Theta Phi Alpha
Theta Phi Alpha f
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Scholarship Guide
to maintain her scholarship.” e nc ige dil ith w ors lab a lph A hi P “A Theta – Theta Phi Alpha Tradition
an education. being in college is to get for n so rea y ar im pr ur Academic Yo in the development of an t sis as to ted en es pr is h, This guide chapter’s academic healt a e ag ur co en ll wi t tha the Excellence Program ividual improvement and ind for ies nit rtu po op ide as well as prov gies that will dy and preparation strate stu l sfu es cc su of n tio ra incorpo assist you for a lifetime! Special thanks are extended to Christine O’Brien, K, for her support of all chapters and colonies in the area of academic excellence. This guide has been revised; the national gpa has gone from under a 3.0 to 3.12 during the time of the first guide’s good ed to put this resource to ag ur co en gly on str e ar u utilization. Yo ristine and so y, and remember that Ch lon co d an ter ap ch ur yo use in aid you. ers stand at the ready to many other National Offic terhood,
Yours in the Bonds of Sis
y elle, Karen, Laura and Am Kathy, Jenn, Cathy, Mich ity eta Phi Alpha Fratern The Grand Council of Th
General Information
Dates to Remember 30 days after the start of the semester: Scholarship Reports for the previous semester March 15: Academic Excellence Program must be submitted to the National Office April 30: Founders’ Foundation Scholarship applications are due
Scholarship Reports These reports monitor the term and cumulative GPAs of all members as well as campus statistics. The Chapter Scholarship Chair and National Scholarship Chair are able to utilize the reports to commend members for academic excellence and to assist members that may need academic help. The reports are also used by Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity for Convention Awards.
Academic Excellence Program The Program assists the Chapter Scholarship Chairman in ensuring the Chapter remains in academic good standing with the Fraternity as well as the University. The Program assists the National Scholarship Chairman for the same reason, as well as monitoring how well the program is working for the Chapter.
Scholarship Application Deadlines Scholarship applications for Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute summer programs are due March 15 of each year. The Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Scholarship Applications are due April 15 of each year. Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship applications and deadlines vary. To find the Alumnae Panhellenic that may serve your university, contact your local Theta Phi Alpha Alumnae Association or the NPC website alumnae panhellenic directory at http://www.npcwomen.org/alumnae-panhellenics/directory.aspx.
Whoso neglects learning in his youth, loses the past and is dead for the future. – Euripides
Academic Excellence Program Guidelines Each chapter’s scholarship program should include: • Objectives for the year • Program goals • Duties of Scholarship chair, and committee members • Program details regarding: Study Buddies; Study hours - see What Is Studying? seminars and workshops; incentives and awards; pledge sisters study hours and workshops or seminars; sisters under the required 2.5 GPA; and sisters on academic probation with the school The program should also answer the following questions: • Does the chapter utilize a scholarship committee? If so, what committee member is responsible for what? Please list by name and title. • Does the chapter utilize scholarship contracts? Who is responsible for signing them? • Do sisters turn in class schedules to the scholarship chair? Why or why not? • What changes have you made to your program this year? Why were these changes made? • Evaluate the effectiveness of the previous year’s program. What worked for the chapter? What didn’t? Why? • What are the ramifications for sisters who consistently skip class? • Does the chapter have any sisters with learning disabilities? If so, please attach documentation to the program. Explain how the chapter will assist the sister(s) with her/their educational pursuits. • What does the chapter do to aid sisters that fall below the required 2.5 GPA on a semester? Cumulatively? • Provide information for the tutoring programs, writing centers, and other resources available on your campus. Are sisters provided with this information? Are the campus resources utilized? • Do all sisters receive a copy of the Scholarship Program? Why or why not? • Are there any questions or concerns with which the National Scholarship Chairman could assist the chapter?
