National Organization Updates

National Organization Updates

National Trademark Committee

This year, the National Trademark Committee is working to standardize and clarify how we use and control all ΑΣΚ trademarks and emblems. This includes how and when we use our letters, who uses our emblems and who is responsible for their use and regulation. Some existing policies will be revamped and further guidelines drafted. We want to be sure to address the concerns and needs of the whole Sisterhood, so please feel free to share your questions and ideas with us (you can use this easy form), or - if you really want to make a difference - join the committee!

COVID-19 Roundtable

On January 19, the National Organization held a COVID-19 roundtable for all Chapters. At this meeting an informal committee was created to establish a uniform way to celebrate member status changes. This committee is hard at work and is making progress on celebration guidance, with a priority to get material sent to Active Chapters in March so it can be used this Spring.

The NBoD will also continue to monitor the status of COVID-19, with regards to updating guidance around ceremonies and campus operations. In the name of health and safety, non-standard operations, including restrictions on ceremonies and in-person gathers, has been extended through July 1, 2021.

Leadership Consultant Applications

Applications are now open for Leadership Consultant (LC) positions for the 2021-2022 academic year. Members interested in assisting Active Chapters as an LC can fill out the application at this link. In order to be a Leadership Consultant, you must meet the following requirements:

- Be an Alumna who is willing to be a Professional Alum for the time period of service - Not hold an Alumnae Chapter Executive Board or NBoD position during the appointment - Be available to travel to each of 3-4 Chapters, once COVID is not a concerning factor

The application will close on March 31st, 2021. Reach out to Morgan at ndoo@ask-wits.com with any questions.

Alpha Sigma Kappa National Book Club

In November, the National Organization launched the ΑΣΚ National Book Club! The goal of this club is to facilitate discussion and assign action to our Organization's commitment to sisterhood, justice, and understanding. By reading and sharing discussion with our Sisters, we hope to strengthen our relationships and expand our knowledge. The group is designed as a platform for individuals or small groups to expand our thinking and connect over a variety of topics.

On the website, you'll find bookshelves of selected books for three categories (Leadership & Guidance, Justice & Diversity and STEM), as well as a bookshelf of Sister Recommendations.

How you engage with the Book Club is up to you - choose a book and post on the virtual discussion board at your own pace, form a group of Sisters to meet and discuss, or use the categories as a guide for your own reading! Be sure to stay tuned for updates on the National social media, as well as in the Goodreads Group.

To join the Book Club, visit this link or search for the group on Goodreads. You can also fill out this form if you have a book you'd like added to our " Sister Recommendations" bookshelf.

For questions or concerns, please email lc2@ask-wits.com and include 'Book Club' in the subject line.

National Calendar

February 9 - Xi Chapter Founder's Day

March 5 - Zeta Chapter Founder's Day Iota Chapter Founder's Day

March 28 - Theta Chapter Founder's Day

March 31 - Leadership Consultant Applications Dues

April 14 - Mu Chapter Founder's Day

April 16 - Kappa Chapter Founder's Day

May 1 - National Founder's Day National Scholarship Essay Due

May 31 - Sister Award Nominations Due

June 1 - Chapter Reports Due National Dues Due Committee Reports Due

June 27 - National Scholarship Committee Meeting

July 1 - Educational Foundation Nominations Due

July 22-25 - National Convention

July 24 - National Educational Foundation Annual Meeting

Award Nominations Open

It's once again time to recognize ΑΣΚ Members who demonstrate excellence in the Organization, academia and their profession.

To nominated a Sister who you feel deserves recognition, please provide a detailed nomination in the form at this link. The form is open until May 31 at midnight (PST). Winners will be announced at the 2021 National Convention!

The following awards are now open: Active Sister of the Year, Alumnae Sister of the Year, New Member of the Year, Senior of the Year, Colony Member of the Year, Outstanding Leader of the Year

And two newly added awards: Professional Excellence Award, Infinity Education Award

For any questions regarding Sister awards, please contact Eva Hanlon.

State of the Organization

On January 15, the 2021 State of Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies was sent by the National Director of Administration to Colonies and Chapters, to be distributed to all Members.

This document includes updates from the NBoD, National Committees, Educational Foundation, Chapters and Colonies.

Some highlights include where to find the most up-to-date copies of all National Governing Documents on our website, reports of tremendous growth during an unprecedented year and information on Convention 2021 planning progress.

Also, the NBoD is expecting to send out the ΑΣΚ census in the near future and the NDoF will be conducting a financial audit of the Organization this year as well.

Be sure to read the document for more.

Educational Foundation

National Scholarship Topic

The Alpha Sigma Kappa Educational Foundation has announced the National Scholarship essay topic for 2021:

"Supporting Sisters/Fellow Members"

Essays are due May 1st by 11:59pm Central time. Please submit your scholarship essay using the Scholarship tab on the Foundation website (http://askwits.org/scholarships/).

Who is eligible for the National Scholarship? Any Active Member that will be Active in the Fall 2021 term. The Active Member can be an undergraduate or graduate student. However, Alumnae Members are not eligible to apply for the National Scholarship.

Similar to last year, the Foundation will compile a list of suggested directions, to help Members that might be stuck on the essay topic. They will also provide proofreading of drafts and possible workshops or one-on-one guidance.

Due to a number of generous donations, at least two scholarships will be awarded in July 2021.

Ways to be Involved

Want to get involved? Any ΑΣΚ Alumna, regardless of Professional status, can be part of the 2021 National Scholarship Committee. The time commitment is minimal.

Also, elections will be held at the annual meeting for the positions of Treasurer and National Scholarship Co-Chair. Any Professional Alumnae Member is eligible. Nominations are due July 1.

Please e-mail ask.educational.foundation@gmail.com if you have questions, would like to join the National Scholarship Committee or wish to send a position nomination.

Ways to Donate

Please visit www.askwits.org/donate/ for information on how to donate.

All donations - big and small - are tax deductible and provide financial assistance to Active Members of Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies.