When the challenges come, it’s important to remember that you are not just one officer in one chapter --- you are part of the vast network of Phi Theta Kappa leaders. Staying plugged into this network will enable you to take advantage of the Society’s many aids for developing your leadership skills and becoming totally familiar with Phi Theta Kappa’s programming opportunities.

So, when you are trying to plan your program for the year, or when you are faced with an unusual situation, we encourage you to use these resources to find a solution.

Have you visited the Phi Theta Kappa web site this fall? This site offers a host of information for chapter and regional officers, as well as members, advisors and even prospective members. The web site recently received a "face lift," giving www.ptk.org not only a new look, but a better format for yielding information.

For example, did you know that Phi Theta Kappa’s web page includes a chapter directory ... instantly updated scholarship information ... and a search engine making archived information immediately available?

Coming soon on the web will be expanded information on International Convention registration procedures, and reservation information for the official Convention hotel, the Anaheim Hilton, in Anaheim, California. Reservations at the Anaheim Hilton may be made by visiting the hotel web site.

While Phi Theta Kappa continues to expand our electronic and resources, we realize this technology is not yet available to everyone, so we continue to maintain our printed resources. One of the most valuable is the Society Almanac. While most of you seem to be aware of the Almanac’s value as a calendar of dates and deadlines, be sure to note that it too includes the most current International Constitution, a chapter directory, a Society history and scannable or camera-ready images of Phi Theta Kappa emblems, including the Golden Key.

Phi Theta Kappa’s newest service, Fax on Demand, furnishes printed information via fax on a variety of Society programs and procedures. To use Fax on Demand, simply call 601.984.3548, and follow the recorded prompts to request particular documents and then enter the fax number to which you wish the requested materials to be sent.

Available immediately through Fax on Demand are Transfer Scholarship listings by state; all forms relating to membership reporting; all reporting forms for the Five-Star Program, a Chapter Annual Report form, a sample set of chapter bylaws, and guidelines for establishing an Enhanced Membership Program.

The 1999 Guistwhite Scholar application forms, and guidelines for submitting entries for the 1999 Nota Bene literary honors anthology are the newest additions to the information available via Fax-on-Demand.

Another popular resource is Phi Theta Kappa’s Scholarship Directory, mailed to all advisors and now available to the Society on the web, through Fax-on-Demand, and in printed form. This invaluable compilation lists more than 400 senior institutions that offer designated transfer scholarships exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members ---more than $28 million is available annually. Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarships are offered in 44 states, in the District of Columbia, and in Canada. For the most up-to-date scholarship information, check the Phi Theta Kappa web site. To use the Fax on Demand service, telephone 601.984.3548. Members inducted after September 1, 1998, may order a printed version of the Scholarship Directory, by telephoning 1.800.946.9995, Ext. 585. Allow four to six weeks delivery of the printed Scholarship Directory.

Another Technological Advancement on the Horizon:

Coming soon to the Society’s web page will be Phi Theta Kappa’s Forum Server, which will make possible on-line discussion sessions on specific topics, moderated by Phi Theta Kappa representatives. Not only will you be able to address your questions concerning chapter programs to a Headquarters representative, International Officer or veteran chapter advisor, but you will also have the benefit of other officers around the nation and abroad who may have encountered, and overcome, the same challenges you and your chapter or region are facing.

While this project is still in the formation stages, you can certainly expect to see forums geared for chapter advisors ... not only to give advice and counsel on specific issues, but for discussions with Executive Director Rod A. Risley and other Society leaders on ways Phi Theta Kappa can be helpful to these dedicated educators, not only in their roles as chapter advisors but as community college faculty members.

Chapter and regional presidents can look forward not only to discussing programmatical issues on-line with the Chapter Programs Department, but to participating in idea markets wanting opinions from student leaders that may shape educational policies in the future.

These resources were designed to better equip you, our Society leaders, in implementing the programs of Phi Theta Kappa. Please use them to be better informed about the opportunities that membership in Phi Theta Kappa can mean to you, your chapter and your region.