All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. – Walt Disney
Academic Probabtion: Points to Consider From receipt of grades for previous semester to receipt of grades for current semester • No social events • Must sign up for tutoring sessions • Not eligible to take a Little Sister • No voting rights • Must attend all classes; Professors must certify class attendance • Must turn in copies of all syllabuses • Appear before Standards and/or Advisory Board(s) • Cannot hold ANY position or serve on any committees • Monthly assessments by Scholarship Chair/Committee and/or Standards Board • Must attend study hours during chapter socials • Must attend all meetings and rituals; must participate in philanthropies and fundraisers
Academic Program Incentives: Points to Consider • Weekly “Smarties” announcements for sisters who have received A’s that week • Weekly “Miss Goodbar” announcements for sisters that have helped other sisters study • Announcement of sisters making Dean’s List • Notes of exceptional academic performance (grades, extra study hours, helping sisters study, etc.) sent to National Scholarship Chair • Congratulatory letters sent to parents for sisters making Dean’s list • Special recognition for sisters with a 4.0 semester GPA • Notes of encouragement before midterms and finals • “Goodie bags” (pens, pencils, highlighters, life savers, lollipops, etc.) given before exam weeks • Semester awards – Highest Cumulative GPA; Most Improved; Highest Big/Little average; Study Nut; Most Reported A’s • Star charts/penguin igloos; awards for most stars or penguins • Free pass for future study hours if completing all study hours for three weeks in a row • Dean’s List pizza party/dinner/luncheon • “Mourner’s” dinner for all sisters prior to finals
There is no jewel in the world comparable to learning. – Sir Edward Coke
What is Studying? (Or I have to do how many study hours?) When chapters create their Academic Excellence Programs, the program should include Study Hours. The reason you are in college is to get an education, therefore studying, and study hours, are necessary to ensure the completion of your education. However, there have been questions about what, exactly, constitutes studying and what can be counted towards study hours. Hopefully, this will help answer those questions as well as addressing questions regarding Academic Probation and Academic Suspension.
Studying Defined Study – noun; the act or process of studying; the pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research. – American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Studying – verb; to apply one’s mind purposely to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of a subject; to inquire into or investigate. – American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Theta Phi Alpha defines studying as the pursuit or application of knowledge outside of standard classroom contact (lecture) hours.
Theta Phi Alpha recommends that a member’s study hours consist of a minimum of: 1) 50% of her credit hours (i.e., if a woman has 12 credit hours, she would have a minimum of 6 study hours; if she has 18 credit hours, she would have a minimum of 9 study hours); and, 2) hours based on her GPA. All members, regardless of GPA, should be required to log study hours. Study Hours shall include, but is not limited to, the following: Laboratory hours for classes, which may be counted as a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 100% of the time spent. For example, if a sister has a two hour chemistry lab each week, that lab may be counted toward study hours, provided the sister attends. For a two hour lab, the minimum time that may be counted is one hour and the maximum is two hours. Participation in study groups Time spent with a tutor Time spent in the library or computer lab Time spent helping another sister study Chapter scheduled study hours Attending workshops or lectures on things such as study skills, time management, and resume writing Attending a fine arts or performing arts event related to a class Rehearsal time for performing arts classes
A goal properly set is halfway achieved. – Zig Ziglar
19
Tips for Your Chapter
19
Follow Theta Phi Alpha Policy on Academic Excellence. Review it as a chapter. Set a chapter Scholarship Goal for each semester. Create positive study environments.
Develop a Study Buddy system that pairs sisters of the same major.
Hold a Dressing for Success: What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) for Job Interviews. Create a Scholarship Contract that each sister is required to sign.
Encourage sisters to meet with their Academic Advisor at least once per semester/term. Create a scholarship log for each sister to track her grades and encourage its use.
Host a Faculty Appreciation event such as a breakfast or ice cream social. Invite professors and advisors by special invitation.
Hold stress relief hours during mid-terms and final where sisters can relax and take a break, such as a bubble wrap party with mini-bagel pizzas, a game hour to play Team Twister, or coloring tables with crayons or colored pencils and coloring books.
Sponsor a speaker on a topic such as time management, resume writing, or study strategies. Have each sister set academic and GPA goals each semester. Assist them in charting their progress and create rewards for those that meet and exceed their goals.
Send letters of congratulations to the parents of sisters who achieve a 3.0 or better GPA each semester. Publish their names in the campus newspaper and/or your alumnae newsletter. Maintain chapter Study Files and reward sisters that contribute.
Offer a humorous workshop on procrastination skills and how it can help your GPA decline. Arrange a ‘Learn your Library’ tour.
Maintain a list of sisters and area alumnae that are available to tutor other chapter members, and their areas of expertise. Maintain information offered by the Career Center, such as internship offerings and contact persons, and give the information to the chapter well ahead of any due dates for applications. Serve as good academic role models and sources of support for each other.
