NerdNation2016 Photo Album

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Texas Regional Conference Recap

Hello all:
 
This past weekend, Richland’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter officers and members participated in the 2016 Texas state-wide Regional Convention, which was held in Waco, TX.
 
Over four hundred attendees from all across the state participated in this important annual convention.
 
Here is a list of Richland students and advisors who travelled with the group:
 
Omar Demachkie, Leadership officer
Kennedy Agusi, Scholarship officer
Jay Saadaddin, Service officer
Jessica Arriaga, Fellowship officer
Forrest Garrett, Media Specialist
Stephen Aigbomian
Samra Tariq
Sokyou Ly
Muhammad Hasan
Qurrat-ul-ain Gul Muhammad
 
Prof Jon Ewing, Advisor
Mr. John Millemon, Advisor Emeritus
 
Certificates and Awards:
 
The following Richland students were recognized with Texas Hall of Honor certificates for District II [North Texas]:
 
Omar Demachkie
Jessica Arriaga
Melissa Savoy, Chapter Secretary
Samra Tariq
 
Our own Ms. Melanie Pruit was recognized with a Texas Hall of Honorcertificate, District II, for her contributions as an advisor to the Richland chapter.
 
Prof Jon Ewing received a Texas Region Distinguished Advisor Awardand medallion in recognition of his contributions as an advisor to the Richland chapter.
 
The Richland chapter, collectively, received a certificate for once again attaining 5-Star status, the highest ranking given in the Texas Region.
 
 
We are able to function as an active chapter in the Texas Region because of the support of Dr. Kay, Dr. Zarina, Mr. Carter Bedford, Office of Student Life, and Richland’s Administrators, Faculty and Professional Support staff. On behalf of the officers, student members and advisors, please allow me to extend our gratitude for such support.
  
Respectfully,
Jon Ewing

Meeting Recap 02/03/2016

from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter – February 3, 2016

The meeting was called to order at 3:20 p.m.

The first meeting of the spring semester began with an ice breaker. Two winners were presented with $20 and $25 gift certificates to the Katy Trail Ice House and Dave and Busters.

Students were informed about the upcoming Phi Theta Kappa Regional Conference to be held at Baylor University on February 25th - 27th. There are a few spots available to interested members. Attire for the majority of the weekend is casual, but dress for the banquet is business/cocktail.

Last year’s College Project, titled Green Team, was a big success. The chapter has received accolades from the college president and has been recognized for its outstanding environmental efforts. The project will continue this semester with another lake cleanup, to be held either March 3rd or March 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Additionally, there will be a children’s craft project that will coincide with Earth Day. Identification cards will be developed for Green Team members, and UTD is instituting a scholarship for those who participate in the project. Students were encouraged to volunteer, and a signup sheet was provided.

Appreciation was expressed to members who volunteered for the club fair in January; many students were interested in joining the chapter as new members.

Alpha Alpha Xi will have a leap-year fundraiser, possibly a bake sale, on Monday, February 29th from 11:30 to 3:30. Volunteers are needed, and a signup sheet was provided. Watch for further updates coming soon.

Current service opportunities were provided. Reading Partners is in need of one-time tutors that assist elementary school children in West Dallas with reading proficiency. This program is on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Students may go to the website to volunteer https://www.voly.org/opportunities/view.html?id=AVKJPEAiyfL1-PcgjS9h. The second volunteer opportunity is in need of homes that will foster puppies. All food, supplies, and vet needs will be cared for. More information can be found at https://www.voly.org/opportunities/view.html?id=56087f9677dd249612435b40. These volunteer hours may be applied to Service Learning. Confirmation of your attendance at the volunteer event may be provided to Omar.

The Celia Riddle Millemon scholarship, offered only to Richland College students, was established by Mr. John Millemon, a prior Alpha Alpha Xi advisor. Two of these $500 scholarships are presented each semester and require applicants to be Phi Theta Kappa members in good standing. A general scholarship foundation form must be submitted along with an attached personal statement. Applicants may submit their information to Dr. Ewing or to the Financial Aid office.

A scholarship page on the Richland College website is currently in the works; it will contain information regarding scholarships that are exclusive to Richland.

Spring scholarships, for students who will be remaining at community college the following year, will be opening soon. There will be more information to come in following weeks. It’s advisable to be mindful that grammar is important when submitting personal statements or essays for scholarships.

Four students were recently awarded scholarships to cover Phi Theta Kappa membership. Chancellor Joe May installed this fund for students to whom the membership fee is prohibitive. It will provide reimbursement for dues once proof of payment is shown. Applicants must show financial need and submit a personal essay. Carter Bedford and Forrest Garret, chapter Media Specialist, have the necessary forms for those who would like to apply.

