Richard J. Daley College, IL
Sonia Ramirez, Advisor

The Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Richard J. Daley College in Illinois has learned that increased visibility and involvement leads to improved membership acceptance, according to Eliana Calvillo, Vice President of Leadership. “We realized that in order to increase our membership acceptance we had to involve students, faculty, and administrators in recruitment,” Calvillo said. “We hosted a leadership forum for campus organization officers and administrators, and asked the Chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago to speak about the importance of belonging to such a prestigious organization. Through these activities we gained the support of the administration, which in turn led them to encourage eligible students to accept membership.” Calvillo also approached the campus Honors Programs Director to share information on the chapter, its goals, and membership benefits. As a result, Calvillo was able to address the Honors Program Student Orientation, an audience of students eligible for membership. Also, each chapter officer was assigned to inform different department faculty about Phi Theta Kappa and its benefits for members. “Now, our chapter is well recognized by administrators and faculty in our college,” Calvillo said.