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June 2003
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Today is the day - you set off on your journey to climb Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. The ice is continuing to form along the cliffs and the temperature is declining. Having climbed mountains before, you have some of the resources you need to succeed in your climb today. In your pack are an ice pick, flashlight, sleeping bag, water, and a compass. The question is: do you know when and where to use each of these items? What happens if you lose a piece of your equipment? Just as climbing a mountain has its challenges, so does starting out fresh as a chapter officer in Phi Theta Kappa. Imagine your first few months as a new officer; did you understand all the resources you were given? Just as you needed training to reach the top, your successors will also need the proper orientation. Pick a time and place for your orientation to be held. Whether the entire officer team gathers for one large orientation or each officer is being mentored individually, be sure to make that connection! Serve food and retreat from the college campus to break the ice. Host an informal event or make it professional with an audiovisual presentation. Organize the event in advance so when the time comes you know the material to be covered. Light a path for others to follow. Set an example for the next officer team by being involved in Phi Theta Kappa's programs and supporting the college, chapter and region. Introduce the new officers to your college president or chapter contact on campus. Provide insight into how your team worked together - give positive as well as negative experiences. Bag the information all in one place. Provide a website or individual binder of information for the new officers. Include your chapter's history, sample events, contact information and advice on what makes a successful officer, such as teamwork, motivation and communication skills. Water the roots of the officer team by giving in-depth information on the Hallmarks, the International Service Program, Honors Study Topic, Five Star Program, Pinnacle Program and scholarships of the Society. Incorporate information about chapter, regional and international involvement. Don't forget to mention the website (www.ptk.org), benefits of the members-only section of the website, the Chapter Officer Conference Center and this newsletter! Compass - the last, yet most valuable, tool any new officer needs. This directional device will allow officers to find their way when they are lost. Through the many service projects and leadership activities, this compass will be the instrument to provide the direction officers need to discover themselves and their abilities. Encourage creativity and fresh ideas at the orientation. When climbing a mountain, whether it is Everest or the Officer Orientation, there will always be detours. Unexpected events occur that cannot be ignored. With the background training the chapter has provided, each new officer will be able to overcome any obstacles they may face. Inform officers of the possibility of detours, but encourage them to stay the course! Congratulations! You have now supplied the ultimate survival kit for chapter officers to climb their own Mount Everest. Not only will the officers leave the orientation with an understanding of Phi Theta Kappa and its benefits, but they will also have the resources to teach others as well. Step back and watch the officers grow in response to the advice and direction provided at the Officer Orientation. 2002-03 Division IV Vice President Dana Van Deman graduated from Caņada College in Redwood City, California, in May. She is transferring to Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, to pursue a degree in economics.
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