The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them. – Mark Twain
19
Tips for You
Set personal academic and personal goals. Actively participate in class – ask questions, contribute to discussions. Keep a dictionary and thesaurus on your desk. Manage your time effectively. Read your textbooks and handouts. Take meaningful notes. Rewrite them and review the course material after class while it is still fresh in your mind. Compare notes with others in your class. Utilize chapter Study Files. Get to know your professors and advisors. Meet with your advisor every term. Read and understand your university’s Student Code of Conduct as it relates to Academic Integrity and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Join or start study groups. Study actively. Review your notes, make flash cards, outline your texts, and discuss key concepts with your study group and/or professor.
19
Ask questions. The only “dumb” question is one that is not asked. Know where and how you study best.
Review your notes and texts right before class. Be familiar with and utilize campus resources.
Attend workshops or seminars on study skills, time management, or stress management. Choose your courses, and your professors, carefully. Study daily, not just at the last minute. Read for enjoyment.
Develop a lifelong love of learning and become a perpetual student at the College of Life!
Chance only favors the mind that is prepared. – Louis Pasteur
Resources – People Sisters who share your major Your Chapter Advisory Board Academic Advisor and/or your Chapter Advisor Area alumnae in your field (check out the groups on the National Theta Phi Alpha website) Campus Academic Centers National Scholarship Chairman
Resources – Financial Aid and Scholarships www.fafsa.ed.gov www.finaid.org www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com www.scholarshipexperts.com scholarships.careersandcolleges.com www.collegeanswer.com
Resources – Study Tips http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/28389/study_tips_for_college_students.html http://www.studytips.org/ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/173254/tips_for_studying_in_college.html http://www.academictips.org/acad/index.html http://www.studyguidezone.com/college_tips.htm http://www.howtostudy.org/ http://www.usnews.com/blogs/professors-guide
Contributors:
Christine O’Brien, K Karen Rubican, AS
National Scholarship Chairman National Vice President-Programming
The Grand Council 2008-2010
Kathy Prokupek Gaver, AP Jennifer Waggoner Kreiman, AN Cathy Sniegocki Billoni, BN Michelle Coppola LaPlatney, BG Karen Jenkins Rubican, AS Laura Foley, C Amy Spagnolo Bailes, AU
National President National Vice President-Collegians National Vice President-Alumnae National Vice President-Extension National Vice President-Programming National Executive Secretary National Treasurer
Theta Phi Alpha f
r
a
t
e
r
n
i
t
y
r
a
t
e
r
n
i
t
y
Scholarship Guide
to maintain her scholarship.” e nc ige dil ith w ors lab a lph A hi P “A Theta – Theta Phi Alpha Tradition
an education. being in college is to get for n so rea y ar im pr ur Academic Yo in the development of an t sis as to ted en es pr is h, This guide chapter’s academic healt a e ag ur co en ll wi t tha the Excellence Program ividual improvement and ind for ies nit rtu po op ide as well as prov gies that will dy and preparation strate stu l sfu es cc su of n tio ra incorpo assist you for a lifetime! Special thanks are extended to Christine O’Brien, K, for her support of all chapters and colonies in the area of academic excellence. This guide has been revised; the national gpa has gone from under a 3.0 to 3.12 during the time of the first guide’s good ed to put this resource to ag ur co en gly on str e ar u utilization. Yo ristine and so y, and remember that Ch lon co d an ter ap ch ur yo use in aid you. ers stand at the ready to many other National Offic terhood,
Yours in the Bonds of Sis
y elle, Karen, Laura and Am Kathy, Jenn, Cathy, Mich ity eta Phi Alpha Fratern The Grand Council of Th
General Information
Dates to Remember 30 days after the start of the semester: Scholarship Reports for the previous semester March 15: Academic Excellence Program must be submitted to the National Office April 30: Founders’ Foundation Scholarship applications are due
Scholarship Reports These reports monitor the term and cumulative GPAs of all members as well as campus statistics. The Chapter Scholarship Chair and National Scholarship Chair are able to utilize the reports to commend members for academic excellence and to assist members that may need academic help. The reports are also used by Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity for Convention Awards.
Academic Excellence Program The Program assists the Chapter Scholarship Chairman in ensuring the Chapter remains in academic good standing with the Fraternity as well as the University. The Program assists the National Scholarship Chairman for the same reason, as well as monitoring how well the program is working for the Chapter.
Scholarship Application Deadlines Scholarship applications for Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute summer programs are due March 15 of each year. The Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Scholarship Applications are due April 15 of each year. Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship applications and deadlines vary. To find the Alumnae Panhellenic that may serve your university, contact your local Theta Phi Alpha Alumnae Association or the NPC website alumnae panhellenic directory at http://www.npcwomen.org/alumnae-panhellenics/directory.aspx.
