Phase 2: Orientation

Phase 1: Inquiry | Phase 2: Orientation | Phase 3: Chartering | Phase 4: Post Chartering


*Complete Advisor Update Forms.
Fill out an advisor update form for each advisor. All reported advisors receive an advisor welcome packet that includes the advisor pin, certificate and password for reporting members online.

*Customize the sample chapter bylaws.
Each chapter establishes their bylaws compatible with their college's policies and Phi Theta Kappa's International Constitution and Bylaws. A sample set of bylaws is available online for your chapter to customize. Bylaws are essential to the development and continuity of your chapter. The bylaws established by your chapter remain on file at Headquarters and can be updated. Refer to the International Constitution to ensure that your chapter bylaws are compatible with Phi Theta Kappa policy.

*Send chapter bylaws to Phi Theta Kappa contact.
Email your finalized bylaws or fax them to 601.987.5477 for approval.

*Receive Personal Assistant Manager (PAM) orientation.
Phi Theta Kappa User Support is pleased to offer a PAM orientation session for chartering advisors. PAM is useful for reporting members and is your virtual assistant. It is a web-based management tool that provides assistance in accomplishing the goals and tasks you have set for your chapter. Contact Phi Theta Kappa's User Support at 800.946.9995 ext. 3561.

*Identify eligible members and report the number to the Phi Theta Kappa contact.
Obtain a file of students eligible for Phi Theta Kappa membership from the college registrar. A fixed-width or comma delimited file allows Phi Theta Kappa advisors to very quickly and easily report new members to our Headquarters. Contact Phi Theta Kappa's User Support with questions when requesting a list. Inform your chartering contact of the number of eligible students to receive adequate Membership Benefits Brochures and posters.

*Appoint and report eligible members as charter officers.
It is proven that appointing students as chartering officers benefits the chapter during the chartering process. These chartering officers help during the chartering process, developing their leadership skills while becoming involved in the organization. Members that show great promise as a leader to the chapter are ideal to appoint. Report your chapter's chartering officers online.

*Submit potential orientation dates and times to Phi Theta Kappa contact.
A Phi Theta Kappa representative will attend your chapter's first orientation. By submitting your potential dates and times at least three weeks in advance your chapter is ensured to have a representative at the times you have requested.

*Receive orientation materials.
Once an orientation date has been set and the number of eligible students reported, your chapter receives Membership Benefits Brochures, Good as Gold posters, and other materials that explain the benefits of Phi Theta Kappa. These materials can be distributed and displayed throughout campus to excite students about the newly developed organization on campus.

*Set a membership application deadline.
Allow students time to make their decision about accepting membership keeping in mind that members must be reported at least a week prior to the chartering ceremony to receive certificates in time.

*Customize sample membership invitation letter.
A sample membership invitation letter is available online. All eligible students should be sent a membership invitation from your college president.

*Mail invitation letter to eligible members.
Along with the invitation letter, send out a Membership Benefit Brochure to each prospective member. The brochure ensures every eligible student is aware of the full benefits of membership.

*Conduct new member orientation for eligible members.
At the orientation a Phi Theta Kappa representative explains the benefits of membership to eligible students. Guidelines and suggestions for preparing and conducting an effective orientation can be found in Chapter 7 of the printed Chapter Resource Manual or online.

*Collect membership application forms and fees.
Every new member must submit their completed application and fee to the chapter before they can have access to member benefits.

Return to the Chapter Chartering Index

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