Ensuring a successful orientation begins well before a single item is added to the orientation agenda. Orientation success starts with creating an awareness of the chapter and the opportunities membership affords to students on your campus.

Heighten chapter awareness by displaying the "Excellence Has Its Rewards" poster along with other posters in the "Let Your Journey Begin" series at strategic points on campus. These posters will inform students of the benefits of Society membership while increasing the visibility of your chapter. Posters are available from the Recognition Services Department by calling 800.946.9996.

After the chapter identifies students who are eligible for membership, notify each eligible student of the opportunity to accept membership with a letter from the college president. A letter of invitation signed by such an esteemed college official adds prestige and validity to Society membership.

Once potential members have received their letters of invitation, follow up the letter with a personal phone call to each prospective member. Follow-up calls give the chapter a perfect opportunity to encourage attendance at the upcoming orientation, explain membership benefits, and answer questions while adding a personal touch to the invitation process. A calling program can be easily accomplished by chapter officers and a membership committee.

To accommodate as many prospective members' schedules as possible, consider offering two or more orientation sessions. Watch attendance increase by offering a daytime and evening meeting, and even a weekend meeting. Also, encourage prospective members with children to attend the orientation by offering on-site child care service during the orientation.

Thanks to the concentrated efforts of your membership team, you are now looking forward to a standing-room-only crowd at your next orientation. Now it's time to plan a concise orientation agenda guaranteed to reel in new members.

First, plan to have a welcome team in place to make prospective members feel a part of the group from the moment they arrive. The team may consist of officers or volunteer members who will provide nametags, facilitate introductions and mingling, and offer refreshments. By making potential members feel welcome the chapter creates a great first impression which is the key to any successful orientation.

Next, begin the meeting with a welcome from the chapter advisor(s) and officers. Advisors offer years of experience, wisdom, and continuity to the chapter. Officers provide the chapter with a source of new energy, ideas and enthusiasm. Thus, the most effective orientation includes input from both groups.

After the welcome, plan to show Phi Theta Kappa's "Your Key Opportunity" video. The video, approximately 20 minutes in length, explains the entire international structure of the Society and outlines the benefits of membership. The video is available from the Recognition Services Department.

You will also want to add to your agenda a brief but detailed explanation of the benefits of Phi Theta Kappa membership. For this part of the presentation arrange a display table to show examples of the tangible benefits of membership during your explanation. You may include the Golden Key membership pin, membership certificate and identification card, the honors stole and tassel, the diploma seal, and Society publications.

When explaining membership benefits, be sure to highlight the opportunities for scholarships, including senior institution transfer scholarships, scholarships offered by Phi Theta Kappa, and scholarships available from participating institutions such as the National Dean's List.

At the orientation, also stress that participation in chapter activities is voluntary, and that membership benefits are not contingent on participation. This is also a great time to plug your chapter's enhanced membership program, if applicable. This will let potential members know that your chapter offers added benefits in addition to the basic membership benefits for members who actively participate in chapter events.

Looking for a guest speaker for your orientation? Consider inviting an outstanding chapter alumnus to personalize the rewards of Phi Theta Kappa membership.

As you wrap up your orientation agenda, provide prospective members with Membership Applications and an explanation that international and regional membership fees are paid only once. Be sure to remind prospective members of the deadline for returning the application and membership fees, as well as the time, date, and location of the induction ceremony.

Finally, be sure to allow time on your agenda for questions from prospective members.

Implement this plan when preparing for your next new member orientation and prepare to meet the challenge with success!