Public Relations Toolkit for Promotion of the Plan for Aiming Higher

developed by Adam Shapiro

2014-15 Note: Each ACHS Member Society is asked to officially adopt the “Plan for Aiming Higher” and participate in advancing the image of ACHS honor societies by engaging members in co- curriculum high impact practices and contributing to individual lives, universities, communities, and society. This Toolkit was developed to support your efforts.

The Plan for Aiming Higher Talking Points

Association of College Honor Societies  ACHS is the nation’s only certifying agency for college and university honor societies. It is comprised of 66 member organizations.  Since its founding, ACHS has represented more than 92 million honors students. In the 2012–13 academic year, 438,000 new students were initiated into ACHS member organizations and a total of 800,000 students were affiliated with member chapters.  ACHS sets standards for organizational excellence and scholastic eligibility. Honor societies must be structured on a membership basis so that the interests of individual members are advanced.  Members and the society at large are protected by the standards of excellence of ACHS. Not all organizations calling themselves “honor societies” subscribe to the high standards of ACHS. The Plan for Aiming Higher  It is the ACHS strategic plan focused on improving effectiveness of all honor societies.  One of its goals is to collect data that will demonstrate the difference honor societies make in individual lives, universities, communities and society.  It also encourages collaboration among honor society chapters on campus through the ACHS adviser grant program and grants to support development of Honors Councils. Honors Councils will focus on partnerships on co-curriculum high-impact practices, functional organizational activities (organizational business and meetings) and support for honor society advisers and officers.  ACHS believes this plan must be undertaken at this time for a variety of reasons:  The 21st century demands a better qualified workforce, which means more college-educated employees;  There are many challenges to the status quo of higher education, and that requires a constant re-thinking of effectiveness; and  As questions arise about the value of a college degree, ACHS and its members are best positioned to answer these questions and show its importance.

 ACHS has already enacted some parts of the plan:  It has conducted a survey to gather data concerning the difference that honor societies make, information regarding Honors Councils and other forms of collaboration among honor societies on campus.  It has developed guidelines for chapter programming to enhance co-curriculum outcomes and engagement.

 The mission of ACHS is to build a visibly cohesive community of national and international honor societies that promotes the values of higher education; fosters excellence in scholarship, leadership, service and research; and adheres to the standards of honor society excellence.  Further details are available at www.achsnatl.org.

Members should add in further details about their support and implementation of the plan.

TEMPLATE NEWS RELEASE Honor Society Name Endorses ‘The Plan for Aiming Higher’ Strategic Plan, an Initiative of the Association of College Honor Societies, Focuses on Strengthening Effectiveness

CITY WHERE HONOR SOCIETY NATIONAL HQ IS BASED—RELEASE DATE— Honor society name, description, and a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, announces its official support of “The Plan for Aiming Higher,” the strategic plan of ACHS focused on improving effectiveness of all honor societies. Honor society name and ACHS believe this is critical at a time when higher education faces many challenges, including questions about the value of a post-secondary degree. Honor society will work to implement “The Plan for Aiming Higher” by describe details of what honor society will do. ACHS, founded in 1925, is the nation’s only certifying agency for college and university honor societies and is comprised of 66 member organizations; since its founding it has represented more than 92 million honors students. ACHS sets standards for organizational excellence and scholastic eligibility for the various categories of membership: general, specialized, leadership, freshman, and two-year honor societies. To ensure member participation in governance, honor societies must be structured on a membership basis so that the interests of individual members are advanced. In the 2012–13 academic year, 438,000 new students were initiated into ACHS member organizations and a total of 800,000 students were affiliated with member chapters. Members and the society at large are protected by the standards of excellence of ACHS. Not all organizations calling themselves “honor societies” subscribe to the high standards of ACHS. “The demand for a better qualified workforce that meets the needs of the 21st century means all of us involved in post-secondary education must examine what we are doing and how to improve,” says Martha Zlokovich, president, ACHS and executive director, Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. “Support for excellent learning opportunities extends well beyond the classroom. The ACHS plan to assess both organization and member effectiveness shows that we are eager to be part of this transformation, while always adhering to our existing high standards. ACHS and its member honor societies can then better communicate their value to students, parents, faculty, and administrators.” The plan seeks to collect data that will demonstrate the difference that honor societies make in individual lives, universities, communities, and society. Another part of the plan is the idea that societies on each campus should be connected to one another and collaborate. To that end, ACHS promotes efforts, including the Adviser Grant Program and grants to support development of Honors Councils comprised of university-registered honor society chapters. These Honors Councils will focus on partnerships on co-curriculum high-impact practices, functional organizational activities (organizational business and meetings), and support for honor society advisers and officers. The initiatives are aimed at improving the fact that only 27 percent of advisers reported in a Terecent ACHS survey that they collaborate with other honor societies on their campus. The survey also found that advisers focused on four key areas in their programming: leadership (63 percent), service learning (62 percent), scholarship (61 percent), and then research (51 percent). Student members, however, reported a stronger program emphasis on scholarship (87 percent). Eighty-seven percent of honor society executive directors said they have chapter program initiatives. ###

