The Defining Moment: Increase Access with Online Acceptance
"Phi Theta Kappa gave me an enthusiasm for learning. I learned leadership skills to help me give back to my community. Phi Theta Kappa has and continues to impact my life." - Nasha Taylor, 2006 Guistwhite Scholar
For Nasha Taylor and many other community college students, the invitation to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa is a defining moment in their lives.
For some, the letter of invitation is the first-ever recognition of their academic accomplishments. For others, achieving Phi Theta Kappa membership may reinforce their high school success and reassure them that they can also excel in college.
For everyone, the invitation and the induction are crowning moments - the hard work, the sacrifices, the time spent away from family, and the economic struggles have been rewarded.
Phi Theta Kappa takes this scholastic recognition to a new level, through programs that encourage lifelong learning, by teaching that a scholar's first responsibility is service and by providing benefits for continued classroom and career success.
Student development is the passion that drives many community college faculty, and this is particularly true of Phi Theta Kappa advisors. "I have seen the very real changes that have come into the lives of our officers and most active members… Teaching is the most noble profession I know of and what better way to teach than to serve as a Phi Theta Kappa advisor?" said Roger Ekins, advisor at Butte College in California.
Community college faculty, and especially Phi Theta Kappa advisors, can significantly impact the lives of students. In a recent survey to determine reasons for membership acceptance, a recommendation from faculty topped the list.
While chapter demographics differ widely, most chapters follow a basic format in their member acceptance campaigns: mailing a letter of invitation accompanied by a benefits brochure, and following up with a telephone call. Advisors now have the opportunity to offer membership in a whole new way and perhaps reach an untapped audience. Through PAM, the Personal Assistant Manager program, advisors may opt to allow students to accept membership online.
Completing their member applications online, and paying their fees online, will be a major advantage to many students, especially those enrolled in online and evening classes, who rarely are on campus during normal school hours.
Online membership is more than a convenience, however - members who accept online can access their benefits within 24 hours. Whether their first need is a stole and tassel, a letter of recommendation or a transfer scholarship, a member accepting online won't have to wait for any benefits.
Online membership acceptance can also be beneficial to advisors - another convenience that is PAM's raison d'etre.
Local fees are collected by Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters as part of the membership fee paid online and remitted to the chapter within 30 days.
Advisors are freed from administrative duties and can apply more of their time and focus to student development.
"We love PAM," said Borough of Manhattan Community College advisor Dr. Precious Sellars-Mulhern.
"This system is so convenient for everyone. Students can register online at any time of day or night. Advisors are kept in the loop by receiving notification each time a student registers. This online process saves me hours of work! I am so grateful that Phi Theta Kappa has presented us with such a useful tool!"
Expanding the membership base will result in more funds for chapters, which can prevent an increase in chapter fees.
And finally, online acceptance can give more students that "defining moment" of recognition and help them take their first step to success.
"Online membership reduces paperwork for advisors and improves chapter membership management," said Rob Carey, advisor at Pima Community College in Arizona, and current Secretary of the Association of Chapter Advisors.
"Most importantly, with the busy lives so many community college students lead, online membership provides a secure and convenient alternative for eligible students to accept membership. Certainly it helps chapters reach their Pinnacle goals," Carey concluded.
Did you know?
Because Phi Theta Kappa qualifies for membership in the Association of College Honor Societies, members who complete bachelor's degrees and qualify for Federal GS-5 entry positions are automatically eligible to receive GS-7 status, and may receive a commensurate salary increase by virtue of membership.
Learn more about online acceptance at www.ptk.org/pam/. For questions about PAM, contact the help desk at 601.984.3561.
