Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society - The Journey, Campaign99, Dec 1998








The Journey A newsletter for Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers. Campaigning for International Office: Will You Go the Distance? Each year approximately 30-40 Phi Theta Kappa members across the country and Canada take on the exciting challenge of running for International Office during the International Convention Candidates range from seasoned members who have served as chapter and/or regional officers to newly-inducted members filled with enthusiasm. The momentous weekend ends with the election of five new International Officers, but each candidate who participated in the grueling and exciting campaign process will return to his or her chapter and region often feeling stronger and ready to take on new challenges. The officers who are elected each spring include: International President, and Vice Presidents for the New England/Middle States, North Central, Southern, and West/Northwest Regions. Thomas Jordan, 1998-99 International President, says the campaign experience is like no other. "By surrounding myself with those who believed in me and who I believed in, I was able to discover many hidden talents, skills, and abilities of my colleagues and myself," says Jordan, a Phi Theta Kappa member from Johnson County Community College in Kansas. "I encourage anyone considering running for office to do so. It will create a phenomenal growth experience in your life." Phi Theta Kappa members who are interested in running for an International Office during the 1999 International Convention in Anaheim, California, must request the application packet in writing by letter, fax or e-mail. Written requests should contain the member's name, complete mailing address, e-mail address (if applicable), daytime telephone number, chapter, college, and the office the member plans to seek. Send requests to Jennifer Westbrook, Director of Chapter Programs, Phi Theta Kappa International Headquarters, Center for Excellence, 1625 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211; jennifer.westbrook@ptk.org; or fax to 601.984.3508. Applications are available from now until March 12, 1999. All completed candidate applications must be received at Headquarters by March 19, 1999. In order to run for an International Office of Phi Theta Kappa, a student must be an active member in good standing of an active Phi Theta Kappa chapter that is also in good standing with Headquarters. At the time of the campaign (April 29-May 1, 1999, at the International Convention) and throughout the one-year tenure if elected, the member must be EXCLUSIVELY enrolled in an associate degree program at a two-year college. Election to these five offices is the highest capacity of leadership available for members within the Phi Theta Kappa Society. Those considering candidacy for one of these positions should think carefully about the responsibility level required for service if elected and discuss any plans thoroughly with chapter advisors, fellow chapter members and their families before making a commitment to seek an international office. International Officers are elected by chapter voting delegates attending the International Convention. Each chapter will have one vote for each of the five International Offices. Chapters are encouraged to select their member voting delegate (often the chapter president) prior to their arrival at the International Convention. The chapter's official registration packet (picked up upon arrival) will contain special information for the voting delegate. Voting delegates are required to attend all campaign events and will have a special name tag which will serve as voter identification at the polls. So even if you decide not to take up the challenge of running for International Office, the International Convention will still provide a thrilling opportunity for you -- by being involved in selecting Phi Theta Kappa's 1999-2000 student leaders! Gearing Up for the 1999 Campaign Below are highlights of the 1999 Campaign to be held at the International Convention in Anaheim, California, April 28-May THE ORIENTATION International Officer candidates must attend the Candidate Orientation at the Anaheim Hilton on Wednesday, April 28. An official candidate photo will be made at 1:00pm, and the Orientation will begin at 1:30pm. CANDIDATE CAUCUS The Candidate Caucus will once again be videotaped on the Wednesday before the Convention starts and will be broadcast via closed-circuit television in the hotel rooms at the Anaheim Hilton. This method allows voting delegates to watch the caucuses in their hotel rooms or with other chapter members. A viewing room will be set aside for Convention delegates who are not staying at the Convention hotel. THE POLITICAL RALLY The traditional Political Rally on Thursday evening gives Convention delegates an opportunity to meet the candidates face-to-face. This event will be held in the Marketplace as delegates circulate among the various candidate booths THE ELECTIONS By conducting the primary election on Friday afternoon and the run-off election on Saturday afternoon, voting delegates will again have time to consult their fellow members and advisors regarding voting decisions. After Friday's primary election, the caucus session will be edited to include only the top two vote-getters from each office. The caucus of these top 10 candidate finalists will be broadcast before the Saturday run-off election. HONORS STUDY TOPIC CANDIDATE SPEECHES Convention attendees will also hear the 10 candidate finalists speak on the Honors Study Topic at Saturday afternoon's Fourth General Session. FINAL BALLOTING The final round of elections will be held immediately following the Fourth General Session and the election results will be announced Saturday evening. INSTALLATION OF NEW OFFICERS The 1999-2000 Phi Theta Kappa International Officers will be installed at the conclusion of the exciting Phi Theta Kappa Gala. The new president will formally accept the gavel and dismiss the Convention.



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



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