Honor society’s mission statement or boilerplate message. The mission of the Association of College Honor Societies is to build a visibly cohesive community of national and international honor societies that promotes the values of higher education; fosters excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and research; and adheres to the standards of honor society excellence. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MORE DETAILS: Honor society executive director name, email, phone number

Dorothy I. Mitstifer, Ph.D. ACHS Executive Director [email protected] 517-351-8335

Text for PowerPoint PowerPoint can be found at http://achsnatl.org/tool-kit.pptx #1 The Plan for Aiming Higher #2 Association of College Honors Societies • Nation’s only certifying agency for college and university honor societies • Comprised of 66 member organizations • Since its founding, ACHS has represented more than 92 million honors students • In the 2012–13 academic year, 438,000 new students were initiated into ACHS member organizations and a total of 800,000 students were affiliated with member chapters • Sets standards for organizational excellence and scholastic eligibility #3 Association of College Honors Societies • Honor societies must be structured on a membership basis so that the interests of individual members are advanced • Members and society at large are protected by the standards of excellence of ACHS • Not all organizations calling themselves “honor societies” subscribe to the high standards of ACHS #4 What Is The Plan for Aiming Higher? • ACHS strategic plan focused on improving effectiveness of all honor societies • Seeks to collect data that will demonstrate the difference honor societies make in individual lives, universities, communities and society • Encourages collaboration among honor society chapters on campus  Adviser Grant Program  Grants to support development of Honors Councils #5 Why Now? • 21st century demands a better qualified workforce • Challenges to higher education status quo • Questions about value of college degree #6 What this honor society is doing as part of The Plan for Aiming Higher # 7 Resources • Read more about the plan at www.achsnatl.org Statements about the Effectiveness of Honor Societies Pi Gamma Mu, Social Science

Our motto at Adams State University is “Great Stories Begin Here.” Having a chapter at our university and honoring those students who have done what is needed for membership exemplify our motto, and we have certainly made some great stories. Pi Gamma Mu is more than just a membership on our vita. It indicates that we dedicated ourselves to accomplishing something significant. Earning scholarships, recruiting and making connections with other chapters are examples of how we can provide opportunities for ourselves and others to make the academic community that much better. I have and will continue to encourage all to join and to reap the great benefits of Pi Gamma Mu. Jess R. Gagliardi Adams State University

Pi Gamma Mu’s 2011 triennial convention held in Washington, D.C., was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my academic history. The atmosphere of the conference enhanced my appreciation for lifelong learning and my commitment to academic excellence. The conference had some of the finest scholarly presentations I have ever seen. Pi Gamma Mu and the triennial convention have reaffirmed my commitment to academic excellence and cemented my connection to my fellow members. I am proud to be a member and look forward to future conventions. Dr. Matthew Anderson Lincoln University

