Monday, November 9, 2015

Orientation Meeting Recap 11/04/2015

from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy

Phi Theta Kappa Orientation Meeting Review
Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – November 4, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 3:19 p.m.

The meeting was opened with an ice breaker which posed a question that members could answer.  A $25 gift card was given away to the person with the correct answer.  It really does pay to come to chapter meetings!

The chapter Fellowship Officer, Jessica Arriaga, introduced herself and other officers.  Omar Demachkie is the Leadership Officer, Kennedy Agusi is Scholarship Officer, and the Service Officer for the chapter is Jay Saadaddin.  Forrest Garrett is Media Specialist, and Chapter Secretary is Melissa Savoy.  Dr. Jon Ewing was introduced as one of the chapter advisors.

Omar introduced new members to what Phi Theta Kappa is about and covered membership requirements and benefits.  Students can hone their leadership skills and learn how to work within a team.  Members have access to various different types of scholarships and are provided with important tools such as how to write a resume and much more.

The Leadership officer has the responsibility of spearheading the College Project.  Omar discussed that the annual project has an environmental focus this year.  Alpha Alpha Xi will have a Richland College lake cleanup on Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Professional equipment used for the cleanup will be provided by facilities.  Volunteers are needed, so please contact Omar if interested.  The project will also be presenting environmental/recycling workshops in The Learning Center this semester and next.  Students are encouraged to sign-up to take the workshop.  Service Learning hours may be obtained from attending the workshop. 

Duties of the Scholarship officer include communicating the status of scholarships to members and leading the chapter Honors in Action project.  Kennedy mentioned that there are scholarships currently open that will be closing in less than a month.  Members may go to the website for further details.

Jay discussed that duties of the Service officer include providing members with opportunities to volunteer and work in a service capacity.  One such opportunity is the Kids Kingdom Playground committee.  Volunteers will be building a wheelchair assessable playground for children with disabilities.  Students may go to www.signupgenius.com to participate.  This project will be taking place in November and December, and they have various types of volunteer opportunities held on different days. 

Omar encouraged members to register for the Service Learning program and mentioned that it is a nice addition to add to a college resume.  Students may register for Service Learning in The Learning Center. 

The Fellowship officer plans chapter events like fundraisers and fellowship nights.  Jessica informed new members that the chapter usually has a fellowship night approximately once a month with movies, pizza, and ice cream.  The next Alpha Alpha Xi fundraiser will be selling cakes and pies, and the date will soon be announced.  Watch for an email for further details.  
Jessica covered the different tiers of the Phi Theta Kappa organization.  The international level at the top is followed by the Texas Region, District II, and finally our local Alpha Alpha Xi chapter of Richland College.

Members who have joined Phi Theta Kappa are encouraged to attend the Fall Induction Ceremony held in Fannin Hall Auditorium on Sunday, November, 22.  This is a special ceremony that celebrates and recognizes your achievements.  Family members and friends may attend.  There will be two guest speakers, and students will have their pictures taken by a photographer.  The ceremony is from 3:00 – 4:00, but inductees need to be there no later than 1:00 p.m.  Afterward, there will be a fellowship dinner at a local restaurant from 4:30 – 7:30.  The attire is business, so please dress accordingly; no jeans or tennis shoes.  Jackets and coats should be left in the car as students will not walk the stage wearing them.  Ladies are advised not to wear high-heels because members will be walking across a stage and climbing risers.

Membership to join Phi Theta Kappa is a $95 one-time fee.  There are funds available for those who have an economic need for paying club dues.  Dr. Jon Ewing explained to new members that there are scholarships available to students who cannot afford the dues.  A scholarship form was provided to those interested. 

If you have not yet accepted membership, go to the Phi Theta Kappa website, click on “Accept Membership”, and enter the same email address from which you received your invitation.  The organization is officially called Phi Theta Kappa and is not referred to as “PTK”.  Chapter leaders are elected at the end of the semester and hold their positions for one year.  Prior to elections being held, interested members are given a chance to talk about why they would like a leadership position and what they believe they can do for the chapter.

Chapter Media Specialist, Forrest, advised members of the many different ways to stay in touch with the organization and receive news of upcoming events.  Members were urged to sign-up for the newsletter and “Like” the chapter Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ptkaax.  The chapter website address was shared www.ptkaax.blogspot.com along with the chapter email address ptkaax@gmail.com

Dr. Ewing mentioned to those in attendance that if they have not yet received an invitation to join and think they are eligible, to please verify that the requirements have been met.  Members should have completed 12 credit hours, be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, and have at least a 3.5 GPA.  If you are eligible and interested in joining, please contact Dr. Ewing. 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:04 p.m



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