Officers
Being a Phi Theta Kappa chapter officer provides unique opportunities for leadership including working with people of all ages and backgrounds, learning to speak in front of a group and developing organizational skills.
Within each Phi Theta Kappa chapter, the number and nature of chapter officers vary, but the minimum requirement for successful operation seems to be a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Many chapters also elect a public relations or communications officer and a vice president for each of the Society’s four Hallmarks.
Although some chapters have more officers, and some arrange officer responsibilities differently, the following chapter officer positions and responsibilities have worked well for many chapters. Officers should refer to their chapter bylaws and advisor(s) to learn their specific duties.
Chapter Officer Responsibilities
President
- Prepare meeting agendas and lead meetings
- Appoint and establish necessary committees
- Vote only in the case of a tie
- Develop goals for the chapter with help from other officers and advisors
- Submit Five Star Goal and Update Forms online
- Oversee chapter projects
- Oversee award entry preparation
- Report successive officers to Headquarters
Vice President of Scholarship
- Oversee all Honors Study Topic activities
- Coordinate the chapter’s participation in the Honors Satellite Seminars
- Encourage and recognize academic excellence
- Coordinate the preparation of the Scholarship Hallmark Award entry
Vice President of Leadership
- Direct the chapter in the use of parliamentary procedure for meetings
- Oversee all leadership activities
- Encourage the development of leadership skills
- Coordinate the preparation of the Leadership Hallmark Award entry
Vice President of Service
- Report the chapter to Headquarters as a Chapter of Service
- Oversee all International Service Program activities
- Develop activities that promote volunteerism and community service
- Coordinate the preparation of the Service Hallmark Award entry
Vice President of Fellowship
- Encourage scholarly fellowship at all levels of the Society
- Implement strategies to increase membership acceptance
- Enroll the chapter in the Pinnacle Scholarship Award Program
- Coordinate the chapter’s member participation Program
Secretary/Recording Officer
- Take and present minutes at each chapter meeting
- Maintain the chapter calendar of events
- Maintain a record of chapter events, including photos, flyers and newspaper articles, for the Chapter Record Book
- Compile and update contact information for members
Treasurer
- Maintain a financial account for the chapter
- Receive and deposit all money
- Keep a set of financial records to be audited and notarized at the end of the officer term
- Present the chapter’s financial records at business meetings
- File all financial records in the chapter’s official files at the end of each academic term
Public Relations Officer
- Promote the chapter at all levels of the Society
- Write and submit articles to campus and community newspapers
- Produce issues of the chapter newsletter
- Oversee the development and updates to the chapter website
- Take photographs at all chapter events
- Send chapter newsletters to the Chapter Programs Coordinator at Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters
Chapter Officer Benefits
There are many advantages associated with being an active chapter officer, including opportunities to sharpen skills in leadership development and provide community service. Officer benefits vary from chapter to chapter, so check with your advisor for information on benefits exclusive to your chapter.
Complimentary Resource Packets for Presidents
Upon being reported to Headquarters, all chapter presidents will receive a Chapter Resource Packet, containing the following publications: Chapter Resource Manual, Honors Study Topic Guide, International Service Program