As a member of Pi Gamma Mu, I have benefited in both my academic and personal life. Pi Gamma Mu has helped me gain confidence as a scholar. I have presented a paper in front of students and faculty members from other disciplines and realize that history is what I love. I have enjoyed talking and brainstorming with students from other areas of the social sciences and have enjoyed helping them with their projects, big and small. As a new graduate student, I have obtained from Pi Gamma Mu a solid confidence that I can and will achieve my academic goals. As a member of the board of trustees, I am humbled to be a voice for hundreds of students and to help attract more students who have a love of social science. I have made friendships and professional contacts through Pi Gamma Mu that I know will last a lifetime. Michaela M. Dolphin Wayne State College

I first became interested in Pi Gamma Mu as another way to add to my growing résumé. However, I quickly found out that it is more than just words on fancy paper. As an economics and history major, with a wide range of interests outside my fields, I learned the importance of integrating the social sciences. What would economics be without psychology, political science without history? Pi Gamma Mu is an academic melting pot that celebrates cooperation and scholarly excellence, as well as provides opportunities for leadership. My time in Pi Gamma Mu has helped me excel both on and off the résumé paper. Mark T. Bender Washington & Jefferson College

I really enjoy serving others, and I believe that Pi Gamma Mu encourages that. I was honored to serve as president of my local chapter and also become a student representative on the international board of trustees. I had the privilege of attending the 2005 and 2008 triennial international conventions. The conventions are a great time for all Pi Gamma Mu members to get together and celebrate all the hard work that has gone into your academics and service, as well as to meet other Pi Gamma Mu members from around the world. I encourage everyone who gets the chance to attend the next triennial convention to do so. Taryn Hall Daniels University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

When I was inducted into Pi Gamma Mu in the spring of 2008, I could not wait to proudly display my certificate on the wall. In December 2008, when I graduated with my M.P.A. degree, it was exciting to don my Pi Gamma Mu honor cords and medallion and proudly walk down the aisle to receive my diploma. I believe that displaying my membership in Pi Gamma Mu on my résumé tells future employers, professors, etc., not only that I have excelled in my courses, but also that I have a profound interest in human behavior and organization. This interest in human behavior and organization is pivotal in any job in the public sector and, therefore, looks fantastic on the résumé of anyone who is interested in working for the public. I am so proud to be a member of Pi Gamma Mu, and I encourage anyone who shares my interests to join and take advantage of all the great benefits that Pi Gamma Mu has to offer. Amy M. Moore North Georgia College & State University Alpha Lambda Delta, Freshman Scholarship

ALD truly cares about the academic life of each and every one of its members. Raam Venkatesh ALD Graduate Fellow

Through ALD, I have developed incredible friendships with... students who share the same passion for lifelong learning. Noelle Smits ALD Stemler Scholar

ALD has given me pride in my intellectual abilities, lifetime friends, and opportunities to pursue my dreams. Canisha Turner ALD Trow Scholar

Alpha Lambda Delta has provided me with a sense of place and identity on my college campus. Anna M Knestaut 2011 Fellowship Recipient

My experiences with ALD are those that make college fulfilling and therefore memorable beyond classrooms. Steven Quan 2010 Trow Recipient

Alpha Lambda Delta has encouraged me to maintain a high standard of achievement in my educational career, and to develop goals that will assist me in my future career. Kayla Albright 2012 Trow Recipient

I have developed into a more motivated individual based on my peers, community, and pride in having Alpha Lambda Delta on my resume. Amelia Osiecki 2012 Stemler Scholarship Recipient

I can positively say that my involvement in Alpha Lambda Delta was the single most influential activity of my undergraduate career. Dillon Etter, 2013 Fellowship Recipient

For me, Alpha Lambda Delta… was an organization that embraced the abilities of students and took interest in the growth of their academic careers. Donna Ojetta Tillis 2011 Fellowship Recipient Kappa Omicron Nu, Human Sciences

Your generous contribution toward my graduate education is an incredible opportunity and honor. I look forward to the day when I can give back as a professor and professional. Kelsie Doty Kansas State University

My experience as a student board member was challenging, inspiring, and gave me valuable insight into the inner workings of an organization. I am very grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and memories that being a board member gave me. Grace Chee Michigan State University

