from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy
Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review
Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter - September 10, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 4:06 p.m.
Officers, staff, and advisors introduced themselves. Omar Demachkie is Leadership officer, Jessica Arriaga is officer for the Fellowship hallmark, Kennedy Agusi is the Scholarship officer, Forrest Garrett is Media Specialist, and Melissa Savoy is Secretary. Advisors are Dr. Jon Ewing, Professor Melanie Pruit, and Dr. Ofori Asante. Dr. Ewing added that our chapter may be adding a fourth advisor soon.
Forrest directed members to the new Facebook page as well as the new website. Members can go to Facebook and search “ptkaax” for the new page. Once here, he had members “Like” the page, click “Sign Up” to receive the mailing list, and go to “Events” to subscribe. Members were shown the new website at www.ptkaax.blogspot.com.
Phi Theta Kappa Awareness Week is next week. Watch your emails for information and updates and share this with your friends!
There was a show of hands for members who joined Phi Theta Kappa through another chapter. Dr. Ewing explained that members from other colleges may transfer their membership, but membership should be held at the college from which a student plans to graduate. Members from other chapters may participate in Alpha Alpha Xi meetings and events without transferring their membership.
The Alpha Alpha Xi chapter has a new scholarship available to Richland Phi Theta Kappa students. The Celia Riddle Millemon Exemplary Student Scholarship is a $500 scholarship that is merit and need based. Mr. John Millemon, a previous chapter advisor, was instrumental in establishing this scholarship. Congratulations to Ludivina Garcia, the first recipient awarded! The goal is to award at least one scholarship each semester. Members interested in applying should submit an essay stating their accomplishments and needs.
Omar, officer for the Leadership hallmark, introduced students to the chapter’s College Project for the semester. The subject of the project will be related to environmental issues and will benefit Richland College, the community, and will enhance student experience while on campus. The project will involve campus and neighborhood clean-ups, and will teach students and community members how to live a green lifestyle. A compelling video regarding the need for environmental change was shown to members. The chapter is looking for members who are interested in working on the project, and details regarding meetings and workshops will follow. The College Project is submitted each year by chapter and considered for awards. (Click here for College Project Information )
Omar and Jessica provided members with volunteering opportunities, the first of which was Halloween Nights and the Dallas Zoo. Another service event mentioned was the Heart of Gold 5K Fun Run. Members can volunteer by going to the website www.voly.org and setting up an account. Next click “I want to help”. The website keeps a record of your volunteering events. Visit www.voly.org for various opportunities that may fit your interests. Volunteer work done through Alpha Alpha Xi can also count toward Service Learning volunteer hours with approval. (Click here for information on service projects)
Scholarship officer, Kennedy, advised students that there are several millions of dollars in scholarships and showed members a list of several scholarships that will soon be available. Those interested may go to ptk.org and click on “Scholarships” to get a complete list of those that are available to continuing and transfer students. Kennedy urged members to go to College Fish (www.collegefish.org) and explained that Phi Theta Kappa members have free access to this website. Students may set up an account by filling out some personal information and upon submission the site immediately provides results that are specific to each individual. (Click here for Scholarship information)
The Honors in Action project was mentioned, and members are needed to work on the project. The topic will be chosen soon, so look for an email for further details and opportunities to volunteer. If interested, please contact Kennedy. (Click here for Honors In Action Resources).
Jessica, chapter Fellowship officer, has scheduled a bake sale that will take place on Monday September 14th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Anyone who can volunteer their baking skills and/or time to sell items is needed. All food items to be sold must be individually wrapped. There will be tables at two locations, one in El Paso and the other in Wichita. A sign-up sheet was provided. If interested, please contact Jessica.
Ready for a relaxing time with your fellow friends and students? A game/movie night is coming up in October. The date will be announced soon; watch for details!
The Service hallmark officer position is open and available. Jessica explained that an officer position is a lot of responsibility, and the chapter needs someone with commitment. The Service officer coordinates service opportunities for the chapter and works with other officers on Phi Theta Kappa yearly projects. Officers must be able to attend meetings and may often attend conferences. The officer must be in the position for the year (fall through spring). RCHS students are unfortunately excluded from officer positions due to their schedules and time constraints. Interested applicants may contact any board member or advisor. Applicants will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group and say what they can do for the position in next week’s meeting on Wednesday, September 16th. Members will vote during the meeting. Please consider this great opportunity.
A petition for the honors student lounge was passed around for signatures, and chapter t-shirts were sold for $5 each.
Dr. Ewing informed students of a new university program happening this fall. Classes from top university programs will be offered. Please check the email that was sent regarding the Honors Certificate Courses for further details. International students may enroll for these courses.
Jessica talked about upcoming conferences like the Texas Leadership Conference to be held at Texas A&M October 9th – 11th, Texas Regionals to be held at Baylor, and Nerd Nation which will take place in D.C. Transportation, hotel accommodations, and conference registration are covered for a certain number of students. The meeting was concluded with a video of the last Nerd Nation held in San Antonio.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:08 p.m.
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Melissa Savoy
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