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

School's Out...... Will Your Chapter's Spirit Sizzle or Fizzle?

As June rolls around many may prepare for the lazy days of summer, but not Phi Theta Kappans. Don't let your chapter be lulled into hibernation this year with the completion of the last exam. Try implementing some of these ideas to keep the momentum of your chapter high over the summer months.

Train Them Well

Summer is the perfect time to prepare your chapter's newly elected officer team for the coming year. Take advantage of the break in classes to schedule time for your officers to learn the duties of their offices, set goals for the year, and bond as a group. Try a weekend retreat away from campus that provides officers with plenty of time to have fun and learn about Phi Theta Kappa. For more tips on planning an officer orientation, refer to  "Passing the Gavel," also found in this issue.

Key Communication

With fewer members on campus during the summer sessions, it is important to evaluate your chapter's method of communication with members. Posters that were seen in the busy hallways during the fall and spring semesters may be less effective as the student population shrinks during the summer. Chapters may wish to choose an alternate route for summer communication.

Try using phone trees, newsletter mailings, or e-mail to keep members abreast of chapter activities during the summer. As the fall term nears, organize a phone tree to contact all returning members to notify them of the first chapter activity of the term. An enthusiastic turnout at the term's first event can set the chapter's energy level for the entire year!

Why Wait?

This year, try boosting your membership with a summer recruitment. Invite eligible students who are enrolled in the summer session to accept Phi Theta Kappa membership.

The chapter at Ivy Tech State College in Sellersburg, Indiana, has reaped the benefits of summer inductions for the past two years. Members who join the chapter during the summer are informally inducted during a chapter meeting. They are also given the option to participate in the chapter's formal fall induction ceremony and are recognized as new members in the fall induction program.

"The first year we had a summer induction was in 1997. Our new members in 1997 increased by nine percent over 1996," said chapter advisor Twila Yaste. "Inducting members in the summer gets students introduced to Phi Theta Kappa earlier. They learn more and become more active. Our attendance at the Regional Leadership Conference and Regional Honors Institute has increased 100 percent. We are capable of holding more projects that are more comprehensive."

Fun in the Sun

Make summertime a time for Phi Theta Kappans to enjoy the hallmark of fellowship while experiencing the great outdoors. Plan a picnic, chapter cookout or family fun day that incorporates delectable food and great fun. The Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro, North Carolina, is planning their own day of fun in the sun with their annual Family Picnic.

"We will be inviting all Phi Theta Kappa members, faculty, staff and family to have a day of fun, games, learning, fellowship, and good food," said chapter advisor Maxine Hurdle. "This is an annual event where we just have a day with family and friends. The fact we learn something is like ice cream on the cake!"

Recruitment Ready

Even if your chapter chooses not to recruit new members during the summer term, take advantage of the summer break to make sure your chapter will be recruitment ready when the fall term begins. Start now by reviewing your chapter's current invitation letter. Effective letters should communicate that membership is an honor based upon academic merit and that participation is not required to earn or maintain membership. The letter should also highlight the tangible benefits of membership as well as where interested students can receive applications and direct questions.

Finally, make sure you have plenty of Membership Applications and Member Benefits Brochures on hand for your upcoming membership recruitments. These supplies are available at no charge to advisors from the Recognition Services Department or 800.946.9996.

Travel Time

Finally, just as many chapters continue to offer opportunities for members to be involved during the summer, so do many Phi Theta Kappa regions. Regional events during the summer often include chapter officer training sessions, advisor training sessions, regional planning meetings, regional honors institutes and regional leadership conferences. Contact your Regional Coordinator or Regional Officers to learn how your chapter can make the regional connection this summer.

Incorporate these ideas into your chapter's summer plans and prepare for a sizzlin' summer!

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Center for Excellence
1625 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS  39211
800.946.9995