Certification
Does the chapter need to get one new certified chapter member or do existing certifications count?
A chapter must have one new certified chapter member to qualify.
Will recertification count for Criteria #2?
Only newly certified CPS and/or CAP holders qualify. This is to encourage members to consider advancing their careers by taking advantage of IAAP’s certification program. Individuals who recertify will benefit under the Member of Excellence Program.
Commitment
How does the Chapter President sign the Commitment Agreement?
The Chapter President will download, and print the form, read it and sign it on behalf of the chapter. Chapters may want to consider asking their members to vote prior to signing. This increases engagement and understanding, but is not required.
What do we do with the signed Commitment Agreement?
The agreement should be kept on file for one full fiscal year after submitting Chapter of Excellence application along with all other related documentation. It is recommended that you pass this file on to your successor.
Communication
We only publish five newsletters per year. Will this count?
The requirement for six newsletters or e-newsletters is to ensure that members are receiving information. Less than six will not qualify.
How will chapter participation in the Web Community be measured?
Chapter participation will be measured by whether the information on the web site is up-to-date.
My chapter cannot afford to participate in the Web Community, what can we do?
Chapters in this situation are encouraged to look for corporate sponsors to fund your participation in the Web Community. Your chapter may also hold a fundraiser to specifically raise the needed funds to participate.
Education & Training
We are not able to confirm all our speakers for the next year prior to the September 1 publishing date. If one is left “to be determined” will that be acceptable to meet the criteria?
Chapters are only required to publish the education and/or training topics, not necessarily speakers. As long as the calendar of events is established by September 1, there is flexibility as the year progresses.
Fiscal Responsibility
My chapter has not audited its financials before. How do we go about doing this?
A good place to start is by appointing an audit committee that consists of chapter members who are not members of the board. Information about how to conduct an audit may be found in the Leader's Guide on the IAAP website.
Leadership Development & Roles
What happens if an officer or committee chair leaves the position during the fiscal year? Is there a grace period to fill that office?
As some bylaws state that a special election must occur for some vacancies and up to 30 days notice can be required for the special election, a grace period of 45 days is allowed. If possible, the position would be filled sooner.
There are no leadership training or succession planning events available in our area. What should my chapter do?
Chapters are encouraged to work with their division to have them provide the training. This is a requirement for divisions to earn a criteria point under the Division of Excellence program to ensure that chapters are receiving the support they need to succeed. If they aren’t available, a program will be available online for your chapter download and use for training.
In some chapters, officers also hold positions that include membership, certification and education. The criterion for the chapter says they need to maintain a full slate of officers plus these other four positions. If they have dual responsibilities will this criterion not count for them?
To increase opportunities for leadership development and succession planning, chapters are encouraged to utilize the skill sets of different members for each of these roles. If it is not possible and the chapter’s bylaws allow for dual responsibility then the criteria would be met in this case.
Programs & Participation
Does the chapter need to inform their division that they have submitted an Avery Achievement application or a nomination for the Award for Excellence program for employers?
Yes, this would be a good idea. In addition, chapters should consider providing the division a copy of their submitted application.
Can an Administrative Professionals Week (APW) event be considered an impact meeting?
If the primary purpose of the APW event is a membership drive and not a celebration of administrative professionals then this would qualify as an impact event. Chapters will need to determine individually what the intent of the meeting is to determine if it the meeting qualifies.
Recruitment & Retention
My chapter does not have 15 members, but we have retained over 80 percent. Does that qualify?
As a minimum of 15 members is required to charter a new chapter, chapters who fall below that number are no longer meeting the basic requirements. Chapters in this position are encouraged to work with their division to create an action plan to increase membership.
Is there a sample new member orientation available for chapters to use?
Under Construction
Would a mentoring program be considered a new member orientation?
The purpose of a new member orientation is to ensure that new members understand the opportunities for leadership and skill development as well as information about the Association. A mentoring program would not fit into this category.
Strategic Planning
How does a chapter create a business (strategic) plan?
For a sample please see "Ten Step Strategic Planning Process."
What does a member interest/satisfaction survey include?
The survey includes questions whose answers would help improve the division and make sure the needs of your members are being met.
Will a planning event held prior to the start of the new year count?
If a planning meeting agenda is specific to the next fiscal year and is held in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year, this would meet the criteria.