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 participates in the grueling and exciting campaign process returns 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.

"I have never learned so much or felt so loved as during those four days at the International Convention," says Stephanie Wright, who was elected the 1999-2000 International President at the Anaheim Convention last spring. "Phi Theta Kappans admire vision, coupled with action. In seeking office, you are demonstrating both traits. Regardless of the outcome, you have had the courage to imagine the biggest of dreams and to reach for it. That is its own victory!"

Phi Theta Kappa members who are interested in running for an International Office during the 2000 International Convention in Orlando, Florida, 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; or fax to 601.984.3508.

Applications are available from now until March 3, 2000. All completed candidate applications must be received at Headquarters by March 10, 2000.

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 20-22, 2000, 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 badge 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 student leaders for the new millennium!