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

Wishing for Chapter Success
      Try Wishing on Five Stars

As a new chapter officer, have you ever wished for a guide that told you step by step how to implement Society programs and create a successful chapter? Surprise! Your wish has been granted with the Five-Star Chapter Development Program.

Chapters often cite participating in the Five-Star Chapter Development Program as one of the most fulfilling activities the chapter conducts. The program provides chapter members with the opportunity to experience the value of goal-setting, responsible follow-through, and most of all teamwork. From brand new chapters just learning the ropes to experienced chapters looking for new programs, all chapters can benefit from participating in the Five-Star Program.

Looking for Five-Star success stories? Look to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. The chapter is just over two years old and, since its inception, had implemented very few of Phi Theta Kappa's programs. The chapter had simply recognized members with an induction and provided no further opportunities for involvement in the Society's vast array of programs.

One might say that this chapter was attaining the zero star level until this past year when the chapter took a life-changing turn. With the Five-Star Program the chapter set its course for successfully implementing the Society's programs. At their last regional convention, the chapter reaped their rewards by being recognized as a Five-Star Chapter and receiving the Horizon Award, which recognizes new advisors. They also received regional awards including the Leadership Hallmark Award, the Distinguished Chapter Award, the Milestone Award and an International Honors Institute Scholarship. What a plan for success!

As the chapter at Ricks College learned, the Five-Star Program Guide provides chapters a road map for their journeys to Five-Star success. This guide is mailed at the beginning of each regional year. In most regions, the new regional year begins the day after the regional convention.

The guides are mailed so that they are waiting for advisors and chapter presidents upon the chapter's return from the regional convention. Each Regional Coordinator establishes a schedule for when goal forms are due, when updates must be sent to the Coordinator and Headquarters, and the deadline for recognition. Five-Star awards are generally presented at the regional convention.

With your new guide in hand, setting a goal in the Five-Star Program is easy. Simply discuss with your advisor and fellow chapter officers what level your chapter will pursue, complete the Chapter Goal Form by the deadline listed, mail or fax one copy to the Coordinator, one to Headquarters and keep a copy for your chapter files.

Keeping track of your chapter's progress in reaching the established goal is simple. Just check activities on the Chapter Update Form as they are completed. By doing this, the chapter will be prepared when the time arrives to submit forms to the Regional Coordinator and Headquarters for the chapter's recognition. Not only will your chapter receive a certificate as recognition, but your college president will receive a letter congratulating your chapter on its efforts.

Still having trouble setting goals for your chapter? Don't worry! If your chapter sets a goal and does not reach it, the chapter will receive recognition for the level it does reach. Also, if your chapter exceeds its goal, the chapter will receive recognition for the higher level the chapter reaches regardless of the goal set. Remember, base your goal on what is right for your chapter at the time-- for example, One-Star is a wonderful goal for new or reactivating chapters.

The Five-Star Program should combine input from chapter officers, as well as your advisor(s). Your chapter officer team or designee can be responsible for doing the majority of the paperwork associated with this program; however, the chapter advisor must sign all submitted forms.

Finally, keep in mind that the Five-Star Program is a self-paced, non-competitive awards program. You are competing only with yourselves to build the best possible chapter you can. Enjoy and reach for the stars this year!

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