An Introduction and Quick Reference Guide for Phi Theta Kappa Advisors

and Officers

800.946.9995 | ptk.org

Table of ContentsDear Chapter Leader .................................................1

Getting Started .........................................................1

Translating the Mission into Action ...........................2

REACH Rewards ........................................................3

Five Star Timeline ......................................................4

One Star Chapter .......................................................5

Two Star Chapter .......................................................6

Three Star Chapter ....................................................7

Four Star Chapter ......................................................8

Five Star Chapter .......................................................9

Honors in Action Quick Reference Guide ...............10

College Project Quick Reference Guide .................11

Quick Reference Glossary .......................................12

Recognition for Chapter Success ............ Back Cover

Hallmark Awards Celebrating Members, Chapters and Regions............ Back Cover

Supporting Student Success ................... Back Cover

Chapter Advisors and OfficersYour regional leaders encourage your engagement in the region and are available to help you achieve chapter success! Use this space to record your regional leaders' contact information (ptk.org/regionaldirectory) and the dates and locations of 2016 regional events (ptk.org/regionalevents)

REGIONAL COORDINATOR

PHONE NUMBER EMAIL

REGIONAL MEETING LOCATION DATE

REGIONAL MEETING LOCATION DATE

REGIONAL OFFICER

PHONE NUMBER EMAIL

Gaylord National Convention Center & HotelApril 7-9, 2016

Register at nerdnation.ptk.org

Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem, North Carolina

June 20-25, 2016Register at ptk.org/honorsinstitute

AdvisorsYour representatives of the Association of Chapter Advisors are

available for questions, suggestions and concerns:

Amy MacPherson, ChairRepresenting Division IV

Phoenix CollegePhoenix, AZ

amy.macpherson@phoenixcollege.edu

Christine Solomon, Vice ChairRepresenting Division I

Trident Technical CollegeCharleston, SC

christine.solomon@tridenttech.edu

Steve Schroeder, SecretaryRepresenting Division III

College of DuPageGlen Ellyn, IL

schroeds@cod.edu

Dr. Liesl Ward Harris, Immediate Past ChairRepresenting Division II

Jefferson State Community CollegeBirmingham, AL

ward@jeffstateonline.com

1

Dear Chapter Leader,Greetings from your Headquarters Staff! We are so grateful for your leadership in our community of scholars! This guide provides the road map — better known as the Five Star Chapter Plan — for an active, engaged Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Your chapter team decides the destination you would like to reach this year – the level of engagement that best fits your chapter’s aspirations.

In addition, this is your go-to guide for Phi Theta Kappa lingo – you’ll find a comprehensive glossary about the people, the programs, many benefits, and international initiatives and events on pages 12-13.

We’re here to help so let us hear from you! Contact information for staff dedicated to your division of the organization is below.

DIVISION I Carolinas (NC, SC), Middle States (DE, MD, NJ, PA), New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT), New York, Ohio, Virginia/West Virginia

Onjalai Flake onjalai.flake@ptk.org | 800.946.9995 Ext. 5740

Danya Stuart danya.stuart@ptk.org | 800.946.9995 Ext. 3522

DIVISION IIAlabama, Florida (FL, BVI, Peru), Georgia,

Kentucky, Mississippi/Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas

Joshua "Josh" Reidjoshua.reid@ptk.org | 800.946.9995 Ext. 3516

Melissa Price melissa.price@ptk.org | 800.946.9995 Ext. 3557

DIVISION IIIIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas/Nebraska, Michigan, Minn-Kota (MN,

ND, SD), Missouri, Oklahoma/Arkansas, Wisconsin

Mia Ramos-Shirleymia.ramos@ptk.org | 800.946.9995 Ext. 3628

Paige Stillpaige.still@ptk.org | 800.946.9995 Ext. 3554

DIVISION IV Arizona, Colorado/Wyoming, Greater Northwest

(AK, AB, MT, N. ID, WA), Nevada/California, New Mexico, Pacific (Palau, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, AS, GU, HI),

Rocky Mountain-Cascade (OR, UT, S. ID)

Heather Schmidt heather.schmidt@ptk.org | 800.946.9995 Ext. 3647

Fredrica Packnett fredrica.packnett@ptk.org | 800.946.9995 Ext. 3572

Getting Started Advisors1. After you browse this helpful resource, log in with your username

and password to Phi Theta Kappa’s website – ptk.org. 2. Go to ptk.org/myptk. This is where you’ll update your chapter’s

Five Star Plan goal/progress, submit eligible members, report chapter officers, check your invoices, register for conferences and, well, manage your chapter!

3. Then review YOUR chapter information at ptk.org/myptk to make sure we have the correct people listed for your campus.

4. Work with chapter officers to launch a Membership Recruitment Campaign with our professional resources AND your personal touches. (ptk.org/myptk)

5. If your chapter is planning to be a Two Star Chapter or higher, get started on Phi Theta Kappa’s program, Honors in Action. This is the primary way we fulfill our mission to build scholar servant-leaders. Learn more at ptk.org/honors.

