New! Changes to the Achieving Excellence 2021–2022 Program

The 2021–2022 Achieving Excellence program has two important changes designed to increase our ability to recognize the excellent work of our award-winning Inns. Inn leaders should be aware of these changes as you plan for your Inn’s activities during the program qualifying period.

Q. What is changing?
A. The first change is that the Achieving Excellence program qualifying period will be changing from July 1–June 30 to May 1–April 30.

Q. Why is the Achieving Excellence program qualifying period changing?
A. The annual recognition event traditionally held in October in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court of the United States is changing due to the evolving nature of both the COVID-19 pandemic and because of stricter measures designed for the safety and security of visitors, resulting in permanently reduced capacity for events at the Supreme Court.

Q. What does this mean for the recognition of the Achieving Excellence platinum Inns? Will my Inn still be able to have dinner at the Supreme Court?
A. Yes! The reduction in event capacity means that we are now planning two smaller events annually at the Supreme Court, including one in July dedicated to recognizing award-winning Inns.

Q. Why change the Achieving Excellence Program qualifying period?
A. Our award-winning Inns will now have a dedicated event held each July at the Supreme Court of the United States, instead of in October. This change is necessary to allow time for records reconciliation, registration, and travel arrangements. The program qualifying period will close in April to ensure all these steps are completed in advance of the July event. Holding a separate event will allow us to increase our recognition of the great work of each Inn. More information about the event will be available in the spring.

Q. Does this mean our Inn has less time to complete all our requirements?
A. No! The 2022 deadlines remain the same. All items that are due after May 1 will be counted in the next qualifying period. In fact, because we are making this change effective after May 1 of the current qualifying period, you may already have credit for several items. Your director of chapter relations  can confirm your progress to date.

Q. Are there any other changes?
A. Yes, there is one additional small change. Inn programs that are submitted as a requirement in the Achieving Excellence program must be submitted within 60 days of the date of presentation. This allows us to record the Inn’s program submission in a timely manner and ensures that our program library has a steady flow of submissions throughout the year. Because many program submissions are also considered for program awards, the change will allow the volunteer program awards committee more consistent time to review programs being considered for program awards.

Q. What if I have questions?
A. Contact your director of chapter relations with any additional questions you might have.