Students who are interested in becoming members of the Alpha Alpha Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa need to ensure their GPA is at least 3.5. Members must also be enrolled in 6 credit hours with 12 completed credit hours. Membership invitations with passcodes will be emailed in a few weeks. There is a window of time in which to join, so prospective members have only until May to accept. Membership is lifetime with a one-time $85 fee. If you believe you are eligible and do not receive an invitation by the end of February, please contact Dr. Jon Ewing.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:01 p.m

Green Team Sign-Up Form

Video from College Project for a Green Campus Lake Clean-Up

Facilities collaborated with the Alpha Alpha Xi - Phi Theta Kappa - Richland College and student volunteers to keep our campus green.

Posted by Richland College on Monday, November 16, 2015

College Project and Honors in Action Events This Week

Hello Kappans!

A few quick reminders about the busy week we have ahead:

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College Project

This Saturday, November 14th from 9:00AM until 3:00PM in Parking Lot E is the first SERVICE PROJECT for Phi Theta Kappa College Project for a Green Campus!  It will be the first part of our lake clean-up portion of the project.  This is also the same day as the Recycle Round-Up, so if you have any recyclables please bring them as well.  We will be there no matter the weather. Service Learning Hours can be had for volunteering at the event.

Please CLICK HERE to sign-up for the event.

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Workshops for College Project are already available! Please, sign-up for the workshops (at The Learning Center) ASAP because there are only 15 slots each session.  When going to The Learning Center (Medina Hall 216), please look for the workshop titled "Green Campus." 

The first two dates are:

November 11th, 2015 from 2:00pm to 2:50pm
and
November 17th, 2015 from 12:30pm to 1:20pm

Attending the workshops will count toward Service Learning Hours!

If you are interested in hosting a future workshop, please respond to this email!

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Honors in Action

We have two upcoming Honors in Action events taking place next week.

Honors in Action Fundraiser Committee's first meeting will take place onThursday, November 12th from 4:00pm-5:00pm in Del Rio 174.  Those interested in Honors in Action should take part in this vital step as the January deadline draws closer.

Honors in Action Research Study Group will meet promptly on Friday, November 13th from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in the RLC Library first and possibly move to another room, so please be there at 3:00pm. If you can't make it at that time, please let us know in advance so we can coordinate the final location.  The focus of our topic is Theme 9: Borders and Boundaries with a focus on connecting the bridge between children with and children without disabilities.

For more information on Honors in Action, please click here.

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As always, you can find us on Facebook here! Please LIKE the page and go to EVENTS and SUBSCRIBE to events to get the latest updates!

See you all soon!

College Project for A Green Campus Sign-Up Sheet

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

Orientation Meeting; Honors In Action, College Project, and Scholarship Updates.

ORIENTATION

We will have our final ORIENTATION MEETING on Wednesday, November 4th from 3:15pm-4:00pm in Del Rio 174.  Established members need not attend, this meeting is for those who are new to Phi Theta Kappa or haven't had the chance to attend other orientations.
 

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Honors in Action

We have two upcoming Honors in Action events taking place next week.

Honors in Action Fundraiser Committee's first meeting will take place onThursday, November 12th from 4:00pm-5:00pm in Del Rio 174.  Those interested in Honors in Action should take part in this vital step as the January deadline draws closer.

Honors in Action Research Study Group will meet promptly on Friday, November 13th from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in the RLC Library first and possibly move to another room, so please be there at 3:00pm. If you can't make it at that time, please let us know in advance so we can coordinate the final location.  The focus of our topic is Theme 9: Borders and Boundaries with a focus on connecting the bridge between children with and children without disabilities.

For more information on Honors in Action, please click here.

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College Project

 

Phi Theta Kappa College Project for a Green Campus is now LIVE!  Please, sign-up for the workshops ASAP because there are only 15 slots each session.  When going to The Learning Center (Medina Hall 216), please look for the workshop titled "Green Campus."

The first two dates are:
 

November 11th, 2015 from 2:00pm to 2:50pm
and
November 17th, 2015 from 12:30pm to 1:20pm
 

Attending the workshops will count toward Service Learning Hours!

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Scholarships

 
The Fall Common Scholarship Application closes on December 1st.  That means that it is time to get those applications rolling if they have not already been started!

Click here for more information.

ΦΘΚ College Project for a Green Campus Workshop Planning Meeting

Hello Kappans!

ΑΑΞ Leadership Officer Omar Demachkie wants to remind everyone of an exciting event!

Wednesday. October 21st from 3:15 PM until 4:30 PM will be our College Project Workshop Planning.

The College Project actually has a new name:  "Phi Theta Kappa College Project for a Green Campus."

We will be meeting in The Learning Center's Workshop room.  If you have any questions, please respond to this email.

Also, please go to our
Facebook event   and select the option to show you will be attending AND please share it on your timelines!

I hope you all have a great week! See you soon

Meeting Re-Cap 2015/10/07

from ΑΑΞ Reporting Secretary Melissa Savoy

Phi Theta Kappa Meeting Review

Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter - October 7th, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 3:20 p.m.

