The Journey
         A newsletter for Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.  

Chapters

Passing the Gavel: An Orientation Agenda for New Officers

Many Phi Theta Kappa chapters elect a new slate of officers at the conclusion of the spring academic term. Before the gavel drops at your chapter's next official meeting, be sure to provide the incoming officers adequate training for their new leadership positions by hosting an officer orientation.

While outgoing chapter officers should conduct the orientation, chapter advisors also play a vital role in the orientation process. To help set the tone for a successful year in Phi Theta Kappa, consider adding these items to your officer orientation agenda:

Start with a lesson in Phi Theta Kappa history.

The Society history can be found in the "Society General Information" section of the 1999-2000 Chapter Advisor Manual and Almanac and Chapter Officer Manual and Almanac. Explain that the Society is divided into international, regional, and chapter levels. Discuss communication procedures for all levels.

Discuss duties of each office.

Eliminate the uncertainty of new officers by discussing officer duties as a group. This will enable officers to understand not only their own duties but also the duties of their peers. Making sure that all officers understand their duties is a great way to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts in the future.

Review and explain the Officer Resource Packet.

This packet is the Society's # 1 resource for officers. It contains the 1999-2000 Chapter Officer Manual and Almanac, the Honors Study Topic Program Guide, an International Service Program brochure, a Hallmark Awards brochure, the Recognitions brochure, and the Supplies Catalog. When reviewing these materials be sure to personalize each item by explaining how officers may use it in their leadership roles.

Outgoing officers should meet individually with their successors.

This is an opportunity for new officers to review their duties one on one. These meetings should include discussions of ideas and activities that were successful as well as those that were not.

Explain the function of chapter committees.

Committees play a substantial role in the life of a Phi Theta Kappa chapter. It is important that officers understand the purpose of each committee, who will lead each committee, and what channels of communication are in place for committees.

Review the chapter's year.

New officers, outgoing officers, and advisors should jointly evaluate how well the officers functioned during the previous year. Suggestions for improvements and recommended changes in descriptions of duties should be noted.

Explain the procedures for planning the chapter's year.

Before any plans are made, officers must first understand all of the Society's programs and publications. Lead a thorough discussion of the Honors Study Topic, the International Service Program, the Hallmark Awards Program, and the Journey Challenge. Whenever possible, refer officers to Society publications designed to assist with the implementation of each program.

Explain the Five-Star Chapter Development Program.

While the actual setting of a chapter's Five-Star Goal may be done at another meeting, now is the time to ensure that all officers have a clear understanding of the program and how it works. Schedule another date later in the summer when new officers and advisors will meet to set chapter goals and plan the chapter calendar.

Transfer all chapter-related materials to new officers.

Past officers should provide their successors with items such as treasury records, the official Chapter Record Book as well as any other chapter-related materials.

Clearly define when newly-elected officers will assume their positions.

The time when the change in chapter leadership will occur should be understood by all. Past officers and advisors should assure new officers of their support and stress the benefits of chapter leadership.

Advisors should facilitate the introduction of new officers.

The chapter advisor should escort new officers on a tour of the college introducing officers to key members of the faculty and administration.

Suggested Items for an Officer Orientation

• 1999-2000 Officer Resource Packet
• Written Statements of Officer Duties
• Chapter Bylaws
• Five-Star Chapter Development Program Guide - Tenth Edition
• The Journey Newsletter
• 3.5 PLUS Annual Journal
• Chapter Records

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Center for Excellence
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Jackson, MS  39211
800.946.9995