6. Check out membership benefits/engagement at ptk.org/programs AND advisor benefits at ptk.org/advisorbenefits. Phi Theta Kappa provides advisors with exceptional professional development and even scholarship opportunities so don’t miss out!

7. Plan to join us for our spring Annual Convention called NerdNation (nerdnation.ptk.org) and/or our summer Honors Institute (ptk.org/honorsinstitute). We promise you’ve never experienced anything like these international events. And they are a great way to network and learn more about your leadership role.

8. Make the most of your Phi Theta Kappa Experience!

Chapter Officers1. After you browse this helpful resource, log in with your username

and password to Phi Theta Kappa’s website at ptk.org/myptk to set your chapter’s goal in the Five Star Plan.

2. Then review YOUR chapter information at ptk.org/chapterdirectory to make sure we have the correct people listed for your campus.

3. Working with your advisor(s), launch a Membership Recruitment Campaign with our professional resources at ptk.org/myptk AND your personal touches.

4. Learn how to organize an induction ceremony at ptk.org/myptk. Keep in mind every ceremony doesn’t have to be this formal.

5. If your chapter is planning to be a Two Star Chapter or higher, get started on Phi Theta Kappa’s program, Honors in Action. This is the primary way we fulfill our mission to build scholar servant-leaders. Learn more at ptk.org/honors.

6. Check out your member benefits at ptk.org/programs so you can effectively promote participation to your fellow members. Many students accept membership in Phi Theta Kappa for scholarship opportunities. Learn more at ptk.org/scholarships.

7. Plan to join us for our spring Annual Convention called NerdNation (nerdnation.ptk.org) and/or our summer Honors Institute (ptk.org/honorsinstitute). We promise you’ve never experienced anything like these international events. And they are a great way to network and learn more about your leadership role.

8. Make the most of your Phi Theta Kappa Experience!

2

Translating the Mission into ActionThat’s what the Five Star Chapter Plan does! Phi Theta Kappa chapters put our mission into action through five levels of engagement that progress from local, campus involvement to regional involvement to international involvement. This guide introduces you to the details of the Five Star Chapter Plan, a road map through the levels of increasing engagement in Phi Theta Kappa activities. Here’s how every level connects to our mission and a quick summary of the levels:

Online, you will find the Five Star Chapter Plan checklist to report your activities so your chapter will

be recognized for contributing to our mission.

ptk.org/fivestar

Phi Theta Kappa chapters often engage in the college and local communities with many activities beyond those included in the Five Star Chapter Plan. You won't find information about those other activities here. The activities of the Five Star Chapter Plan all directly connect to the mission of Phi Theta Kappa and make the chapter distinct from other student organizations. Chapters can earn

recognition at the international and regional levels for completing these activities.

As you will notice on page 4, chapters work on multiple levels of the Five Star Plan at the same time. The complete Five Star Chapter Plan details, reporting form, suggestions and FAQs are online at ptk.org/fivestar.

ONE STAR CHAPTERRecognizing Academic Excellence, Chapter Foundations

All chapters have a default goal to be a One Star chapter. Those chapters that choose to engage in our Honors Program, initiatives and events can set a higher goal to earn more stars and use the Five Star Chapter Plan to track progress.

TWO STAR CHAPTEROrganized Chapter Leadership and Getting Started with Honors in Action

THREE STAR CHAPTERDeveloping an Honors in Action Project and a College Project

FOUR STAR CHAPTERIncreased Presence on Campus and Increased Engagement in the Region

FIVE STAR CHAPTERFurther Involvement in the Region and in International Activities or Events

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two year college students.

To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Center for Excellence, 1625 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS, 39211 800.946.9995 601.984.3504 ptk.org

On the cover: Mu Delta Chapter, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas City, Kansas

Copyright © 2016 by Phi Theta Kappa. All rights reserved.

Phi Theta Kappa is committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination in connection with all employment relationships, business operations and programs. Discrimination based on gender, family or marital status, race, color, national origin, military or veteran status, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information or history, age, disability, political affiliation and cultural and religious backgrounds is prohibited.

1625 Eastover Drive • Jackson, MS 39211 • 800.946.9995

Appearing in photos are members fromAlpha Chi Zeta, Seattle Central Community College,

Alpha Epsilon Omega, North Seattle Community College & Pi Iota, Shoreline Community College, Seattle, WA

Your academic excellence has earned you an invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa and receive the benefits of The Phi Theta Kappa Experience.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSRecognition of Your Academic Achievement Golden Key Membership Pin

Embossed Membership Certificate

Opportunity to wear the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Regalia (contingent on college policy)

Press Release announcing membership

Scholarships & Transfer Resources

$36 million in transfer scholarships offered to Phi Theta Kappa members by more than 700 four-year colleges and universities

$130,000 in scholarships awarded annually by Phi Theta Kappa

Automatic inclusion in CollegeFish.org, Phi Theta Kappa’s comprehensive transfer planning program

Letters of recommendation sent to college admissions counselors

Career Resources

Access to Phi Theta Kappa’s Career Resource Center

Opportunity for GS upgrade for federal employees (upon completion of baccalaureate degree)

Letters of recommendation sent to potential employers

www.ptk.org

Phi Theta Kappa...The Key Advantage

Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as the official honor society for community colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges.

