This document provides guidance for chapter officers on tools for success, including officer orientation, handbooks, duties, goals, and calendars. It outlines steps like submitting officers to headquarters, planning orientation, and creating handbooks. Orientation should review communication structures and officer roles. Officers need to know duties and be trained in skills like communication. Goals and calendars help chapters plan events and track progress. Challenges like turnover and conflicts are also addressed.

1. Tools to SuccessAllison Johnson

2. Steps to SuccessAdvisors should submit officers to headquarters ASAP Plan an officer orientationCreate an officer HandbookAttend Regional and International Events

3. Officer OrientationReview the three levels of the Society – local, regional and international – and discuss communication on these levels. Officers should know how and when to contact: Local: officers, advisors, and college faculty, staff and administratorsRegional: Regional Officers and the Regional CoordinatorInternational: International Officers and Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters Staff

4. Officer OrientationDiscuss the role and duties of each officer as covered in the chapter bylaws. Each outgoing officer should individually review responsibilities with his or her successor. Explain how to form committees and the function of any current committees. Discuss delegation of responsibilities as a time management tool and an opportunity to develop and take advantage of each member’s unique strengths. Evaluate, as a group, how well the officers functioned during the previous year. Note any suggestions for improvements or recommended changes in officer duties. Inform new officers of their resources and benefits including benefits or resources provided by the chapter or the college. Outline a clear transition period for outgoing and incoming officers. Encourage new officers to view their responsibilities as a challenge, and stress the rewards of service through leadership. Outgoing officers should provide their successors with any chapter-related materials, such as treasury records and the official Chapter Record Book.

5. Officer OrientationUse Competitive Edge as part of your officer trainingCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem solving skillsFlexibility/adaptability/creativityPlanning/organizingTeam buildingLeadership skillsAnalytical/research skills

6. Officer HandbookChapter By-LawsChapter Resource Manual

7. Officer DutiesUse Chapter By-Laws and the International website as guidelines to set up dutiesOfficers need to know what is expected in order to successfully complete their terms

8. College Project

9. Honors In ActionHonors Program GuideHonors In Action Planning Model

10. HallmarksHonors in Action Project AwardsCollege Project AwardsThe Distinguished Chapter AwardsThe Beta Alpha Continued Excellence AwardsThe Distinguished Chapter Officer Team AwardsThe Distinguished Chapter Officer AwardsThe Distinguished Member AwardsThe Paragon Awards for New AdvisorsThe Distinguished Advisor AwardsContinued Excellence Award for AdvisorsThe Distinguished Administrator AwardsThe Shirley B. Gordon Awards of DistinctionThe Distinguished State Community College Director AwardsThe Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement AwardsDistinguished Regional Coordinator AwardsThe Distinguished Region AwardsThe Regional Milestone AwardsThe Distinguished Regional Officer AwardsThe Distinguished Regional Officer Team Awards

11. 5 Star Chapter Development Outgoing officers should explain the procedures involved in planning for a successful year. Use the Five Star Chapter Development Program as a guide to plan your chapter’s level of involvement for the upcoming year. The program helps chapters effectively organize and prioritize everything from basic chapter operations to involvement in a choice of the Society’s many programs. Discuss any yearly or traditional events, as well as the chapter’s opportunities for getting involved in new programs.

12. Other Leadership Training OpportunitiesInternationalLeadership Development StudiesAs a college courseLeadership Development Study Group on Facebook Honors in Action AcademyRegionalHonors In Action ConferenceRegional Convention

13. Set Chapter GoalsSetting Chapter Goals is the first step to achieving success. Review the Five Star Chapter Development Program requirements and the Honors In Action Guide to determine what you would like to achieve over the next year. Goals are crucial in determining if you are on track throughout the year and allows you to measure your accomplishments.

14. Chapter CalendarWhen planning your chapter’s calendar, include dates for new member recruitment, orientations for eligible students, induction ceremonies, chapter meetings and events. Be sure to consult your college’s academic calendar to avoid conflicts. Add Regional Events, Honors In Action Conference held in the fall and the Regional Convention held in the spring.Referring to the Society’s Dates to Remember will help you plan for important deadlines and special events on the international level. Two annual events are held each year, including the Annual Convention in the spring and the Honors Institute in the summer.

15. Chapter Calendar

16. Chapter Officer/Leadership ChallengesOfficer TurnoverPersonality ConflictsCampus PoliticsLethargic Officer(s)“Runaway” OfficerOverloaded Calendar of Events

17. Questions?Allison JohnsonAlpha Lambda Delta Chapter AdvisorKY Regional Alumni Association Treasurerajohnson0239@kctcs.edu(502)622-2838