Alpha Chi Chapter at Mississippi State’s 2022 Executive Council
The ending of a semester can be a chaotic time. Seemingly endless expectations are placed upon members, from finals, to elections, to holiday functions. Papers are due, exams sneak up, and final responsibilities of being a chapter leader for that term come to a head. It is only understandable that it is tempting to focus on the finish line, those sweet moments of arriving home at the end of the semester, plopping on the couch, and turning your brain off for a couple of weeks. While understandable, all great chapter leaders know that their job isn’t done when their duty ceases.
The true final responsibility comes in transitioning their replacement on the executive council. This then raises the question, “what is a successful transition?” A successful transition is not breathing down the neck of your successor nor is it handing over a binder of resources and saying “here, figure it out.” Mistakes are a part of the learning experience of being a chapter leader, but there is a difference between learning moments and flat out setting your next officer up for failure.
There is no one answer to how to successfully transition, and if your chapter has never done it successfully before you may feel a bit lost. Therefore, it is the duty of the Executive Offices to help. Success Managers are offering transition workshops to aid executive councils at this critical moment. If you feel you may need assistance with your transition, regardless of what officer/role you are please contact your chapter’s success manager for help.
The New Executive Council of Zeta Theta at University of North Texas
Success Managers cannot help if they don’t know who the new officers are, it is imperative that officer roles are updated on the Phi Kappa Tau Portal. For detailed instructions on how to complete this task we have developed a handy video guide along with other portal tutorials.
Finally, for the new chapter presidents that are being elected, we encourage you to register for Presidents Academy as soon as you are elected. Registration is currently open, and there is no cost upon registration. Presidents Academy will give you the tools you need to begin your term and establish goals for your chapter.
Transition goes beyond this year, or even your four or so years within your chapter, it is how consistently great organizations develop a culture of excellence. Every officer will experience difficulties during their term, but those shouldn’t come from the simple things. Don’t just hand over the gavel and move on, be the mentor you wish you had when starting your position.