The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Officer Transition 2012 Vol. 3 Page 1

By Amy James

Welcome to the third and f inal edit ion of the 2011-2012 National L e a de r sh ip C ou n -ci l’s newsletter! Our

council has put a tremendous amount of work and effort into writing these articles, dedicated to keeping you informed of the latest NSCS news. When we created this newsletter, we were unsure of whether it would be accepted, but NSCS members, advisors, and parents have welcomed this newsletter with open arms and have provided wonderful feedback, tips, and advice. We thank you for your encouragement in this endeavor, and we hope for your continued support as next year’s NLC continues this tradition. It has been my pleasure to serve as President of the National Leadership Council for the last two years. My time on the NLC has been memorable to say the very least. Like many students, I joined NSCS knowing that it would look great on my resume but assuming that I would never attend a meeting or get involved. As you can see, my assumption

was way off base! NSCS has provided me with many opportunities to meet new people around the nation and expand my personal and professional horizons. I have gained invaluable experiences and met amazing people. I am so glad that I did not miss any of it! Recently, I have been asked, “Where do you go from here?” I’ve been a member of the NLC for three years and president for two of those years. I am also the former president of my campus chapter of NSCS. How will I transition from my NSCS career to the real world? Scary thought! Luckily, NSCS has prepared me to meet new challenges, and has strengthened me as a person and leader to face this question head on. I have been able to network with NSCS partners and other NSCS members to gain access to opportunities and employ-

ment avenues I may want to explore. I use my experiences with the NLC and my chapter to show leadership skills on resumes and in interviews. But most of all, I will have a support system of friends who will be behind me 100% of the time! Officer Transition Week is an impor-tant time for chapters across the country. It is important to train your incoming executive board to keep your chapter’s legacy strong. However, it is also impor-tant to take time for yourself. Time is needed to transition oneself from board member to regular NSCS member, grad-uate student, or into the real world. Take what you have learned as being a part of NSCS and use it in your everyday life. The NLC wishes all chapters the best of luck during Officer Transition Week. We hope you find this newsletter helpful in “Leading Your Legacy!”

In This EditionTop 10 Questions to Ask ExitingOfficers Before They Leave pg. 2-3

The Evolution of a Leader pg. 4

The Art of Offering Scholarships pg. 5

Increasing Interest with Information pg. 6

How to Increase the Number of NSCS Members on Your Campus pg. 7

For the National Office pg. 8

A Message from the NLC

The newsletter by the National Leadership Council

The NLC transition: Kenneth Rosario Gonzalez (2012-2013 Deputy Vice President), Nicole Maher (12-13 Executive Vice President), Scott Perske (11-12 Executive Vice President), Glenn Madigan (12-13 President), Amy James (11-12 President).

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Officer Transition 2012 Vol. 3 Page 2

Before you transition into an NSCS officer position, make sure you ask plenty of ques-tions to ensure that you

know what’s expected of your posi-tion to ensure there are no unnecessary surprises. Here’s a list of some ques-tions and tips that you should ask.

1How do we plan the New Member Induction Ceremony?

The New Member Induction Ceremony is the event at which new members are properly introduced to NSCS. The cere-mony consists of new members, guest and keynote speakers, distinguished members, every officer speaking (don’t worry there’s a script!), and the official induction of new members. Although we have barely finished the spring semester it’s important to start planning. You might want to ask, where was the ceremony held last year and what month and day? How and when do I reserve a room? Does it cost money? Who has been a guest speaker in the past? Any ideas for this year’s speaker? How many people usually come and how will I know? Do we usually serve food, bever-ages, snacks? What is a Distinguished Member and do we have any? How involved is the advisor in the Induction?

2Where’s the money?

NSCS provides each chapter with a credit card; however how it’s handled varies by chapter. Some chapters save their card with the advisor, while other chapters will allow the chapter president and trea-surer to handle the card. You need to consult how the outgoing officer board used the card and managed expenses. If there is still money on the card, make sure the officer board has turned in the Credit Card Roll-Over Form so it can be used for the upcoming year. Also, some chapters might have a school account or local bank account. You need to know what these accounts are used for, how to get access to them, and how much money is available. Don’t forget to ask if your school typically provides your chapter money as well!

