The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.
February/March 2000 Issue
Have You Hugged Your Advisor Lately? Tips on Lightening Your Advisor's Workload
Name the hardest working member of the Phi Theta Kappa team who is not a member at all.
You guessed it - your advisor.
Phi Theta Kappa advisors give their time, money, and often much more to ensure that their students can take advantage of the opportunities associated with Phi Theta Kappa membership. Most do this with nothing more in return than the joy of witnessing their students grow as a result of their affiliation with the Society.
Considering all that your advisors do for you, try some of these tips to give them a hand.
Searching for answers? The answers you are looking for could be right under your nose. Before directing questions to your advisor, take the initiative to find your own answers by consulting your Officer Resource Packet and Phi Theta Kappa's web site.
Lead the charge for new members. Nix new member recruitment stress for advisors by coordinating the mailing of invitation letters, placing phone calls to prospective members, planning the orientation agenda, and organizing the induction ceremony. Most advisors would also welcome assistance in completing the Official Report of New Members.
Cooperation counts. Focus on working together for the benefit of the chapter rather than becoming detoured by personal differences. Advisors prefer advising to refereeing any day.
Have you hugged your advisor today? A little word of thanks or a big Phi Theta Kappa hug can go a long way to make an advisor's day. Tell advisors how much you appreciate their dedication!
Plotting for programs with pizzazz? Phi Theta Kappa's programs are member-driven; therefore, advisors give input on programs, but members are responsible for the successful implementation of the programs. As officers you can lead the troops in orchestrating programs with punch - cookies optional.
Build strong lines of communication. Keep advisors in the communication loop with progress reports on ongoing projects and plans for upcoming events as well as any challenges on the horizon for the chapter. Also take the opportunity to ask your advisors about their needs and how you can help.
Offer an Annual Report anecdote. Each year Phi Theta Kappa asks advisors to give an update on their chapters by completing the Chapter Annual Report, mailed to advisors in early February. Advisors must sign and submit the completed form, but officers can assist the advisors in gathering information and completing the form.
Are your advisors award-worthy? Show them what a winner you think they are by nominating your tireless supporters for advisor awards on both the regional and international levels.