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

All Aboard!
          How to Get Your Chapter back on Track for the New Academic Year

As the new school year begins, Phi Theta Kappa chapter and regional officers  are often full of enthusiasm for the year ahead and need help getting focused on their respective responsibilities.

Here are some practical suggestions for success...

In the hustle and bustle of new class schedules, work and school activities it is easy for commitments to Phi Theta Kappa to be lost in the shuffle. While the beginning of a new academic year remains hectic for so many members, it is important that you as officers employ strategies to put your chapter on the fast track to success from day one.

Put on a happy face.

Remember to view the chapter as half full instead of half empty. If you begin the year with "We can't...," you will likely end the year with "We didn't..." Set personal goals to be an officer who works well with advisors, encourages fellow officers and motivates members. Remember you don't control how others act, but you do control the way you react to situations that arise. Your winning attitude will make all the difference this year!

Planning for success.

If your chapter did not plan a calendar over the summer, do so immediately. Plot any meetings, fundraisers and special events through the end of the year if possible. Once complete, ask your advisor to clear the chapter calendar with your college calendar. When the calendar is completed, make copies available to members at the chapter's first meeting. Knowing dates in advance will allow members to make chapter events a priority.

A guide to the stars.

If your chapter hasn't set a Five-Star Goal already, sit down as a group and do so now. The Five-Star Chapter Development Program is a blueprint that will guide your chapter step by step to success.

Growing by leaps and bounds.

Has your chapter set a goal of increasing its membership this year? Remember, your pool of volunteers is only as large as the base from which it is drawn. Before your first orientation, use the "Let Your Journey Begin" promotional materials and college newspaper articles to launch a public relations campaign promoting the chapter. Ensure that all students on your campus understand the benefits Phi Theta Kappa membership affords and watch your membership grow.

Identify diamonds in the rough.

Create a chapter profile form for your first orientation. On the form allow members to identify scheduled chapter events in which they want to participate. Also provide spaces for members to highlight special skills and talents, as well as their contact information. Having this specialized information will ease the pressure on officers when looking for volunteers.

Showcase your chapter success.

Plan now to showcase your chapter's success this year with the 1999 Hallmark Awards Program. Use the Hallmark Awards brochure found in the Chapter Officers Resource Packet to choose which categories your chapter will compete in this year. Start today by keeping a chronological list of activities in each Hallmark to avoid a last-minute rush in the spring.

Budget wisely.

Start thinking now about attending the International Convention in Anaheim, California, to learn about Phi Theta Kappa programs and possibly take home a Hallmark Award or two. It seems early, but if you budget wisely now, your fundraising tasks will be much more manageable. Instead of waiting until March and saying, "We need to raise $2000 in the next two weeks to attend the Convention," start now and say "If we raise $285 per month we can attend the Convention." See the difference? See you in Anaheim!

Employ these strategies of wise planning coupled with a positive attitude and watch your chapter travel the fast track to a successful year!

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