The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.
May 2000 Issue
Induction: New Twists on an Old Tradition
Phi Theta Kappa's induction ceremony is one of the most impressive moments in the course of membership in the honors organization.
The occasion is significant for the chapter, the college, the new members and guests, and should be marked by solemnity, purpose and dignity. Many new members, their families, college faculty and administrators base their first, and lasting, impression of Phi Theta Kappa upon the induction ceremony.
A sample format of an induction ceremony is provided in both the Chapter
More
Bright Ideas |
| • To
help set a reflective mood, play classical background music while new inductees' names are
announced and as they walk through the induction process. • When announcing each new inductee's name, also tell their major, hometown and future education plans/career goals. This helps personalize the process and helps to fill the silence while inductees are lighting their candles, signing the membership roster, etc. • Be sure to place materials on the induction table in a manner which allows new inductees to face the audience while signing the roster, lighting the candles, etc. |
Advisor and Officer Manuals. This suggested format provides chapters with a list of materials needed for the induction as well as a detailed script for the ceremony. While some chapters may follow the script to the letter, other chapters have found ways to make the event both special and unique.
At Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the chapter invites the college president to give the opening remarks and present each student with the membership certificate. Advisor Charles Koci expressed his chapter's appreciation: “For Dr. Olson and our new Vice President, Dr. Crook, to take time to be in attendance at the induction ceremony shows the support that our administration has for our members' academic achievement.”
Other chapters have invited a faculty member to introduce the Honors Study Topic to new members. A speech from the chapter officers on the International Service Program and a brief overview of chapter awards, events, and meeting times can also be effective in persuading new members to get involved in chapter activities.
The chapter at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota, uses the induction ceremony as an opportunity to present awards to faculty. According to chapter advisor Mary Redmond, “The Golden Apple Awards are given to faculty members nominated by the new inductees, as well as current members of the chapter, in recognition of their special efforts and the important role they play in the students' achievements.” Nominated faculty receive a special invitation and are awarded apples wrapped in gold netting and tied with a gold bow.
Almost every Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony includes music, but not many boast a choir presentation. At the Jackson campus of Hinds Community College in Mississippi, inductees are serenaded by an elementary school choir. The pint-sized performers are showing their gratitude for the chapter's work as reading tutors at their school.
New London, Connecticut, is the home of Mitchell College as well as the boyhood home of famous playwright Eugene O'Neill. The Society chapter has incorporated popular O'Neill quotes on their induction ceremony's printed program. Advisor Wilma Hasse notes that adding this hometown history makes the ceremony unique for their chapter.
Because hectic schedules including work, school, and family often keep guests from attending the ceremony, the chapter at Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Michigan, encourages family members to attend by providing a meal after the ceremony. Advisor Kathie Lofts reports this plan has ensured a good turnout for their festivities.
Incorporate any of the above techniques – or your chapter's own creative ideas – to create a special memory for your inductees and guests.