Orientation, Induction, and Election Information Meeting Re-Cap 04/20/2016

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – April 20, 2016

The meeting was called to order at 3:18 p.m.

Orientation began with the officers and support team introducing themselves and the advisors.  They explained that Phi Theta Kappa is the largest international honors society with membership requirements that include a 3.5 GPA and 12 or more college credit hours.  A video was shown to inform new members about the organization.  Benefits of joining the organization are scholarships, developing leadership skills through Five Star Competitive Edge and chapter projects, networking, and opportunities to attend yearly conventions.  Please check out some of the free resources available at ptk.org.  

Many scholarships are available to members, including international students, and may apply towards associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.  In addition to the numerous transfer scholarships, there are some which are specific only to Richland College such as the Celia Riddle Millemon scholarship.  There is also a scholarship available to assist with the $85 membership fee. 

Officers explained how the organization is divided.  The Richland chapter is called Alpha Alpha Xi and is a part of District II.  District II belongs to the Texas Region, and each region reports to the international level. 

The end-of-semester potluck will be May 4^th from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. in the regularly scheduled meeting room.  Members were asked to bring a food item of their choice to share with others; cultural dishes are most welcome. 

Officer elections for the next academic year will be held during the potluck on May 4^th.  Those interested in running for an officer positon should plan on preparing a one to two minute speech to present to the club.  All officer and support positions will be open, and current officers spoke a little about what their title entails.  Officer positions include Leadership, Fellowship, Service, and Scholarship.  Support positions are Media Specialist and Secretary.  Students were encouraged to speak with current officers if they have questions.  Members considering an officer position cannot have a schedule conflict with the meetings and need to be at Richland during the next fall/spring academic year.  RCHS students may be members of Phi Theta Kappa but may not apply for officer positions. 

Induction for new members will be this Sunday, April 24th in Fannin Performance Hall.  The ceremony is from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., however, inductees need to arrive by 1:00.  Business or cocktail attire is appropriate as is cultural dress. Students casually dressed, such as jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops, or tennis-shoes will be turned away.  Ladies were encouraged to wear low-heeled shoes for walking the stage and climbing risers and stairs.  There will be no place to store personal belongings such as purses and jackets, so please make arrangements to leave them in a car or with someone in the audience.  A fellowship dinner will take place after the ceremony, and attendees are responsible for their own meal.  Family and friends are welcome to attend both the induction and dinner.  As a consideration to those being inducted, babies crying during the ceremony should be taken out to the lobby. 

The District II Spring Fling will be on June 4^th from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Town Lake Recreation Center.  This is a great chance to meet other officers and members from the district. 

Chapter members, Stephanie and Robbie, spoke about what they have gained from being in the organization.  They welcomed new members and encouraged them to become involved in the chapter. 

Email reminders will be sent with information regarding upcoming activities, dates, and times, but members can stay connected to the chapter through Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ptkaax, email ptkaax@gmail.com, website www.ptkaax.blogspot.com, and Instagram @ptkaax. 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:19 p.m.

Orientation Meeting Re-Cap 03/10/2016

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – March 10^th, 2016

The meeting was called to order at 4:06 p.m.

Officers introduced themselves and discussed what Phi Theta Kappa is about - including membership requirements and benefits.  Every year each chapter works on special projects such as Honors in Action and College Project.  Members also have the opportunity to attend regional and national conferences where they can hear special guest speakers and participate in leadership workshops.  Additionally, there are service opportunities that will be will promoted by the chapter, and students may obtain service hours by volunteering.  Phi Theta Kappa is well-known for the multiple scholarships available to its members.  Meeting attendees were shown how to navigate to the scholarship page on the Phi Theta Kappa website www.ptk.org.

Officers spoke about what it is like to hold a Phi Theta Kappa officer position and informed students that elections for the Fall 2016 – Spring 2017 term will take place sometime around April or May.  All officer and support positions will be open.  Those interested in running for an officer positon should plan on preparing a one to two minute speech to present to the club.  The speech should include why you would like to become an officer and what you can bring to the position.  A workshop will be offered soon that will help the transition to the new officer team.

Spring induction will be Sunday, April 24^th in the Fannin Hall Auditorium.  This is a special ceremony that celebrates and recognizes your achievements.  Members who have recently joined Phi Theta Kappa are encouraged to attend the ceremony, but it is not mandatory.  The ceremony is from 3:00 – 4:00, but inductees need to be there no later than 1:00 p.m.  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.

Two current chapter members talked about their experiences with the chapter and what they have gained from becoming a member, and students were provided with information on how to contact the chapter.  Alpha Alpha Xi may be reached via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ptkaax, email ptkaax@gmail.com, website www.ptkaax.blogspot.com, and Instagram.  Students were urged to join the Facebook page.

A globalization conference which will be held in Salzburg, Austria will take place soon.  Two students will be selected to attend, and all expenses will be paid.  The requirements are U.S. citizenship, a U.S. passport, and the student must enrolled at Richland for the Fall 2016 semester.  Those considered only need to be Phi Theta Kappa eligible, so students who have not yet become a member may also be considered.  

The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Halloween!

Kappans, don't forget to send your Halloween pictures to the chapter email ptkaax@gmail.com to be featured on our social media pages!!!