February/March 2000 Issue

Only one-half of Phi Theta Kappa chapters participate in the Five-Star Chapter Development Program, a step-by-step guide that guarantees chapter order and recognition to all who participate!

If the Five-Star Program is such a win-win situation for chapters – large or small – then why doesn't every chapter participate? Perhaps it is because of these common misconceptions about the program. Allow us to dispel them one by one.

Myth #1: It's too complicated.
It is actually very easy to get started in the Five-Star Chapter Development Program. The most important thing to remember is that you should be using the latest edition of the Program Guide each year. A new Five-Star Chapter Development Program Guide is mailed to your contact advisor and chapter president the week following your region's awards presentation, which generally takes place at the regional convention. Read the Program Guide carefully to determine all that is required of a chapter at each level of participation. Then, work with your advisor and chapter officer team to determine a goal. In reality, your chapter is probably already doing what it takes to be at least a One-Star chapter. Why not get recognized for your efforts?

Myth #2: It's too much paperwork.
The required paperwork is short and to the point. First, you must complete a Chapter Goal Form to let your Regional Coordinator and Headquarters know that your chapter intends to participate in the Five-Star Chapter Development Program. Second, the Chapter Update Form is a simple checklist to help you keep track of your chapter's progress toward its goal. Each region requires Chapter Update Forms to be submitted at different times. Refer to your current Five-Star Program Guide for your region's requirements. Finally, for those chapters who set a goal to reach the Five-Star level, you will need to complete a College Project Form, which is due at the completion of your college project.

Myth #3: We don't have enough members to participate.
You don't need a lot of members to be an active, productive Phi Theta Kappa chapter. All you really need are a few members with a little initiative! For example, Level 3, Activity 3 requires that a chapter complete three service projects. To complete one service project, a chapter only needs a minimum of two members who implement and participate in the project. Two active members participating in a visible project can quickly lead to three active members, then four, then 100! You get the idea.

Myth #4: I have too many questions and no one to answer them.
Ah, the most tragic myth of them all! There are numerous resources to help you in your journey to the stars. Refer to your Officer Resource Packet, The Journey newsletter, the Honors Study Topic Program Guide, regional and international meetings, your Regional Coordinator and the Phi Theta Kappa Regional Programs staff.

Still not sold on Five-Star?
How about guaranteed recognition! The Five-Star Program provides recognition for your chapter on the local, regional and international levels. Your college president receives a letter acknowledging your chapter's accomplishments; your chapter is presented with a certificate of achievement at your regional convention; and your chapter is listed in the Awards Tabloid distributed at International Convention as well as featured on the regional awards section of the Society's web site.

Finally, remember that the Five-Star Program is a self-paced, non-competitive program. You compete only with yourselves to build the best chapter possible. We can't think of a reason not to shoot for the stars!