and organized manner. Below is a list of frequently used forms and documents typically submitted alongside Form 77.

• Achievement Week Summary Report: This document outlines activities and events held during Achievement Week, showcasing the chapter's contributions to the fraternity and community. It should include descriptions, dates, and outcomes of each event.
• Scholarship Program Documentation: This includes records and reports related to the chapter’s scholarship programs, detailing student beneficiaries, amounts awarded, and the overall impact of the scholarship efforts.
• Conclave Attendance Verification: An official list or report confirming the participation of chapter representatives at the leadership conference. This documentation often requires verification from the Keeper of Records.
• Social Action Projects Overview: A comprehensive report detailing the social action initiatives undertaken by the chapter, including purpose, engagement statistics, and community feedback.
• Yearbook Submission: A professionally compiled yearbook that presents all key events and achievements of the chapter throughout the year. It should be organized, well-labeled, and adhere to the specified format outlined in the award application.
• Signature Page: This page must include the signatures of the chapter Basileus and Keeper of Records, affirming that they have reviewed the application materials and that the chapter remains in good standing.

Each of these supporting documents plays a vital role in demonstrating the chapter’s dedication and accomplishments. Ensure that all materials are submitted in a cohesive and professional manner to maximize your chances of recognition.

• Grant Application Form: Much like the Omega Psi 77 form, this document requests detailed information about a project and its impact. Applicants must provide a clear outline of the program, expected outcomes, and supporting documentation to demonstrate efficacy.
• Nonprofit Annual Report: Similar to the Omega Psi 77 form, an annual report summarizes an organization's achievements over the past year. It includes a breakdown of programs, financial contributions, and community impact, showcasing how goals were met.
• Award Nomination Form: This document serves as a formal application for various accolades. It typically requires recommendations, a summary of accomplishments, and supporting documents, paralleling the detailed criteria that must be met for the Omega Psi 77 application.
• Event Proposal: Like the Omega Psi 77 form, an event proposal outlines a planned activity, including objectives, schedules, and expected outcomes. Both documents emphasize the importance of preparation and thorough documentation to ensure success.
• Project Report Template: This template is used to showcase the results of a specific project, detailing activities, successes, and areas for improvement. It mirrors the requirement of the Omega Psi 77 to document activities clearly and provide specific evidence of community contributions.
• Membership Renewal Form: This form requests essential information from members to maintain good standing. Similar to the Omega Psi 77, it requires verification of compliance with organization rules and membership criteria.

Things to Do:

• Read the instructions thoroughly to ensure you understand the requirements.
• Type your responses clearly, using concise and specific language.
• Ensure that all activities you list are dated according to the event year.
• Provide all mandatory items as specified, even if the committee will verify some details.
• Follow the outlined structure precisely without altering the order of sections.
• Submit the application with the required signatures from the Basileus and Keeper of Records and Seal.
• Check that your submission does not exceed the 100-page limit.
• Label all photos and reports correctly to provide clear descriptions.
• Focus on quality over quantity to stand out in your application.

Things to Avoid:

• Do not submit activities more than once; each event should be entered only in its most relevant section.
• Avoid submitting incomplete applications without the required signatures.
• Do not neglect to provide dated information, as undated activities will not qualify for scoring.
• Do not alter the form or any sections as it may lead to deductions.
• Refrain from using informal language or unclear phrasing in your responses.
• Do not exceed the maximum page limit; more pages do not equal better quality.
• Avoid including unrelated activities that do not fit the established criteria.
• Do not forget to review and proofread your application before submission.
• Avoid submitting on easily damaged media; ensure the format is accessible and reliable.

Here are six common misconceptions about the Omega Psi 77 form, along with clarifications:

• Only large chapters qualify for the award. Many believe that only larger chapters can apply, but chapters with a membership of 5 to 49 members are eligible as well.
• You can submit any form of documentation. Some think that any documents will suffice. The form requires specific items like flyers, photos, and written reports that follow a set format.
• Signatures are optional. Many assume that signatures from the Basileus and Keeper of Records and Seal can be skipped. However, these signatures are mandatory for the application to be valid.
• The application can be submitted in any format. Some individuals believe they can submit the application in any style. In truth, it must be typed and meet strict formatting requirements.
• Quality doesn’t matter as long as you hit the page limit. While the packet can be up to 100 pages, focusing solely on quantity over quality is a misconception. High-quality submissions are favored over long, less-thoughtful ones.
• You can repeat activities in multiple sections. It's a common mistake to think the same event can be listed more than once. The rules state each activity should only be entered in the section that best fits.

Here are the key takeaways for filling out and using the Omega Psi 77 form:

• The form is for the Graduate Chapter of the Year Award.
• Chapters must have between 5 and 49 members and be in good standing.
• Follow the specified scoring criteria; deviations may lead to point deductions.
• Use clear and concise language; responses should be typed and address each topic fully.
• All activities must be dated; undated events will not earn credit in the scoring.
• Include a signature page signed by the Chapter Basileus and the Keeper of Records and Seal.
• Limit the submission packet to a maximum of 100 pages. Focus on quality over quantity.
• The yearbook must follow a specific format, starting with the introduction and ending with recognition sections.
• Only include each event once; activities can only earn credit in the most appropriate category.