Start by researching the existence of established statewide, national or international honor societies available to two-year colleges in your particular field of interest (we'll refer to this as a "parent" organization).
· If a potential parent organization IS found, find out about their chartering process, including the cost of starting a new chapter. If NO potential parent organization is found, consider starting an OCC campus-wide honor society.
· In either instance (parent organization exists or none exists), you’ll need the support of students, a prospective faculty advisor, and the appropriate academic division.
· Draft a proposal for a chapter or society start-up and a constitution and bylaws; enlist the help of the prospective faculty advisor or honors office staff for this step; these will need to fall in line with existing policies of a parent organization, if any, and the campus; some considerations to include will be:
· Name of organization (if new) or chapter name as assigned by the parent organization
· Purpose/mission/goals of organization
· Membership eligibility requirements (GPA, coursework, dues, etc.),
· Term of membership (semester, year, permanent, temporary/ provisional, etc.),
· Structure of governance and responsibilities of each officer/board members
· Meeting and service requirements, if any
· Honors recognition policies
· Good-standing/not-in-good standing criteria
· Consequences of losing good standing, etc.
· Ceremonial issues – colors, motto, induction ritual, regalia to be worn at graduation, etc.
· Make appointments to speak with the appropriate administrator(s) and campus committees to get the new organization approved and activated
· Obtain a letter of support from the prospective advisor and dean of the academic division most closely associated with the organization
· Submit the proposal, draft bylaws, letters of support to the Dean of Student Services (who may share it with the VP of Student Services and college President)
· If approved at the campus level, request approval by the Board of Trustees (work through the academic division’s officer coordinator to get a consent item added to the next BOT meeting)
· Once approved by the BOT, advertise and promote the new chapter/society through various means available at OCC:
· Establish a meeting schedule
· Place MyOCC targeted announcements, email invitations to join society, participate at Club Rush/Student Services Fairs, honors events, put up flyers, posters, ads in student newspaper, press releases, etc.)