Chi Sigma Iota, Professional Counseling

Initially, it was an honor being noticed as a student meeting the criteria of Chi Sigma Iota: Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International. After all, CSI's mission "to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership, advocacy, and excellence in counseling, and to recognize high attainment in the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling" is in line with the ideals I had set for myself as a prospective professional counselor. As I continued to become more involved and move into several student leadership roles, however, I came to see how this honor society is much more than three letters to put on a resume. Rather, it truly embodies the spirit of professional counseling and all of the facets that help us hold our own as one of the helping professions. Its contributions to students, professionals, clients, and society-at-large is exactly the type of work that helps foster and facilitate positive social change. Therefore, it is with great pride that I have been accepted into this organization and may continue to represent it to the best of my ability. Matt Glowiak Walden University

Being a member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) is part of me; it’s part of my identity. As a professional counselor and soon-to-be counselor educator, CSI embodies the aspects that I most value. Its mission, to promote excellence in the counseling profession, is also my mission. Furthermore, I appreciate the leadership and collaboration of those that are a part of this honor society, as I believe it helps promote the important work that we do, each and every day. Sandi Logan, Doctoral Fellow University of Florida, CSI Beta Chapter

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Lower Division General Scholarship

NSCS plays an important role at Southern Methodist University in fostering a student culture that prizes academic achievement and learning in and out of the classroom. NSCS students value the life of the mind, and convey to others that the rewards of learning go well beyond grades and transcripts. This is a group of exemplary students who faculty are always delighted to see in their classes. Dr. Bruce Levy Senior Lecturer: Director of English, General Education NSCS Advisor Southern Methodist University

NSCS is just the type of entity with which we in the Campus Life administration want our students to be involved—An organization that attracts high achievers, provides career and graduate school connections, leadership and service opportunities, and supports students via financial scholarships. I know that involvement with organizations such as yours help students stay in school, do well, and graduate to go on and exercise what was learned in their career or in graduate school. Alma Sifuentes Associate Vice Chancellor andDean of Students UC, Santa Cruz

Through NSCS, I have been exposed to some of the most amazing networking opportunities. I’ve been able to connect with scholars nationwide -- at both community colleges and 4 year institutions alike. NSCS has made it possible for me to exercise my passion for leadership. As chapter president, I have had the privilege of leading a remarkable group of hard-working motivated scholars. NSCS is a great way to maintain a high level of academic excellence and build lifelong relationships with your peers. Being a member of NSCS also looks great on your resume and can improve your personal statement. Overall it is an amazing organization that has a lot to offer students. Ikenna Ikeri Los Angeles Southwest Community College Pre-Pharmacy

I joined NSCS because of the opportunities it offers young college students. NSCS served as an outlet for me to become more active on my campus and in the community. Thanks to NSCS, I have experience on my resume that says ‘She knows what she’s doing, and she’s a person who we can keep around.’ Ronesha Dennis Howard University Print Journalism

NSCS has truly been a great experience and has enhanced my time here at Morgan State University. I have met a plethora of new people from meetings, events, and functions who are now my really good friends. NSCS has increased me leaderships abilities by developing interpersonal skills with team building, developing my public speaking skills and teaching me to create goals and set benchmarks in order to reach those goals. By joining NSCS you are opening yourself to do more and be more with likeminded individuals. You have so many great opportunities to network that can really help elevate you to the next phase in your career. Sagirah Wheeler Morgan State University Sociology

It has been my goal for several years to transition from a community college to a four-year university. I am proud to say that I have successfully met this goal after being accepted for transfer admission to Georgetown University for the fall semester of 2014. With this great opportunity it is natural for me to look forward defining new goals to obtain, but in this time I often look back and reflect on what has helped me get to this level of accomplishment in my academic career. I have come to recognize that my involvement in The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) has been a catalyst in my academic success. Providing me the motivation to pursue higher education in earnest and a network of fellow scholars and resources. Nicholas Quinn Broussard Northern Virginia Community College

It is easy to be an honor student and spend all day and night in the library studying, but it is a remarkable thing to be both an excellent student and an engaged leader in the collegiate community. The NSCS encourages its members to excel in the classroom while simultaneously offering hundreds of options to get involved in the community. The fact that I was given an opportunity to connect with an organization that rewards and commends students for their scholarly achievements was a source of affirmation to me that my efforts—which many a time brought about great deals of stress and lack of sleep—were worthwhile, acknowledged and appreciated on a national level. Sara Luse University of Delaware

