Advisor's Corner - November 2008

Dear Phi Theta Kappans,

We have had a very busy, but awesome semester! I am so proud of each and every one of you for all you are doing to keep up your grades in your classes while balancing your work and family with Phi Theta Kappa.

We want to welcome all of our new members and two new officers - Geri Noll and Luis Carbal!

Since I have taken on an extra class this semester, I have been unable to attend the meetings, but your awesome officer team has been able to lead those meetings and have great speakers and activities in my absence. This is exactly as it should be. As advisor, I am now advising this officer team, not running the officer team. This is a huge feat, for me to give up the control of the chapter, (just ask any of the previous officer teams.) If you get a chance, email one of the officer team that you have worked with and show your appreciation for all the hours that they work on your behalf.

Scholarships
As we finish up this semester, many of you are asking about Scholarship Recommendations, etc.... since many of the deadlines for scholarships are approaching. Some of you are graduating! We would like everyone to take part in activities with the chapter or related to our four hallmarks, Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. There are two member meetings left, Global Food Crisis - Food/Pledge Drive, Betterworld Book Drive, Habitat for Humanity aluminum can collection - ongoing projects that need your help. If you can volunteer (you tell me when you are available, that would be very helpful.

Also Scholarship Activities such as the International Dinner at our member meeting on November 20 (next week from 5-7pm - which will be in the new Student Union in the 5000 building), Movie/Book Club (online or offline - watch and/or read the book - discuss online on our blog), and tutoring/mentoring that have been going on.

You will want to have a couple of these activities on your scholarship applications. So, pick one that you can do and contact us at ptk@butlercc.edu. We would like everyone to do at least one event before the end of the semester. Take time during the Thanksgiving break and watch a movie or download the Satellite Seminar (webcast it) online! Join in on the discussion!

If you would like a recommendation or confirmation of your membership in Phi Theta Kappa, please email me and put the pertinant information:
Your name
How long you have been in Phi Theta Kappa (your induction date)
Your major
Your work experience
Your Phi Theta Kappa activities
Your other Community or Campus activities

To whom should I address the recommendation/confirmation letter?
Where should I send the letter? (To you or to the university?)
When does the letter need to arrive?

This information will allow me to get the information out in a timely fashion and will help me write the best recommendation letter possible.

T-shirts
We have sent in an order for the t-shirts for this year. See the attached picture to get an idea of what they will look like. For Small - Extra Large they are $9.50 per shirt and for 2XL-5XL they are $12.50. The price went up $1.50 in order to make the Lime Green lettering show up on the black background (we had to do 2 colors - white and lime green). We hope you like it! All new members this semester will receive their shirt for free, but we do not have all the sizes for new member t-shirts. If you are not a new member this semester, you can order a t-shirt (for the above prices) by November 20 and we will hope to get those shirts ordered and to you by the December 4 meeting. Place your orders by emailing, but get your money (by check) to us by the November 20 meeting.

Member of the Month
We are seeking nominations for the Member of the Month. If you have participated in events during late September or October (Susan G. Komen - Race for the Cure, Leadership Conference, Blood Drive, Satellite Seminars, Helped with Cans, Helped with New Member Induction or Orientation, attended meetings) please email me with your list of activities. The form is attached. Just email it back to me. If you did projects not included in the list - add those hours and a reflection of your project or other activity. We need those lists by November 19 in order to announce the winner by November 20.

If you have not received a chapter handbook, please contact Susan Forrest. We have several copies and would be happy to mail them to you if you are unable to make it to a meeting.

Also, we are searching for a second Chapter Advisor. They need to be a faculty (could be adjunct or full time) member and preferably in Andover (but not a requirement. This person should be interested in Scholarship, Leadership, and Service and willing to attend various activtivies and conferences (regional/international). If you have a great instructor that you would like to suggest/nominate, please email me before Thanksgiving.

Participate in Phi Theta Kappa Week! November 16-22 (see next post)

Susan Forrest
Chapter Advisor