3What are our passwords?

In many occasions chapters have a school listserv or school online account for registration, reservations, etc. It is very important that you get the pass-word from the outgoing officer board or make the proper changes so that you can have access to these accounts, otherwise you might miss important information from the school regarding your organi-zation. Also, don’t forget to tell them to make you administrator on your NSCS Chapter Facebook page!

4Where do we keep stuff?

Very often, you will find that there are some leftovers from RUSH! such as boxes, t-shirts, banners, or other recruiting/decorating items. Make sure that you ask where the items are kept. Sometimes an officer has them. If this is the case, ask them for the material before they leave! Other times, the organization has a locker, office space on campus, or the advisor holds them. It is important to ask for the key, code, or the required items so you can access your belongings or your materials.

5What’s a Member Engage-ment Representative and what does this person do?

If you haven’t been on an officer board before, you’ll be happy to know that you have a Member Engagement (ME) TEAM Rep from the national office that will be working closely with you all year. This person is often in contact with the chapter president. Whether you are the chapter president or another officer, you will hear and contact the ME TEAM Rep often. You may even get to meet them in person! Make sure you get to know the rep, even if you aren’t the chapter president. Let him/her know the best way to contact you and build a strong partnership.

10Top10 questions to ask exiting officers before they leave.

Top questions to ask exiting officers before they leave.

By Jacqueline Gamboa Varela

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Officer Transition 2012 Vol. 3 Page 3

6How do we report our activities?

Officers will need to report activities on the NSCS website. It is important that you know how to navigate the website so that you can report these activities and update your chapter checklist. Don’t forget to ask the previous officers to add you as an officer, otherwise you won’t have access to the Chapter Management Tab. Plan in advance who will keep track of and report the different chapter activities.

7How do we plan activities?

To be successful, you need statistics and details from your outgoing officers – trust us! Find out when, where, and what time most people come. What meeting or event ideas failed miserably and why? What meetings and events have been the most successful? How long is plan-ning for a meeting as opposed to an event? Who do you ask for help, and what opportunity is there for collabora-tion with other organizations? Also, ask about outside of campus activities, such as the NSCS PACE Program or other community service activities. Make sure you always find out whom to contact, who not to contact, and any discre-tionary information.

8What’s up with our campus?

You will receive information on the requirements you need to meet for

NSCS STAR Status from your ME TEAM rep. This is also detailed in your new chapter handbook. Your rep will be in constant contact with you so that you can accomplish each item. You also need to know how things work on your campus. Many campuses may have some requirements for the organization. Some campuses require registering the orga-nization every year, attending meetings for all student organizations, and other tasks. Ask the outgoing board how this is typically done so that you can fulfill these requirements. Another important topic to disccuss is about events on campus. You need to know if there are certain steps to take to have an event/meeting/table. What are those, and how you can make it happen on time? One tip: most likely you’ll need to contact 2-3 different offices to have an event, so gather all the contact information and procedures so you don’t have to go back and forth trying to figure out how to do it.

9How do we resolve conflicts?

Unfortunately conflicts/misunderstand-ings may arise throughout the year; these can be between officers, members, other organizations, or maybe your advisor. You need to be prepared when this happens. Find out who you can contact if a problem arises. Is the advisor helpful? How have different types of problems been resolved in the past and what were the outcomes? What office can you contact for a problem with the advisor, other organizations, or members? What

tips does your ME TEAM Rep have? It is important to remember that the staff at NSCS is extremely well trained and they will help, but you need to proactively contact your rep and tell them the situa-tion. (referring to your chapter constitu-tion is a helpful and unbiased resource).

10Where do we find important documents?

The NSCS website provides a great amount of forms and documents to help you with chapter management, but is always helpful to know when and how to use the forms, so ask how to use them! In addition, the chapter might have a chapter binder with forms specific to the school such as registration documents, chapter bylaws, and contact information. Ask for the master file and keep it in a safe place so you can pass it on to the next person responsible for this once you leave.

Although this may seem to be a lot of work, it is much harder if you have no idea who to contact, where to go, or how to do things. So, ask these questions and more! If you are starting the chapter or the previous officer board was not the most active, remember you can always count on your ME TEAM rep and advisor to keep you up to date and help you in every step of the way.