Membership is based on superior academic achievement and is conferred only by invitation of your local chapter. To learn more, attend an informational meeting on your campus, contact your chapter advisor, or visit us online at www.ptk.org.

FPO

Mission Action

3

TWO STAR CHAPTEROrganized Chapter Leadership and Getting Started with Honors in Action

What if your chapter could earn rewards for adding new members? What if the rewards you earned added up to free graduation stoles for your chapter?

Well, now you can do just that.

We’ve designed a rewards program for chapters focused on Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors.

For short, we’re calling it REACH Rewards. The REACH Rewards program will encourage membership by rewarding chapters that achieve or exceed a 15 percent acceptance rate.

THE STARTIt starts with our mission – to recognize the achievements of students and to provide opportunities for their growth.

• REACH Rewards supports Phi Theta Kappa’s mission by encouraging membership growth and chapter development.

• Our students make the grade, and our Society should too. Globally, our membership acceptance rate hovers at 11 percent. That means for every 100 students who are eligible for Phi Theta Kappa membership, only 11 accept and experience the benefits of membership.

THE TOOLSIs it time to ramp up your recruitment strategy?

• Explore our Visibility and Recruitment Toolkit for tools to spread the message about membership at ptk.org/toolkit.

• Connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — share your experiences and learn from other chapters.

• Have a strategy that’s getting results? Tell us about it at news@ptk.org.

THE REACHHere’s how the REACH Rewards program works.

• Enrollment is automatic.

• Achieve or exceed a 15 percent acceptance rate

• Rewards will be based on the calendar year.

• REACH Rewards will be calculated using:– Number of new members– Acceptance rate for the chapter– Graduation rate for the institution

• We’ll present our first REACH Rewards in Spring 2017 based on 2016 membership acceptance.

THE REWARDSREACH Rewards deliver free Phi Theta Kappa honors stoles and more!

• Free Phi Theta Kappa honors stoles (each a $24 value)

• More students experiencing Phi Theta Kappa benefits– Receiving scholarships– Learning leadership– Cultivating essential soft skills

• Realizing opportunities they never imagined

• More members engaged in chapter programs

• More members for leadership positions

• Improved college graduation rates

For more information, visit ptk.org/reach.

4

FIVE STAR TIMELINEThis is a timeline to highlight major events, deadlines or due dates and to suggest the time of year that chapters often complete the activities of the Five Star Chapter Plan.

TAKE NOTE!• Many of the activities of the Five Star Chapter Plan can be completed at any time; this Five Star Timeline provides

suggestions for scheduling activities • Not ALL of the Five Star Chapter Plan activities are listed in the timeline; it highlights major events, deadlines, due dates

and activities • This timeline is designed to provide you with an idea of the annual flow of the Five Star Chapter Plan at a glance • Activities related to all of the levels in the Five Star Chapter Plan are included; your chapter will be recognized for the highest level in

the Plan for which you complete all the required activities and report them at ptk.org/fivestar• Additional detail about the activities and the suggested time for activities is online at ptk.org/fivestar• Some events should occur regularly throughout the year: Update chapter activities at ptk.org/fivestar Raise awareness about Phi Theta Kappa and the benefits of membership Conduct regular chapter meetings Get the word out — about meetings and activities — with a chapter newsletter, website, social media, and/or published

articles in a college publication Keep a complete chronicle of the chapter’s activities The chapter’s Honors in Action Project, College Project and planning for attendance at an international event or

preparing a chapter entry for the Honors Case Study Challenge can involve officers and members throughout the year

JANUARY & FEBRUARY Open the 2016 membership acceptance campaign

Spring Awareness Week events and activities, February 8-12, 2016

January 27, final reporting date for 2015 Five Star Chapter Plan

Review the Honors Program Guide to begin 2016 Honors in Action activities

January 13, 2016, by 5:00 p.m. CST, Individual Hallmark Awards entry deadline, and January 27, 2016, by 5:00 p.m. CST, Chapter Hallmark Awards entry deadline

Register for your Regional Convention: learn more at ptk.org/regionalevents

February 1, Early Registration deadline for the NerdNation Annual Convention (April 7-9, 2016, National Harbor, MD); find out more at nerdnation.ptk.org

Registration opens for the Honors Institute (June 20-25, 2016, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC); learn more at ptk.org/honorsinstitute

