Enhanced Membership Programs Benefit Members and Chapters
The Enhanced Membership Program is a guideline for members to become actively involved in chapter programming. Chapters may customize Enhanced Membership Programs to accurately reflect local opportunities for involvement. In the last year, Phi Theta Kappa has conducted surveys of members and advisors, and held focus groups at International events to gauge the effectiveness of Enhanced Membership Programs and determine how chapters can ensure success in these programs.
Now, the results are in!
A study found that Enhanced Membership Programs:
- Increase Chapter Participation. As members become involved in the Enhanced Membership Program, chapter meeting and event attendance increases.
- Motivate Members. The program provides recognition for active members, motivating new members to get excited about Society programming.
- Develop Members' Leadership Skills. By actively participating in the chapter, members will increase their competitive edge for scholarships, four-year college admissions, internships and employment.
- Meet Five Star Chapter Development Program Goals. Many requirements of the Enhanced Membership Program tie into the requirements of the Five Star Program, so chapters have the member participation they need to meet their Five Star goals.
- Provide a Blueprint for Participation. New members can be unsure about how to get involved in the chapter. The Enhanced Membership Program outlines specific ways any member can maximize his or her Phi Theta Kappa experience.
- Increase Campus Visibility. With more active participants, chapter events can have more impact on campus, generating interest from potential members.
- Share the Work. The structure of the Enhanced Membership Program reduces the advisor and officers' workload by ensuring that members are available to assist in planning and implementing chapter activities.
- Prepare Future Phi Theta Kappa Leaders. Participating in the Enhanced Membership Program is great experience for future chapter, regional or International Officers. The program develops leadership skills and knowledge of the Society useful to leaders at every level.
- Ensure Receipt of Member Benefits. Members participating in the program will be sure to take advantage of the New Member Press Release and permanent Phi Theta Kappa email address. By visiting Get Connected at the Phi Theta Kappa website, members will also ensure they receive the weekly Golden Key News Briefs from Headquarters and are registered in the Transfer Database, a recruiting tool used by hundreds of senior institutions.
Learn how to implement an Enhanced Membership Program in your chapter, and download a new customizable sample program, at www.ptk.org/chapters/resources/members/enhanced.htm. Watch for more new Enhanced Membership Program resources available later this year!