Congratulations on being elected as an officer. The NLC wishes you the very best for this upcoming year!

Top 10 questions to ask exiting officers before they leave, continued...

University of San Francisco

Officer Transition Week

Pick one day to complete the virtual activities.

Register at:nscs.org/officer-transition-week

April 23-27, 2012

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Officer Transition 2012 Vol. 3 Page 4

The Evolution of a LeaderBy Kenneth Rosario-Gonzales The col lege journey consists of several tran-sitions that occur in order to know oneself.

In the philosophical perspective, those who endure the obstacles of a college journey take the road less traveled; that is, the road where pain is confronted and dealt with, and the richness of growth is manifested. Robert Dox, NSCS Chapter President at Hillsbor-ough Community College (HCC), is taking the road less traveled.

When in high school, Robert was chal-lenged with a low self-acceptance. Robert shares, “Let’s just say that because of my low self-esteem, confi-

dence was not part of my life.” He took it upon himself to perform a crit-ical transition – facing his obstacles and overcoming them. Robert started eating healthier, exercising, and taking social risks in order to break away from his shy personality. Due to changes in his phys-ical and emotional habits, Robert transi-tioned from his pessimistic outlook into an overall optimistic person. In turn, his quality of life improved.

While Robert’s l ife was robustly progressing, another transition was ahead of him: leadership growth. As a part of the Honors Institute at HCC, he was confident, strong, and outgoing. He took on opportunities as a board member, movie night host, and an ambassador for the Arete club. Robert has even traveled to conferences and

shared his experience in multiple leader-ship roles at HCC. His confidence grew so much that he became the 2011-12 chapter president of NSCS at HCC.

Robert’s walk through leadership tran-sition is reminiscent of many students’ walk within their college journeys. Many students struggle because they fear chal-lenging themselves in areas of their personal, collegiate and professional lives. College is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and explore the opportunities around you – take the road less traveled. I learned from someone close that: “Excuses are the nails that build the house of failure.” Don’t let excuses hinder your capacity to discover and evolve your true identity!

Robert’s Advice: “Sometimes transitions occur when you least expect them and sometimes their results are life changing. I went from an introvert to a extrovert in around three years. I have accomplished things that I said that I would never be able to do. However, now I know better. I’ve become social; I have many dear friends; I have held leadership positions; I have continued eating healthy and working out; I have impacted the lives of many new students; I have traveled to many conferences; and I have even gone to China. I do not limit myself anymore. I am addicted to change and growth. I do what I can while

knowing that what I have does not limit or define who I am. “

The same day Robert became President of

NSCS was the same day he was awarded “The

Student Who Made The Difference.” Founding

President Daniel Guillen and Founding

Secretary and Immediate Past-Treasure Loren

McCollom (right) walked the charismatic Robert

Dox (middle).

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Officer Transition 2012 Vol. 3 Page 5

The Art of Offering ScholarshipsBy Brady Griffith

Money. Money. Money. To the broke college student, this l i t t le word is never far from anyone’s mind. The

volatile economy combined with being a full-time student can often create chal-lenging circumstances to make ends meet. But alas, NSCS can help offer a solution on a chapter level, in addition to the well-known benefits offered nation-ally. Successful NSCS chapters have mastered the art and know the benefits of offering scholarships with their allo-cated funds. This not only can contribute to students’ empty wallets, but it can also increase member engagement and serve to recognize high achieving members of your chapter... the mission of NSCS. Here are a few helpful examples:

Many chapters across the nation offer scholarships as incentive to participate in chapter activities. For instance, some

institutions challenge members to post a creative video to their Facebook fan page explaining new ideas for their chapter. For the most creative entry, a scholarship is rewarded. Similarly, other chapters ask members to create a video or other media tool to advertise an upcoming event or program such as their New Member Induction Ceremony or PACE program. This not only gets the word out effec-tively, but it also encourages member engagement due to the incentive of a scholarship, as well as a great way to develop a creative portfolio!

Another great way to boost participa-tion among members is through a point system. Even the creation and imple-mentation of this system could be created by a member for a small scholar-ship. Because events and programs vary from campus to campus, a point system can be unique to your chapter. Simply take attendance at your events such as the New Member Induction Ceremony, PACE, meetings, or service projects and

offer “points” to those who attend. At the end of each semester, tally up the points and award a scholarship to the most active member.

