Maximizing Membership
Ever wondered why some students don't accept membership in Phi Theta Kappa?
Phi Theta Kappa's primary mission is to recognize academic excellence and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. With that said, shouldn't we strive for a time when "no one goes unrecognized?"
Increasing membership acceptance is not just about numbers. It's about making every eligible student aware of the many benefits and opportunities available to Phi Theta Kappa members. And most importantly it's about recognizing academic excellence. But how do you do that?
A recent study conducted by Phi Theta Kappa found that the majority of eligible students who did not accept membership gave one of three reasons. Read on to learn why - and get strategies your chapter can use to ensure that no one goes unrecognized.
Reason One: "I didn't know about the benefits."
Start early to get the word out about the benefits of membership - ideally before students become eligible to accept Society membership. Promote Phi Theta Kappa at your college's orientation for incoming freshmen. Assist with your college's new student registration or set up an information booth in a visible location on campus using Phi Theta Kappa's "Good as Gold" promotional posters, balloons and banners.
During the semester, place ads in your campus newspaper congratulating eligible students and promoting awareness of Phi Theta Kappa. When planning your chapter's new member orientation, keep in mind that today's college students have busy schedules, often working and taking night classes or enrolling part-time. Hosting multiple new member orientation meetings at varying times of the day allows more eligible students to attend, regardless of their schedule.
Finally, consider that eligible students in terminal degree programs may not consider transfer scholarships a significant benefit. Provide these students information about other Phi Theta Kappa member benefits related to career opportunities, like job placement and letters of recommendation.
Reason Two: "I was not aware that I was eligible."
Phi Theta Kappa recommends that chapters send a letter to all eligible students signed by the college president, offering congratulations on the student's academic achievements and an invitation to attend one of the chapter's new member orientations. Since there is a chance that eligible students may not read these letters, or remember the orientation as it approaches, use email to send a reminder about orientation dates and times or to provide further details about the benefits of accepting membership. Include links in your email to Phi Theta Kappa's website so students can learn more about the benefits of membership - it's fast and it's free!
Sometimes the best communication is one-on-one. A personal phone call from a current member can go a long way in assuring an eligible student that Phi Theta Kappa membership is for them. Plan a Phone-a-Thon to make sure your potential members received the invitation and to answer any questions they have. Remind them about your chapter's orientation meeting or if they can't attend, direct them to view the Phi Theta Kappa informational video online at www.ptk.org.
Phi Theta Kappa's membership study also found that students are significantly more likely to accept membership if a faculty member other than the advisor recommends Phi Theta Kappa. Make sure that your college faculty knows about Phi Theta Kappa, especially the Society's mission of recognizing academic achievement and the array of membership benefits available. Invite faculty to attend the induction ceremony, and ask them to recognize eligible students or new members in class. Some chapters send a list of eligible students to the college faculty, asking them to specifically congratulate their students on their academic success and accomplishments in being invited to membership.
Reason Three: "I couldn't pay the membership fee."
All too often, financial concerns are a primary reason for eligible students not accepting the invitation to membership. Many chapters have implemented membership fee acceptance programs to help eligible students with financial need pay the one-time membership fee. Some programs are supported by the college foundation and others by donations from the college administration, faculty or community. Your chapter may also dedicate a fundraiser to membership fee assistance.
Sometimes, a student may not be able to pay the fee, but their family may be willing to sponsor the cost. Send a letter to students' parents or spouse, informing them of their loved ones' success and explaining the opportunities available through membership. Welcome families to your orientation by making it a fun event with food, music, balloons, and door prizes. Families will take great pride in their spouse or child's academic accomplishments and may encourage them to accept membership.
Now more than ever, Phi Theta Kappa is providing chapters the resources to promote membership in the Society and recognize students' academic achievement. Sample invitation letters and induction ceremony brochures, a script for calling eligible students, a print-ready newspaper ad, and more tips for planning a successful membership campaign are available online at www.ptk.org/chapters/resources/members or in PAM - the Personal Assistant Manager for Advisors. With thoughtful planning, together we can ensure that "no one goes unrecognized!"