Whoso neglects learning in his youth, loses the past and is dead for the future. – Euripides
Academic Excellence Program Guidelines Each chapter’s scholarship program should include: • Objectives for the year • Program goals • Duties of Scholarship chair, and committee members • Program details regarding: Study Buddies; Study hours - see What Is Studying? seminars and workshops; incentives and awards; pledge sisters study hours and workshops or seminars; sisters under the required 2.5 GPA; and sisters on academic probation with the school The program should also answer the following questions: • Does the chapter utilize a scholarship committee? If so, what committee member is responsible for what? Please list by name and title. • Does the chapter utilize scholarship contracts? Who is responsible for signing them? • Do sisters turn in class schedules to the scholarship chair? Why or why not? • What changes have you made to your program this year? Why were these changes made? • Evaluate the effectiveness of the previous year’s program. What worked for the chapter? What didn’t? Why? • What are the ramifications for sisters who consistently skip class? • Does the chapter have any sisters with learning disabilities? If so, please attach documentation to the program. Explain how the chapter will assist the sister(s) with her/their educational pursuits. • What does the chapter do to aid sisters that fall below the required 2.5 GPA on a semester? Cumulatively? • Provide information for the tutoring programs, writing centers, and other resources available on your campus. Are sisters provided with this information? Are the campus resources utilized? • Do all sisters receive a copy of the Scholarship Program? Why or why not? • Are there any questions or concerns with which the National Scholarship Chairman could assist the chapter?
All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. – Walt Disney
Academic Probabtion: Points to Consider From receipt of grades for previous semester to receipt of grades for current semester • No social events • Must sign up for tutoring sessions • Not eligible to take a Little Sister • No voting rights • Must attend all classes; Professors must certify class attendance • Must turn in copies of all syllabuses • Appear before Standards and/or Advisory Board(s) • Cannot hold ANY position or serve on any committees • Monthly assessments by Scholarship Chair/Committee and/or Standards Board • Must attend study hours during chapter socials • Must attend all meetings and rituals; must participate in philanthropies and fundraisers
Academic Program Incentives: Points to Consider • Weekly “Smarties” announcements for sisters who have received A’s that week • Weekly “Miss Goodbar” announcements for sisters that have helped other sisters study • Announcement of sisters making Dean’s List • Notes of exceptional academic performance (grades, extra study hours, helping sisters study, etc.) sent to National Scholarship Chair • Congratulatory letters sent to parents for sisters making Dean’s list • Special recognition for sisters with a 4.0 semester GPA • Notes of encouragement before midterms and finals • “Goodie bags” (pens, pencils, highlighters, life savers, lollipops, etc.) given before exam weeks • Semester awards – Highest Cumulative GPA; Most Improved; Highest Big/Little average; Study Nut; Most Reported A’s • Star charts/penguin igloos; awards for most stars or penguins • Free pass for future study hours if completing all study hours for three weeks in a row • Dean’s List pizza party/dinner/luncheon • “Mourner’s” dinner for all sisters prior to finals
There is no jewel in the world comparable to learning. – Sir Edward Coke
What is Studying? (Or I have to do how many study hours?) When chapters create their Academic Excellence Programs, the program should include Study Hours. The reason you are in college is to get an education, therefore studying, and study hours, are necessary to ensure the completion of your education. However, there have been questions about what, exactly, constitutes studying and what can be counted towards study hours. Hopefully, this will help answer those questions as well as addressing questions regarding Academic Probation and Academic Suspension.
Studying Defined Study – noun; the act or process of studying; the pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research. – American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Studying – verb; to apply one’s mind purposely to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of a subject; to inquire into or investigate. – American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Theta Phi Alpha defines studying as the pursuit or application of knowledge outside of standard classroom contact (lecture) hours.
Theta Phi Alpha recommends that a member’s study hours consist of a minimum of: 1) 50% of her credit hours (i.e., if a woman has 12 credit hours, she would have a minimum of 6 study hours; if she has 18 credit hours, she would have a minimum of 9 study hours); and, 2) hours based on her GPA. All members, regardless of GPA, should be required to log study hours. Study Hours shall include, but is not limited to, the following: Laboratory hours for classes, which may be counted as a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 100% of the time spent. For example, if a sister has a two hour chemistry lab each week, that lab may be counted toward study hours, provided the sister attends. For a two hour lab, the minimum time that may be counted is one hour and the maximum is two hours. Participation in study groups Time spent with a tutor Time spent in the library or computer lab Time spent helping another sister study Chapter scheduled study hours Attending workshops or lectures on things such as study skills, time management, and resume writing Attending a fine arts or performing arts event related to a class Rehearsal time for performing arts classes
A goal properly set is halfway achieved. – Zig Ziglar
19
Tips for Your Chapter
19
Follow Theta Phi Alpha Policy on Academic Excellence. Review it as a chapter. Set a chapter Scholarship Goal for each semester. Create positive study environments.