Organizations such as The National Society of Collegiate Scholars are dedicated to making a difference through community service, and I want to join them in their mission. In addition, I want to create friendships with those who share a passion for learning. Having the amazing opportunities for leadership growth and career development are just “gravy on the top.” I excited and eager to get involved and to impact the world. Olivia Reicks Iowa State University

NSCS is an esteemed honor society that offers its members so many opportunities to cultivate and progress their leadership skills, through conventions and opportunities to study abroad, intern, and volunteer. NSCS promotes a solid work ethic, challenges its members to go out of their comfort zone to achieve their goals, and supports them in their search for the right career. It is not simply a resume builder; it is a character builder. Regan Cronin Seton Hall University

Membership in this society means much more to me than just a resume builder. I am honored to be considered a collegiate scholar, and plan on using the society to help me in many different aspects of my college life. I believe that much of the learning that occurs during college happens outside of the classroom. Aaron Robinett Western Washington University

I see NSCS as a premier opportunity and I strive to use my membership as a vital tool to personal improvement and involvement. I desire to have moving experiences and use the organization to serve my school and everyone around me. Taking opportunities that come your way is a key ideal of my personal foundation and being an NSCS member is a significant opportunity that I am going to make the most out of. Joseph Mace East Carolina University

Through NSCS, I will be able to honor my commitment to my education, inspire others through my leadership and service, and engage in a vast array of opportunities which will shape me into a life-long scholar and achiever. Casira Copes Rochester Institute of Technology

Being a member of the National Society for Collegiate Scholars is important to me because I constantly want to find organizations that foster and encourage my continued success in education. This organization represents the hard work I have put into my education, and while I consider it a success to be invited a join, I also see it as another learning opportunity. The great thing about learning is that you can never learn everything there is to learn. I am ready to absorb everything that NSCS has to offer. Sarah Kelley Miami University

As a freshman on campus I quickly realized how important involvement is to create meaningful relationships. I’m naturally fairly shy, but the surplus of clubs and activities in college has made me feel more than welcomed. Being a National Society of Collegiate Scholars member has that same effect. I’m now a part of something much larger than myself that identifies specifically with other students who are also aiming to succeed. This membership has sparked a new motivation deep within me that absolutely craves progress and loves opportunities that teach me new things. Emily Gorr University of Arkansas

The atmosphere that NSCS promotes on campus and in the community is one of hard work and giving back, and being a member of the club is the perfect way to stay focused on both. Christopher Ashley James Madison University

When I graduate, I want to look back and not regret a thing. I want to learn more than I can image, meet and connect with as many people as possible, give back to my community, experience new cultures, lead my peers, and find my place in not only the workplace but the world. I hope that by the time I graduate NSCS will help me accomplish these goals and help me take advantage of great opportunities. By the end, NSCS will have helped me to be one of those people who loved college too. Casey Grabow University of Wisconsin

Being a part of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars means more to me than being a member of a group. Being a part of the NSCS community is the proof I needed to tell me that my struggles have been worth the lifelong effort. I would have never been able to achieve anything if it had not been for my will to learn, and I feel like being accepted as a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars is finally validation that I am meant to learn and teach, and that I am capable of attaining greatness. Briana Merideth Takhtani Rutgers University

To know that The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is here, standing by me, to offer support in my academic journey is invigorating. Beginning with my becoming a member, this experience has proved to be both inspirational and motivational; from the official recognition of my membership, to the unveiling of the benefits and prestige associated with this dignified honor society. Having the opportunity to shine brightest is the greatest thing that any student can ask for. To receive such an award is an honor, and I will proudly use this award to further myself academically and represent NSCS to the best of my abilities. Katrice Willis Wright State University

Awesome opportunities like this let me know that my hard work is not going unrecognized. NSCS was one of the first Honor’s Society’s I joined at NJIT because I wanted to do more than just go to school and come back, I wanted to be part of something bigger and better where my qualifications could be seen and leadership qualities could be valued. Being a member of NSCS has given me exactly that, if not more. Receiving this scholarship is a great privilege, and for that I am very thankful. Nida Riaz New Jersey Institute of Technology

