Chapter Development Initiatives

Scholars Across America—The 2023-24 Alpha Chi National Chapter Development Initiative

In an effort to strengthen chapter activities and increase the value of Alpha Chi membership, Alpha Chi is challenging chapters to enhance collaboration among its institutions outside of the annual convention. The goal is to improve networking, mentoring, and collaborating among students and advisors. This could take any number of forms including:

• attending events at other nearby chapters;
• mentoring other chapters in your region;
• organizing collaborative events with nearby chapters; and
• hosting virtual programming of an academic or social nature, within or across disciplines, that could be shared with chapters regionally or nationally (Chapters Connect, see below)

The top three Alpha Chi chapters to engage in such activities can receive the honor of being named an “Alpha Chi National Collaborator” next year at the 2024 National Convention in Birmingham, Alabama.

Alpha Chi Chapters Connect Events

The Chapter Development Committee of the Alpha Chi National Council is working to increase multi-chapter networking and collaboration to add value to Alpha Chi membership. One of our goals is to help chapters develop virtual mini-events (panels, discussions, workshops) designed to bring together members from more than one chapter. This letter is your chapter’s personal invitation to be a part of this exciting Chapters Connect initiative!

Virtual events have the benefit of being low- or no-cost for planners and participants and will help chapters get to know each other and remain invigorated throughout the year. These events may be targeted at a particular constituency, such as advisors, undergraduates, or graduate students, be for a general audience, or be targeted to students in specific academic disciplines. They’re typically an hour or so in length and provide programming such as:

• Topical panel discussions (sample panel event)
• Speakers on common-interest issues (importance of civil discourse)
• Academic presentations (student showcase of short presentations)
• Grad school or resume-writing workshops 
• Roundtable discussions (increasing diversity and accessibility on campus)
• Interactive activities (short film viewing with discussion)
• Recreational or social events (speed-greeting, trivia competition among chapters)

While examples are listed, creativity is encouraged! And don’t forget about our Chapter Activity Grant program. Many of these events could qualify for national funding!

Our committee would be delighted if you’d work with your chapter to prepare an event like this that could benefit not only your Alpha Chi members but also those beyond your campus. I encourage you to share this letter with your chapter members. If you are willing to host an event, someone from our committee can work with you between now and the event, if needed, as you develop your session.

If you are interested in hosting a Chapters Connect event, send your activity ideas or questions to office@alphachihonor.org, and your email will be forwarded to me. As long as there is enough lead time before the event, Alpha Chi’s headquarters can assist in sharing and promoting your event with other chapters. We’re here to support your chapter in making regional and national Alpha Chi connections!

Sincerely,

Dr. Steve Hoekstra, Kansas Delta
Chair, AX Chapter Development Committee