Jessica, chapter Fellowship officer, opened the meeting with a game as an icebreaker.  The winner received a Katy Trail Ice House gift card.

Leadership announcements from Omar included information about College Project, Recycling Round Up, Campus Clean Up, and the Texas Leadership conference.  College Project will coordinate with the Fall 2015 Recycling Round Up on November 15th, from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.  Prizes will be awarded and service hours may be earned.  The environmental efforts of this year’s College Project will also work with the Subway bag collection that is stationed in El Paso.  Collections normally take place between 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.and have a goal to collect a certain number of bags.  Volunteers are also needed for the upcoming Campus Clean Up.  Members will be collecting plastics and cans.  Our chapter will be promoting awareness of where and how best to recycle.  Omar reported that the PowerPoint presentations are ready and are great; thanks to those who helped with this effort!  
The Texas Leadership Conference is taking place this week from October 9th – 11th.  Those attending will be meeting at Yegua building at 8:45 a.m.

Jessica invited members to join in the fun on October 15th at 5:00 p.m. after the general meeting in D174.  This fellowship event will have games, pizza, and ice cream  We will be watching a movie.  Get to know your fellow club members and relax for a couple of hours!The next chapter fundraiser will be on Monday, October 26th.  The fundraising event will be Halloween themed, and the chapter will be selling popcorn from 10:00 – 1:00 p.m. in Wichita Hall.  The popcorn machine and supplies are provided by the Office of Student Life.  Students can obtain service hours for volunteering. 

The new Service officer of our chapter, Jay Saadaddin, introduced himself and spoke about volunteering opportunities.   Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of North Texas 5K Walk will take place on October 24th 8:00 a.m.  Kids Kingdom Playground Committee will be building a playground in Rowlett that is wheelchair accessible.  Jay showed the chapter how to navigate to the pages for these opportunities and talked about different areas in which they need help.  Volunteer dates and times will vary depending on what phase of the project you choose to help with.  There are several different options to fit individual interests.  Volunteers can receive service hours.  Visit these links for additional information and to sign up.

https://www.voly.org/opportunities/view.html?id=55709b6577dd245d34054e52

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f054ca9af2babff2-2015

Poppies for Puppies is another opportunity that Jessie mentioned to members.  The proceeds from this project are used to rescue and train service dogs for those in need.  Ceramic poppies created will be displayed on campus in memory of those who died serving in World War I.  Jessie has volunteered and  encouraged other members to do the same.  Students who are interested should meet in F-179 between 10:00 and 2:00 p.m. on Fridays.  For service hours to be counted, students should be registered with Service Learning.  Please contact The Learning Center regarding registration.  

Professor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor, Melanie Pruit, spoke about the All-USA Scholarship.  Professor Pruit was a nominee for this scholarship when she was a student at Richland, and she urged members to apply.  This is a very prestigious scholarship that will look great on student transfer applications.  The time to start working on your application is now!  There is no enrollment key as has been the case in previous years.  With one application, students are submitted for four different scholarships.  An eligibility quiz may be taken to determine if you qualify.  Two leadership recommendation letters and two academic recommendation letters are required.  Citizenship requirements, dollars awarded, recognition for the scholarship, and more was covered.  Up to two applicants are selected to be nominees for Richland College.  The deadline for these scholarships is Friday, November 20th.  For details, and to apply, go to the Phi Theta Kappa website http://ptk.org/ and then to Scholarships.

Omar reminded students of the new merit-based Celia Riddle Millemon Scholarship.  Alpha Alpha Xi advisors will select the winners, and scholarships are awarded in both spring and fall.  More information may be found on the Richland College website.  The next Honors in Action meeting is on Saturday, Oct 17th in the Richland College library at 2:00 p.m.  All members are invited to attend and help with this year’s project. Complete With Me week is coming up soon.  Jessie asked members to volunteer from 10:00 – 2:00 p.m. and represent Phi Theta Kappa.  Complete with Me is an effort to strengthen student’s commitment to complete their degree.  Phi Theta Kappa t-shirts will be given away to volunteers.  Members may sign up through the following link.  http://ptkaax.blogspot.com/2015/10/commit-to-complete-day-volunteer-sign.htmlAdvisor, Dr. Jon Ewing, reported that Phi Theta Kappa invitations have been sent to potential new members within the past two weeks.  Students interested in joining may go to the Phi Theta Kappa website http://ptk.org/ and then to Accept Membership where they can enter a valid email address.  

The Chancellor of our district has new initiatives that include Phi Theta Kappa.  He is an advocate for Phi Theta Kappa and wants to promote and increase membership.  Recent standardization of membership fees for the district has established a uniform fee of $95. The Chancellor does not want potential members to avoid joining because they are hindered by financial issues.  A membership scholarship will be awarded to cover the membership fee.  Students will be required to write an essay to establish that they have financial adversities.  
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m