Alpha Kappa Chapter 2009 The Commendation Program was created according to the rules and guidelines of the 2010 Honors In Action Program. The Commendation Program fulfills all the hallmarks as it is also an college project. This program allows and invites all students to partake in civic engagement and activities in their environment, by rewarding certificates and a variety of recommendation letters to each volunteer.

1. Phi Theta Kappa Commendation Program

2. Official way to recognizing people who volunteer with Phi Theta Kappa. Gives service opportunities to all members of your school. Allows Phi Theta Kappa chapters to have a greater impact on their school’s community. What is the Commendation Program?

3. We officially recognize volunteers based on their amount of service. This ‘commendation’ is inexpensive and easy to implement: certificates and letters of recommendation. This is a simple but effective way to give incentive to all who participate. Helpful in scholarship, school, transfer, and job applications. How is this Accomplished?

4. Certificate of Commendation – recognizes participation in Phi Theta Kappa events. Personalized Recommendation Letter – made and distributed by local chapters with signatures from advisor and president to recognize dedicated work. International Letter of Recommendation – made and distributed by local chapters with signatures from international officers to recognize extraordinary service. Awards Ceremony – official Phi Theta Kappa event where everyone who received an award is recognized. r Levels of Commendation

5. Gives a much needed opportunity for students to add service to resumes and applications which are backed by letters of recommendation. Paradox of Affluence- influence of Phi Theta Kappa members will positively extend itself to those who participate. Network with faculty, staff, and community members. Ability for student to develop and hone their interpersonal, customer service, and leadership skills. Benefits to the Volunteer

6. Students will be able to give back and contribute to their community. If student wants to become a Phi Theta Kappa member, but doesn’t quite have the grades, gives them a GPA goal to strive for. Helps students with skills needed in current job market (see proceeding graph) Benefits to the Volunteer

8. Benefits to Phi Theta Kappa Connects Phi Theta Kappa with faculty, the school administration, and the student body. Brings awareness to Phi Theta Kappa’s mission. Extends the possibility for positive change within the school community Creates positive relationships within the school for future projects

9. Benefits to Phi Theta Kappa Increases involvement for all Phi Theta Kappa events Attracts active people for potential Phi Theta Kappa membership. Participants will contribute new ideas and skills to our organization. Provides an opportunity to fulfill all Hallmarks.

10. Value of this program goes far beyond a dollar figure. From a financial perspective: recognizing the cost benefit- ratio is a no brainer. For a minimum investment of $48, we can provide an invaluable opportunity to over 100 students! Finance

12. Qualifications for Commendation Awards Certificate of Commendation: volunteer at least 5 hours Personalized Recommendation Letter: volunteer at least 10 hours International Letter of Recommendation: volunteer at least 30 hours

14. Cost is minimal and advertising is easy

15. Would take only one or two officers per chapter to implementAdoption

16. Goals Short term: Establish a set of rules and get the 1st certificates out in the upcoming weeks Mid term: Get other chapters involved Long term: Have this program become a standard of Phi Theta Kappa International

17. Indicators of Success Quantitative: How many students received certificates? How many students in the Commendation Program went on to receive Phi Theta Kappa membership? How many additional volunteer hours were recorded as a result of the program? Fulfilled Hallmarks Qualitative: How has it helped students with scholarship and job applications? Was the Commendation Program your first introduction to Phi Theta Kappa?