MARCH, APRIL & MAY Spring Induction Ceremony

Chapter Officer elections and Officer Team transition

Chapter Annual Report Deadline, March 31, 2016

Meet with college administration about chapter goals

Honors in Action: identify theme and study question, plan an Honors in Action Project, initiate research

Discuss College Project possibilities with college administration

Regional Convention: see ptk.org/regionalevents to learn details about your region’s convention

NerdNation Annual Convention: April 7-9, 2016, National Harbor, MD; nerdnation.ptk.org

May 15, Early Registration deadline, and May 27, final date to register for the Honors Institute (June 20-25, 2016, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC); ptk.org/honorsinstitute

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST Plan for a membership acceptance campaign

Honors in Action Project: analyze research, explore possible actions inspired by the research

College Project: coordination and planning with the college administration

Many regions have summer events; learn more at ptk.org/regionalevents Honors Institute: June 20-25, 2016, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

Regional Officer Institute, July 23-27, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER Fall membership acceptance campaign

Fall Induction Ceremony

Honors in Action Project: planning and execution of event(s) and activities

College Project: planning and execution of events(s) and activities

Regional Honors in Action conference

Host a Phi Theta Kappa Awareness event on your campus

Initiate Honors Case Study Challenge

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER November 19 – Phi Theta Kappa’s Founders Day: a great opportunity to raise awareness of Phi Theta Kappa

Honors in Action Project: evaluation of results/impact and reflection to prepare for writing a Hallmark Award entry

Share information about the Honors in Action Project with the campus, community and/or region

Prepare for writing 2017 Hallmark Awards Entries

Honors Case Study Challenge entries due November 2, 2016

5

ONE STAR CHAPTER

Key Goals: Recognize Academic Excellence, Establish Chapter Foundations

Considered the “Premier Star,” activities at this level are the foundation and minimum requirements for every chapter. Validation and recognition of academic success and promoting membership acceptance are ongoing throughout the year, even as chapters engage in activities for the other levels of the Five Star Chapter Plan.

Organize the 2016 awareness and membership recruitment campaign

• Create awareness • Invite eligible members • Set a membership acceptance goal • Conduct informational meetings • Hold an induction ceremony • Report new members

Visit ptk.org/chapterresources for additional information and resources.

The REACH Rewards program rewards chapters with free graduation stoles for Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors. It encourages membership by rewarding chapters that achieve or exceed a 15 percent acceptance rate. The first REACH Rewards will be recognized in Spring 2017 based on 2016 membership acceptance. Details at ptk.org/reach.

Our 2016 membership goal is Leaders and ideas for our membership campaign:

Submit the Chapter Annual Report to Headquarters (brief, online survey link will be sent to the contact advisor in March to report on the previous year)

Chapter’s bylaws are approved and on file with Headquarters

Advisors' Role• Work with the appropriate college personnel to obtain the list of eligible members, and upload the file online to allow students to

accept their invitations to become members • As a key point of contact for the chapter, advisors also contribute to raising awareness of Phi Theta Kappa and the benefits of

membership, and assist with presentations at information sessions • Assist and direct the officers with arrangements for induction ceremonies; participate in leading the ceremonies

Officers' Role• Raise awareness; contact prospective members and explain the benefits of membership; lead information sessions; lead the

induction ceremonies

Together• Set goals for the Five Star Chapter Plan and membership, strategize to maximize REACH Rewards by increasing membership

acceptance rate, schedule and organize the information sessions and induction ceremonies

6

TWO STAR CHAPTER

Key Goals: Establish Chapter Leadership and Chapter Engagement in Honors in Action Program

In addition to the One Star Chapter activities, Two Star Chapters conduct at least two enrollment periods and induction ceremonies and begin to implement Phi Theta Kappa’s program called Honors in Action.

Review the Five Star Chapter Plan requirements and set a goal to reach the Two, Three, Four or Five Star Level Our 2016 Five Star Chapter Plan Goal is

Conduct at least two induction ceremonies as part of the 2016 membership recruitment campaigns

Report new officers for 2016 using the officer reporting tool

Verify that the college president, chapter administrator, and chapter advisor information on the chapter directory is current and report any changes ptk.org/chapterdirectory

Provide a structured orientation for new officers, advisors and committee chairs at the beginning of each academic term

Chapter and/or chapter officers meet twice each month

Encourage engagement: review chapter goals, campus activities and plans to attend regional and international events, such as the Annual Convention and Honors Institute, so that members are aware of the opportunities to engage in the chapter’s projects and activities

Chapter advisor(s) and chapter president each have the 2016/2017 Honors Program Guide, How the World Works: Global Perspectives (available to download at ptk.org/honors)

At least two chapter members set research objectives and goals and conduct research for one theme/study question of the Honors Study Topic

Theme

Issue/question that interests the chapter

Sources to initiate investigation of issue/question

Chapter advisor(s) and officers meet with college president or other administrator to develop and discuss goals of the chapter; begin dialogue about a possible College Project (a Three Star Chapter activity, see College Project Quick Reference Guide on page 11)