Scholarships can also help motivate students for a service initiative such as collecting canned goods or clothing to be donated. It’s simple: whoever collects the most goods is awarded a scholarship. While service should be an attitude of the heart, scholarships can be used to help spread the word and collect more donations.

With these various ideas in mind, never underestimate the potential of chapter scholarships. They not only can help increase member involvement, but they may also increase a desire to join NSCS from the outside looking in. The number one consideration is this: be creative! Depending on the contest, essay schol-arships are an option, but consider being more creative! Try to excite members with something fun and attention-grab-bing. It’s a win-win for everyone.

2011 NSCS Convention

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Officer Transition 2012 Vol. 3 Page 6

Increasing Interest with InformationBy Cassi Konopasek

Spring semester is here, which means it is an optimal time to star t infor ming chapter members about

applying for officer positions! There is no better time than the present to start involving perspective officers in the busy NSCS Spring events. Part of what strengthens NSCS chapter initiatives is the communication chapter members and offi-cers have with their ME TEAM Represen-tatives as well as their chapter advisor and officer board. However, this foundation is a dynamic that is continually developing. Encouraging interested officer applicants to start learning about their perspective officer position. The relationship between the other officer positions is imperative to having a successful election process.

One way to begin the election process is to schedule an officer information meeting. Members can come to learn about chapter events, the applica-tion process, and what positions are going to be available. Having the offi-cers available to answer questions and provide input about their experience in their officer position is encouraging for interested officers. Explaining how the current chapter officers have worked collectively to achieve NSCS STAR Status, plan events, communi-cate with advisors and campus orga-nizations, and complete paperwork, are also important points to touch on. The goal of the meeting can be to simplify and inform perspec-tive applicants about the network of correspondence the previous chapter officer team has developed to ensure a smooth planning and implemen-

tation of the NSCS chapter STAR status events for future officers.

Beyond expressing the key component of effective communication for the chapter executive board, discussing funding for chapter events, the process of planning The New Member Induction Cere-mony, chapter duties, and highlights of being a chapter officer are also essential aspects to discuss. Spring semester is a more involved time for chapters, because in addition to planning PACE, service involvement, and RUSH! activities, there is Advisor Appreciation, March to College™ Day, New Member Induction Ceremony, and eSummit. Thus, asking perspective officers to apply early and then introducing them to the officer who currently has their position is a great way to continue building the chapter commu-nication dynamic.

University of New Mexico Auburn University

Regis University Utah State University

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Officer Transition 2012 Vol. 3 Page 7

How to Increase the Number of NSCS Members on Your Campus

By Nicole Maher

As the new school year comes upon us, many of you might wonder, “How can I increase membership this year?”

There are many ways to do this, and it is important to get started early. Here are some ideas to help you increase awareness about NSCS on your campus:

1Set up an information table in your student union.

Talk to people as they walk by and give them information about NSCS. You could print fliers, have a sign-up sheet for e-mails, or advertise your chapter Facebook page.

2Participate in your school’s involvement fair.

Be interactive! This will grab peoples’ at-tention. Have visuals, such as a tri-fold board with information and pictures of community service events, your New Member Induction Ceremony, or other chapter events and programs.

3Hang up signs.

Advertise meetings or events that are open to prospective members (especially in the dorms).

4Wear your chapter shirt around campus.

This is simple, easy, and effective. As a bonus wear your NSCS pin or “Geek is Chic” glasses, too!

5Host events for prospective members to attend.

A mixer where prospective mem-bers can come and meet the offi-cers and current members is both fun and informative. Show a RUSH! PowerPoint so they can learn more about NSCS.

6Host information sessions in the dorms.

Have a few members and officers go to several dorms and present infor-mation (such as the RUSH! Power-Point), and answer any questions. This is particularly effective around the time invitations go out.

7Chalking.

If your campus allows it, write with chalk on heavily trafficked sidewalks on campus. You can put information about NSCS or advertise events that prospective members can attend.

8Keep your chapter’s Facebook page updated.

Prospective members may check this to see what your chapter does and who is a member. Keeping it up-to-date (and consistently answering questions) will be helpful and will show that you are an active chapter.