Psi Beta, Community College Psychology

Psi Beta is dedicated to our success, and encouraging and supporting our most innovative ideas. This is my favorite aspect of the organization. In addition to that support, Psi Beta is very active in promoting research by hosting poster sessions at professional conferences. Since conducting/presenting research as an essential skill to have as a psychology major, these conferences encourage us to practice presenting etiquette and to gain confidence in public speaking. Also, our chapter find alumni can serve as an extremely useful resource. We invite past Psi Beta members to speak about their college experiences. Instead of professors telling us what we could do in the future, the alumni show us. Their experience inspires us to dedicate extra time outside of the classroom on activities such as volunteering, independent research, and getting to know our psychology professors. After seeing the impact alumni have on our students, I will be sure to return to share my experience after I transfer to the university. Alexandra-Grissell H. Gomez Cerritos College When I reflect upon my involvement in Psi Beta, I realize that it has been a positively trans- formative experience. Joining Psi Beta was the best decision I have ever made in regards to my academic and professional future. Psi Beta provided me with practical knowledge about my major and my future, provided me with strong teamwork and leadership experience, and allowed me to conduct research and present it in a professional forum. Perhaps the most important gift that my involvement in Psi Beta has left me with is the valuable connections that I have made. My Psi Beta advisors are my role models; they are brilliant, hardworking, and extremely generous. My advisors go above and beyond for their students, and I know that I will continue to learn from them for as long as they are in my life. Because of Psi Beta, I now have a new understanding of what it means to be a psychology student, a student focused on scholarship, leadership, research and community service. I owe my highest thanks to Psi Beta for bringing meaning and inspiration into my education. Sophie M. Tanaka Irvine Valley College

As a non-traditional student (both in age and academic work-experience), Psi Beta has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. The Psi Beta leaders and team at Glendale Community College (AZ) allowed me to learn so much more about the field of Psychology beyond my coursework, and it also opened the doors to so many invaluable opportunities that I had never expected, such as community services, meeting professionals, and attending conferences. The passion of our Psi Beta leaders is so special, and cannot be replaced. They are the most genuine local, daily professionals who proved to me and all that the field of Psychology does contain some of the most passionate people you can ever meet. Joining Psi Beta will provide anyone the coaching and mentoring that are so adamant in helping them to become who they have a passion to become in Psychology.

The best label I can place on all Psi Beta has inspired and encouraged within me is Carol Dweck’s concept of Mindset: we either have a Fixed Mindset or a Growth Mindset. Psi Beta most certainly did everything to encourage my understanding and acceptance of a Growth Mindset as being valid. And, in the best way, the Psi Beta team leaders and members validate a Growth Mindset by publicly living and projecting this positive sense of life in all that you can do as a student, in and out of the classroom. For me, Psi Beta will build and support any individual’s belief that his/her individual qualities and capabilities can change and be improved through their own effort.

Thank you, Psi Beta, for being the great friend, mentor, and coach to me that I have been so blessed to have had in my life, at the right time, and a friendship with you that I will cherish now and all of my life. Mark Arlia Glendale Community College, AZ

Pi Kappa Lambda, Music

I was both surprised and honored that my achievements lead to my induction into Pi Kappa Lambda as a junior at Capital University; I can think of few greater honors in the world of music academics. I know I saw the benefits of membership as I applied and was accepted into the graduate program in music performance and literature at the University of Illinois at Champaign- Urbana to continue my studies on the horn, where I intend on adhering to and spreading the standards and ideals of the society. I think it is fantastic that there is a society that recognizes the effort and achievements of students in a field that often times goes under appreciated. Ian Hewetson Capital University, OH

Psi Chi, Psychology

Psi Chi has provided me a unique way to network with colleagues and to engage in meaningful professional service. By being a member of Psi Chi, I know that I have connections with many people all over who share my devotion to psychology. Nick Brown MS - Villanova University Current PhD - Florida Atlantic University