Date Summary of meeting

Advisors' Role• Monitor and coach officers for effective meeting management • Make initial contact with the college president and participate in the officers’ meeting with the college president

Officers' Role• Organize and lead effective chapter meetings, at least twice per month • Participate in a meeting with the college president or an administrator about the chapter’s activities and plans • Lead the chapter’s exploration of the Honors Program Guide and organize the chapter’s research of a theme related to the

2016/2017 Honors Study Topic, How the World Works: Global Perspectives. Learn more at ptk.org/honors• Review the Five Star Chapter Plan; set a Star Goal; report the goal and activities at ptk.org/fivestar

Together• Meet with the college president and set chapter goals related to Honors in Action and involvement on campus and the

college project

7

THREE STAR CHAPTER

Key Goals: Develop an Honors in Action Project and a College Project

In addition to the One Star and Two Star Chapter activities, Three Star Chapters continue to implement Phi Theta Kappa’s Honors in Action program and plan and implement a College Project with the college administration.

Develop an Honors in Action project plan (a detailed Honors in Action Planning Rubric is available at ptk.org/honors; you will want a detailed journal of the project if you plan to enter the Honors in Action Hallmark Awards Competition, a Four Star and Five Star activity) that includes the chapter’s:

Project objectives and goals

Process that will be used for meeting them

Leadership roles of individual chapter members and of the chapter as a group in meeting these objectives

Groups with which the chapter will collaborate

Leadership development activities and/or events for training and preparing the chapter officers and members for their leadership roles

Service, advocacy or action event(s) for the college/community

Publish chapter news in at least one of the following ways: Publish a newsletter Maintain a chapter website or Facebook page Submit chapter news to a publication

Implement a College Project which is determined by the chapter and college president or other administrator (learn more at ptk.org/fivestar)

Chronicle chapter activities for historical purposes

Advisors' Role• Coach the chapter regarding Honors in Action, including college policies for student projects • Facilitate continued outreach and reporting with the college administration regarding the College Project

Officers' Role• Plan and lead the chapter's Honors in Action Project and College Project; engage members to participate • Keep a record of the chapter activities and share news on campus and in the community

Together• Determine and act on leadership development needs and opportunites at the project/chapter level

8

FOUR STAR CHAPTER

Key Goals: Increased Presence on Campus and Increased Engagement in the Region

In addition to the One Star, Two Star, and Three Star level activities, Four Star Chapters get involved in their Phi Theta Kappa region and write and submit an entry for at least one Hallmark Award.

Attend at least one official regional meeting; check your region's information at ptk.org/regionalevents Our regional events:

Date: Place: Time: Date: Place: Time: Date: Place: Time:

Engage in the region in at least one of the following ways: Campaign for regional office Host/assume leadership role at a regional meeting Participate in a Regional Honors in Action Project Collaborate with at least two other chapters for an activity or event that is conducted online or in person

Our regional engagement will involve:

Share the chapter’s Honors in Action research with the campus or community Our plan to share the project includes:

Enter at least one category in the regional awards program. Chapters submitting an entry in Phi Theta Kappa’s Hallmark Awards will automatically be entered in their regional awards program (ptk.org/hallmarks)

Our chapter will plan to complete the following Hallmark Award entry:

Host a Phi Theta Kappa Awareness event on your campus (ptk.org/awareness)

Advisors' Role• Facilitate registration, financial paperwork, transportation arrangements for regional events • Coach the Hallmark Awards submission process and certify the Hallmark Awards entries

Officers' Role• Participate in regional activities; share what happens in the region with others who could not attend • Write and submit a Hallmark Award application; the chapter president must certify the Hallmark Awards entries for advisor

awards only • Host a Phi Theta Kappa awareness event on your campus (ptk.org/awareness); the awareness event can include sharing benefits of

membership like scholarship opportunities (ptk.org/scholarships) and Competitive Edge (ptk.org/CompetitiveEdge), and benefits for all students like CollegeFish.org

Together• Plan how the chapter will be involved in regional leadership, review the Hallmark Awards rubrics, choose at least one Hallmark

Awards category the chapter will enter, plan and coordinate the Hallmark Awards entry process

9

FIVE STAR CHAPTER

Key Goals: Further Involvement in the Region and in International Activities or Events

In addition to the One Star, Two Star, Three Star and Four Star Chapter activities, Five Star Chapters fully engage in international activities and/or events and enter at least three Hallmark Awards categories including the awards for Honors in Action Projects, College Projects and one individual award.