9Get faculty involved.

This could be your advisor, profes-sors, or anyone at your university. Faculty are very helpful in spread-ing the word because many students will listen when a professor, for ex-ample, suggests they join a particu-lar organization. Utilize your cam-pus connections!

These are just a few ideas to raise awareness about NSCS on your campus, which will help to increase membership (and raise your chap-ter funds!!). Brainstorm at your first Executive Board meeting, and set reasonable membership goals for the year. Make sure all of the officers are on the same page, and get start-ed immediately on the ideas you come up with. If you work together, you will be able to open your cam-pus’s eyes to all of the opportunities NSCS provides.

Remember to post photos of your chapter events on the NSCS Facebook page! www.facebook.com/nscs94

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Officer Transition 2012 Vol. 3 Page 8

By Scott Perske

When you think of NSCS, what comes to mind? Scholarship and recognition opportu-nities? Catchy slogans

like ‘Geek is Chic’ or ‘Talk Nerdy to Me’? Maybe even that time you attended an NSCS Convention or Summit?

Chances are, your first thought of NSCS originates from a chapter activity. And understandably so, since the most memorable bene-fits members receive are often those that affect us most person-ally. As chapter president, I know that chapter activities take the bulk of our attention because the chapter is part of our everyday lives. It takes a strong team of officers to manage and coordinate chapter initiatives that best represent their members’ desires. A successful leader-ship board finds ways to inspire members to become involved. Dedication, innova-tion, creativity, curiosity – all are necessary to keep the hundreds of members at your school interested in NSCS.

Now imagine that task on a national level. The national office provides

dedication, innovation, and creativity to engage hundreds of thousands of members from hundreds of college campuses across the country. That, my friends, shows the hard work and passion of our national office staff.

Since its establishment in 1994, NSCS has attracted over 800,000 members from nearly 300 campuses throughout

the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Millions of dollars have been given in scholarships and awards over the 18-year life span of NSCS. Member benefits with national companies and organizat ions have grown in size and number. Count-less members have been connected to professional training opportunities around the world.

The achievements of this organiza-tion would be impossible without the national office staff. Their dedication to

both this organization and its members is second to none. Their constant networking and relationship-building opens doors for new scholarships, awards, and other fantastic opportuni-ties for the entire member body. The work environment and staff morale at the national office fosters innovation that few other organizations, let alone honor societies, experience. To do all

this with the grace and positivity that our national staff exudes is truly special.

The national office, located in Washington D.C., has hardly gone unnoticed. In October of 2011, Washingtonian Magazine

named NSCS as one of their “50 Great Places to Work in DC.” While this is surely a sign of the national office’s greatness, it is this NLC’s belief that our friends at the national office have not been amply recognized by our organiza-tion’s members for their service. Just as NSCS has a day to recognize our chapter advisers, a March to College DayTM for young students across the country, and a week to recognize integrity, so too should we take a moment to admire those who have provided us so much.

Newsletter TeamSection Supervisors

Brady Griffith: NLC DVP Crown College

Amy James: NLC President University of Toledo

Scott Perske: NLC EVP University of Hawaii, Manoa

Layout EditorGlenn Madigan Columbia College Chicago

ContributorsJacqueline Gamboa Varela University of Texas at El Paso

Cassi Konopasek Regis University

Nicole Maher Ohio State University

Kenneth Rosario-Gonzalez Hillsborough Community College

Any suggestions or corrections are appreciated and should be e-mailed to the NLC at nlc@nscs.org. Thank you!

[ ]National Office Appreciation Day

April 30, 2012Work with your chapter to organize a way to say thanks!

For the National Office

Left to Right Blair Edwards, Katie Mang, Stephanie Sanata, Casey Szesze, Senta Harvey, Cat Provost, Acecia

Thomas-Baker, Liz Sellers, Bailey Kahn, Scott Mobley (above), Rana Shirzadi (below), Jonathon Atkins, Steve Loflin, Mishri Shirzadi, Verelyn Gibbs Watson, Leah

Schklar, Amy Shopkorn, Richard Failla, Rachel Thornton, Wayne Guinn, Kayla Manning, Sherice Evans, Jen Castillo

NLC with NSCS National Staff