How CNM’s Honor Society is Finding Creative Ways to Support Students

Phi Theta Kappa has hosted a number of online events that are keeping students engaged and connected
June 11, 2020

Service has always been a large part of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. Student members at CNM, who are part of the Alpha Upsilon Chi chapter, regularly volunteer at local organizations and hold local events. 

So what happens when you’re in a global pandemic where those events can’t happen? You get creative and find new ways to support your fellow students and the community.

For several weeks now, PTK has been holding what they’re calling “Virtual Hug” events for anyone interested. The events, which take place on Zoom, have two main themes. First, they’re a spot for students to come together so that they don’t feel alone or overwhelmed while studying from home. And second, they’re meant to help students with problems they might face while taking classes online. The event this week, for example, also included a tutorial on how to use Blackboard, ACE online tutoring, the CNM online library, and other CNM resources.

“We wanted to make sure people still felt connected,” says Lauren Rice, the CNM PTK president. “We want students to know there are other people who are facing the same challenges and that we’re all going through this together. We want everyone to feel like they’re supported and safe.”

Photo of PTK's recent Virtual Hug event.

Going forward, PTK has plans to regularly hold Virtual Hug events. And once operations return to normal, they’ll pick up where they left off. The organization ran CNM’s mobile food bank for students in need and will resume when it’s safe. They’ll also be holding their other regular events like transfer sessions (where they help students prepare to transfer to a four-year university) and will be volunteering with local organizations.

Membership is by invite only, but all students who have declared a major, have completed at least 12 credit hours, and have a 3.5 GPA or higher are automatically invited. Invitations are mailed to eligible students the fourth week of each semester. For more information, click here.