Submit at least three (3) entries in the 2017 Hallmark Awards including the Honors in Action Project Award, College Project Award, and at least one other individual award; details about the awards categories, judging rubrics and entry instructions can be found at ptk.org/hallmarks

Honors in Action Hallmark Award College Project Hallmark Award

Individual Hallmark Award (a minimum of one) • Member Awards Categories

Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award

Distinguished Chapter Officer Award

Distinguished Member Award

• Advisor Awards Categories

Paragon Award for New Advisors

Distinguished Advisor Award

Continued Excellence Award

Distinguished Advisor Team Award

• Administrator Award Categories

Distinguished Administrator Award

Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction

Distinguished State Community College Director Award Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award

Chapter representative(s) participates in AT LEAST ONE of the following international events:

Attend 2016 Annual Convention (nerdnation.ptk.org), OR

Attend 2016 Honors Institute (ptk.org/honorsinstitute), OR

Attend 2016 Regional Officer Institute, OR

Attend 2016 International Advisor Education Event, OR

Submit an entry in the 2016 Honors Case Study Challenge (ptk.org/casechall)

Advisors' Role• Facilitate registration, financial paperwork, transportation arrangements for international events • Coach the Hallmark Awards submission process and certify the Hallmark Awards entries

Officers' Role• Participate in international activities and/or events; share what happens in the region with others who could not attend • Write and submit Hallmark Award entries; the chapter president must certify the Hallmark Awards entries for advisor awards only • If the chapter is unable to send a representative to an international event, write and submit an entry in the Honors Case

Study Challenge

Together• Plan the kind of international engagment the chapter will do, review the Hallmark Awards rubrics for the Chapter Hallmark Awards

categories and the Individual Hallmark Awards categories, plan and coordinate the Hallmark Awards entry process

10

Honors in Action Quick Reference GuideHonors in Action Projects integrate the values of the Phi Theta Kappa mission — the Society Hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship — because projects engage members in scholarly investigation, leadership development and leading, informed activism in service to the community, and collaboration and teamwork. Projects unite chapters across the world in exploration and addressing challenges related to issues of the Society’s Honors Study Topic for 2016/2017, How the World Works: Global Perspectives. Learn more about the Honors Study Topic in the Honors Program Guide, a comprehensive publication on the Honors Study Topic and Honors in Action projects. You can download an electronic copy at ptk.org/honors. The guide includes a planning model for Honors in Action projects which can supplement the following description of the process and pointers.

With comprehensive tracking of your efforts in each phase, through journaling and record-keeping, you will be ready to enter the Chapter Hallmark Award for Honors in Action Projects!

Also check out insiders’ tips and pointers for Honors in Action Projects online at ptk.org/honors.

Act and Serve

Collaborate in action and service

Execute the plan

Measure qualitative and quantitative impact

Investigate and Analyze

Review Honors Program Guide

Plan research into a specific theme and research question

Develop a response to the theme's focus question

Analyze varied perspectives, identify challenges requiring leadership

and action

Assess and Reflect

Evaluate success

Assess leadership and teamwork

Consider opportunities for future investigation, leadership,

collaboration and action

Strategize and Lead

Consider how the theme investigated manifests locally

Brainstorm possible solutions to local challenges

Develop a plan of action

Intentionally increase and improve leadership capacity

STEP 1

STEP 4

STEP 2

STEP 3

11

College Project Quick Reference GuideThe College Project has a purpose of developing a positive relationship between your chapter and the college administration. When you follow the process for determining the specifics of your College Project, you contribute to establishing or strengthening the support that the chapter receives. The process begins with reaching out to the college administration to collaborate and develop a project for the chapter that supports the college’s mission or strategic priorities. The project may involve assisting, improving or growing an existing initiative, or it may be a new effort that the college administration would like to begin. Chapters may also present a proposal to implement a College Project related to Phi Theta Kappa’s initiatives that support student success. Phi Theta Kappa has developed a Community College Completion Corps (C4) toolkit and the college administration may be interested in a C4 event or in taking on a greater role for a statewide C4 initiative. If your college administration is interested in additional ideas that other chapters have pursued as College Projects, you will find more suggestions at ptk.org/fivestar.

Consult with the college

administration

Convene with the college administration

to evaluate results and consider future

possibilities

Collaborate with the college administration to

identify objectives, goals and strategies

Complete the project activitiesin partnership

with the college administration

With comprehensive tracking of your efforts throughout the College Project, through journaling and record-keeping, you will be ready to enter the Chapter Hallmark Award for College Projects!

Also check out insiders’ tips and pointers for College Projects online at ptk.org/fivestar.