Develop a Study Buddy system that pairs sisters of the same major.
Hold a Dressing for Success: What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) for Job Interviews. Create a Scholarship Contract that each sister is required to sign.
Encourage sisters to meet with their Academic Advisor at least once per semester/term. Create a scholarship log for each sister to track her grades and encourage its use.
Host a Faculty Appreciation event such as a breakfast or ice cream social. Invite professors and advisors by special invitation.
Hold stress relief hours during mid-terms and final where sisters can relax and take a break, such as a bubble wrap party with mini-bagel pizzas, a game hour to play Team Twister, or coloring tables with crayons or colored pencils and coloring books.
Sponsor a speaker on a topic such as time management, resume writing, or study strategies. Have each sister set academic and GPA goals each semester. Assist them in charting their progress and create rewards for those that meet and exceed their goals.
Send letters of congratulations to the parents of sisters who achieve a 3.0 or better GPA each semester. Publish their names in the campus newspaper and/or your alumnae newsletter. Maintain chapter Study Files and reward sisters that contribute.
Offer a humorous workshop on procrastination skills and how it can help your GPA decline. Arrange a ‘Learn your Library’ tour.
Maintain a list of sisters and area alumnae that are available to tutor other chapter members, and their areas of expertise. Maintain information offered by the Career Center, such as internship offerings and contact persons, and give the information to the chapter well ahead of any due dates for applications. Serve as good academic role models and sources of support for each other.
The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them. – Mark Twain
19
Tips for You
Set personal academic and personal goals. Actively participate in class – ask questions, contribute to discussions. Keep a dictionary and thesaurus on your desk. Manage your time effectively. Read your textbooks and handouts. Take meaningful notes. Rewrite them and review the course material after class while it is still fresh in your mind. Compare notes with others in your class. Utilize chapter Study Files. Get to know your professors and advisors. Meet with your advisor every term. Read and understand your university’s Student Code of Conduct as it relates to Academic Integrity and Satisfactory Academic Progress. Join or start study groups. Study actively. Review your notes, make flash cards, outline your texts, and discuss key concepts with your study group and/or professor.
19
Ask questions. The only “dumb” question is one that is not asked. Know where and how you study best.
Review your notes and texts right before class. Be familiar with and utilize campus resources.
Attend workshops or seminars on study skills, time management, or stress management. Choose your courses, and your professors, carefully. Study daily, not just at the last minute. Read for enjoyment.
Develop a lifelong love of learning and become a perpetual student at the College of Life!
Chance only favors the mind that is prepared. – Louis Pasteur
Resources – People Sisters who share your major Your Chapter Advisory Board Academic Advisor and/or your Chapter Advisor Area alumnae in your field (check out the groups on the National Theta Phi Alpha website) Campus Academic Centers National Scholarship Chairman
Resources – Financial Aid and Scholarships www.fafsa.ed.gov www.finaid.org www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com www.scholarshipexperts.com scholarships.careersandcolleges.com www.collegeanswer.com
Resources – Study Tips http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/28389/study_tips_for_college_students.html http://www.studytips.org/ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/173254/tips_for_studying_in_college.html http://www.academictips.org/acad/index.html http://www.studyguidezone.com/college_tips.htm http://www.howtostudy.org/ http://www.usnews.com/blogs/professors-guide
Contributors:
Christine O’Brien, K Karen Rubican, AS
National Scholarship Chairman National Vice President-Programming
The Grand Council 2008-2010
Kathy Prokupek Gaver, AP Jennifer Waggoner Kreiman, AN Cathy Sniegocki Billoni, BN Michelle Coppola LaPlatney, BG Karen Jenkins Rubican, AS Laura Foley, C Amy Spagnolo Bailes, AU
National President National Vice President-Collegians National Vice President-Alumnae National Vice President-Extension National Vice President-Programming National Executive Secretary National Treasurer
Theta Phi Alpha f
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a
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n
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