The Best Just Got Better!
The Hallmark Awards recognize members, advisors, college administrators, alumni, chapters and regions for outstanding achievement in the Society's Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship. Following the major revisions unveiled for the 2006 Hallmark Awards, the new program has been reviewed by focus groups of advisors, Regional Coordinators and members. Based on their recommendations, a committee of Hallmark Awards Judges and Headquarters Staff members has now completed slight revisions to the new program, in order to simplify the entry process and ensure that the rubrics accurately measure excellence in chapter programming and individual achievement.
2007 Hallmark Awards Entry Forms are now available online at www.ptk.org/hallmarks. The new Entry Forms have been streamlined to include eligibility criteria, entry submission requirements and nomination questions, so a separate Nomination Form is no longer required. Only signatures from a chapter advisor and chapter president or officer are required, so chapters no longer must collect individual signatures from each nomination writer. Based on feedback from advisors and members, entry submission rules will now be strictly adhered to, meaning any departure from the stated requirements on each Entry Form will result in immediate disqualification of the entry.
In August, contact advisors were mailed the judges' actual score sheets for their chapter's 2006 Hallmark Awards chapter category entries (Scholarship, Leadership and Service). Other resources to assist chapters in becoming more competitive in the Hallmark Awards Program are also now available online. Visit www.ptk.org/hallmarks for award category descriptions, 2007 judging rubrics, frequently asked questions, a glossary of terms, sample entries and tips for success in the program. Chapter should note that the 2007 rubrics for each award category have been changed slightly, and therefore should be reviewed carefully prior to completing Hallmark Award entries.
Phi Theta Kappa's Hallmark Awards Program has also been expanded to offer two new opportunities for recognition of college administrators. The Administrator Award of Distinction honors college administrators other than College Presidents or Campus CEOs (such as Deans or Vice Presidents) demonstrating exceptional support of Phi Theta Kappa. Nominees selected are not required to attend the International Convention in order to accept the award. The State Community College Director Award of Distinction recognizes those charged with overseeing state two-year college systems for their unique support of the Society. Nominations for this award may be submitted by members, chapter advisors or Regional Coordinators, and recipients must agree to attend the International Convention in order to accept the award.
Guidelines for the Society's two previously existing Hallmark Awards categories recognizing College Presidents and Campus CEOs, the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction and the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award for retiring administrators, have not changed. Complete information regarding eligibility and entry submission is available on the Entry Forms for each award category. Chapters are encouraged to honor their college administrators by nominating them for these awards.
The Hallmark Awards will be presented at the 2007 International Convention; however, Administrator Awards of Distinction and Bennett Lifetime Achievement Awards may be sent to the chapter for presentation at an appropriate time, at the discretion of the chapter advisor. 2007 Hallmark Award entries, except those designated for college administrators, are due at International Headquarters on February 2, 2007. All entries for the four Hallmark Awards honoring College Administrators must be received at International Headquarters no later than Friday, December 1, 2006. For questions regarding the Hallmark Awards Program, contact Director of Chapter Programs Brandi McNeil at 601.984.3524.