12

Quick Reference Glossary

Academy A pre-conference preceding the NerdNation Convention for personal and professional development and to enhance effectiveness within Phi Theta Kappa roles (advisors, officers, members)

Advisors Faculty or administrative staff member appointed by the college to guide the chapter’s operations; every chapter must have a contact advisor who receives all mailed communications from HQ; additional advisors are co-advisors

Associate Directors of Regional and Chapter Development (AD) Four headquarters staff ADs work side-by-side with regional leaders on advisor education, conferences, orientations and setting regional goals; there is an AD for each Phi Theta Kappa Division

Association of Chapter Advisors (ACA) Advisory body that every advisor belongs to automatically and free of charge; advisors attending the NerdNation Convention elect ACA officers to represent advisors

Benefits for Advisors Recognition opportunities, leadership development and professional advancement opportunities are detailed online (ptk.org/advisorbenefits)

Benefits for MembersMultiple forms of recognition for academic success, and opportunities to gain a competitive edge through personal, academic and professional development are described online (ptk.org/memberbenefits)

Chapter Administrator College administrative staff member who oversees the chapter for the college

Chapter Bylaws Operational rules for the chapter established at chartering; revisions must be approved and filed with HQ

Chapter Officers Members elected to lead the local chapter; key responsibilities include promoting the benefits of membership and engaging in Phi Theta Kappa programming

CollegeFish.org Resource to assist members and non-members with planning for transfer, and facilitates degree completion; includes information on transfer universities, Phi Theta Kappa scholarships and other scholarships

College Project A project that supports the chapter’s college, developed jointly with the college administration (see p. 11)

Community College Completion Corps (C4)Phi Theta Kappa created this student-led initiative to raise awareness of the importance of college completion and to advance student success (cccompletioncorps.org)

Faculty Scholars Advisors who serve as seminar leaders at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual Honors Institute; selected in a competitive application process, they also attend a two-part Faculty Scholar Conference to prepare for the Honors Institute

Five Star Chapter Plan Guidelines for specific activities that lead to success and recognition in Phi Theta Kappa; often referred to as “5 Star” (ptk.org/fivestar)

Five Star Competitive Edge Personal and professional development online course for members that promotes college completion and career success, with recognition for their level of participation (ptk.org/CompetitiveEdge)

Founders Day First chapter founded in 1918 at Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri; on November 19, 1929, the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (now AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the national honor society for junior and community colleges; November 19 is now celebrated as Founders Day

Golden Key News Briefs (GKNB)An email newsletter for members and advisors

Hallmarks The tenets and key values of the Honor Society: Scholarship – studying the Honors Study Topic and sharing

scholarly activities with others Leadership – taking leadership roles and developing

leadership skills Service – participating in service learning through Honors in

Action Projects and College Projects Fellowship – collaborating with members, college,

community, region and/or beyond

Hallmark Awards Competitive awards program for chapters (Honors in Action & College Project) and individuals (Advisors, Officers/Members, College Administrators) (ptk.org/hallmarks)

Headquarters (HQ) StaffEmployees of Phi Theta Kappa’s international, central office located at The Center for Excellence in Jackson, Mississippi (800.946.9995)

Honors Case Study ChallengeFollow newspaper coverage on current events related to the Honors Study Topic and enter the competition for an international award, deadline is November 2, 2016 (ptk.org/casechall)

Honors in Action (HiA) Phi Theta Kappa’s program – chapters combine scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship within a project founded on the Honors Study Topic (see p. 10)

Honors Institute Annual, five-day intensive examination of the Honors Study Topic for members and advisors; Honors Institute takes place in June at a different four-year university each year (ptk.org/honorsinstitute)

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Honors Presentations Recorded presentations by NerdNation Annual Convention and Honors Institute Speakers; access by logging into getanedge.ptk.org, click on Five Star Competitive Edge, and then scroll down to "Featured Presentations"

Honors Program CouncilChapter advisors selected in a competitive application process and Phi Theta Kappa Honors Program Department staff who develop the biennial Honors Study Topic and assist with the compilation of the Honors Program Guide (ptk.org/honors)

Honors Program Guide (HPG) A study guide for Honors in Action which features the biennial Honors Study Topic (ptk.org/honors)

Honors Study Topic (HST) A study topic is developed every two years that is interesting, in the news, interdisciplinary, international, issue-oriented, important, intellectual, and action-oriented; the topic for 2016 and 2017 is How the World Works: Global Perspectives and is the basis of chapter research and exploration and the development of Honors in Action Projects (ptk.org/honors)

International Officers Members serving at the highest level of student leadership; a president and four vice-presidents (one from each of the four Divisions) elected by voting delegates for each chapter attending the NerdNation Convention; International Officers serve as ambassadors and advance the mission of Phi Theta Kappa for one-year terms (ptk.org/About/SocietyLeaders/InternationalOfficers)

International Honors Certificates (IHC)Global courses offered online through university partners at participating community colleges (ptk.org/programs/internationalhonorscertificates)

Key Services Consultants (KSC) Four headquarters staff KSCs work directly with chapter advisors, officers and members to support chapter implementation of programming and membership campaigns; there is a KSC for each Phi Theta Kappa Division

Leadership Development ProgramA humanities-based curriculum developed by Phi Theta Kappa for use by chapters and for colleges to offer as a credit course, if desired (with a Phi Theta Kappa Certified Leadership Instructor; leadership.ptk.org)

NerdNation Convention Annual Hallmark Awards presentations, renowned speakers, college and corporate booths, and educational sessions; nearly 4,000 attend each spring

REACH RewardsA recognition program for chapters that achieve or exceed a 15 percent acceptance rate among eligible members (see p. 3)

Regional Coordinators 30 Regional Coordinators support the mission of Phi Theta Kappa in partnership with headquarters staff to provide advisor guidance and education, convene regional conferences, train regional officers and develop positive relationships with the region’s chapters and colleges; many regions also have an Associate Regional Coordinator working closely with the Regional Coordinator and headquarters staff

Regional Officers Each of Phi Theta Kappa’s 30 Regions has a team of elected officers who support the Phi Theta Kappa mission; positions and responsibilities vary from region to region (contact your Regional Coordinator for more information)

Scholarships Over $1 million distributed annually in scholarship opportunities for members through Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters, and $37 million in transfer scholarship opportunities are available to Phi Theta Kappa members exclusively through four-year college and university partners; all information at CollegeFish.org

Your Honor Society

Your Region

Your College’s Chapter

You

Overview of Phi Theta Kappa Structure, Events and Opportunities

l More than 130,000 accept membership annually in more than 1,285 chapters in eight countries

l Each chapter belongs to one of 30 regions; regions are divided into 4 divisions

l International Headquarters Staffl Honors Program Councill International Officersl NerdNation Annual Conventionl Honors Institutel Honors Presentationsl Leadership Development Program

l Regional Coordinator l Regional Officers l Regional Events

l Chapter Advisor(s) l Chapter Officers l Inductionsl Chapter Honors in Action Project

and College Project

Members:l Scholarship Opportunitiesl Five Star Competitive Edge l CollegeFish.org

Advisors:l Faculty Scholar and Leadership

Certification Opportunities l Association of Chapter Advisors

RECOGNITION FOR CHAPTER SUCCESS The Five Star Chapter PlanLocal: A letter emailed to your college president citing the

significance of the chapter’s achievement in the Five Star Chapter Plan

Regional: The chapter will receive the award certificate during your region's annual awards presentation in the spring

International: Achievement listed on Phi Theta Kappa’s website and at the Annual Convention

* Chapters are recognized for the highest level for which they completed AND reported all requirements in addition to completing and reporting all requirements of the levels below that highest level. The reporting deadline is January 27, 2016 (for 2015 activities) and January 25, 2017 (for 2016 activities). Report regular progress to HQ and your region at ptk.org/fivestar.

HALLMARK AWARDS CELEBRATING MEMBERS, CHAPTERS AND REGIONSThe Hallmark Awards, based on competitively-judged applications, recognize individuals, chapters and regions for excellence in the Society’s Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship as exemplified through Honors in Action activities. Award winners are recognized each spring at NerdNation, the Society’s Annual Convention.

For the 2016 Hallmark Awards, chapters may write about their activities completed from January to December 2015.

December 9, 2015 - Applications for Administrator Awards DueCategories include College Administrator, Gordon, Bennett and Community College State Director Awards

January 13, 2016 - Applications for Individual Awards DueCategories include Chapter Officer Team, Chapter Officer, Chapter Member, Paragon Advisor, Distinguished Advisor, Continued Excellence Advisor, Distinguished Advisor Team, Regional Officer Team and Regional Officer Awards

January 27, 2016 - Applications for Chapter Awards DueCategories include Honors in Action Project and College Project Awards

For the 2017 Hallmark Awards, chapters may write about their activities completed from January to December 2016.

December 7, 2016 - Applications for Administrator Awards DueCategories include College Administrator, Gordon, Bennett and Community College State Director Awards

January 11, 2017 - Applications for Individual Awards DueCategories include Chapter Officer Team, Chapter Officer, Chapter Member, Paragon Advisor, Distinguished Advisor, Continued Excellence Advisor, Distinguished Advisor Team, Regional Officer Team and Regional Officer Awards

January 25, 2017 - Applications for Chapter Awards DueCategories include Honors in Action Project and College Project Awards

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS

Five Star Competitive Edge Every member can develop as a leader with Phi Theta Kappa’s Five Star Competitive Edge online course for professional development. Learn more at ptk.org/CompetitiveEdge.

Community College Completion CorpsThe C4 website features chapters that have organized events to raise awareness of the importance of completing a college credential. Report your C4 events at cccompletioncorps.org.

International Honors Certificates Opportunities to earn specialization certificates from international

universities and develop global competencies through online honors courses offered at participating community colleges. Learn more at ptk.org/programs/InternationalHonorsCertificates

Scholarship OpportunitiesMore than $37 million in scholarships provided by four-year schools for transfer members; in addition, Phi Theta Kappa awards nearly $1 million in scholarships to members. The Spring 2016 scholarship application is open March 1 - May 2, 2016, and the Fall 2016 application is open September 15 - December 1, 2016. To learn more and apply for scholarships, log into ptk.org.

FIVE STAR

COMPETITIVEEDGE

ptk.org | 800.946.9995