GETTING STARTED

Getting Started: INFORMATION-- A great deal of information about Kappa Kappa Psi is available from the KKPsi website at www.kkpsi.org. We encourage all interested college band students to thoroughly review our policies, constitutions, and especially, Colony information available on-line. If you require further information or still have questions, please contact the National Headquarters by phone (800) 543.6505, email (kkytbs@kkytbs.org), or writing to:

Kappa Kappa Psi
P.O. Box 849
Stillwater, OK 74076-0849

The initial step in the process of establishing a colony is for the interested group of students is as follows:
 
Download the Colony Application Form from the KKPsi website at http://www.kkpsi.org/colonyappform.asp. Have all interested students fill out and submit appropriate dues & fees.  Be certain to have the Director of Bands and the Student Affairs Coordinator sign the Colony Application Form. Send the completed application to the National Headquarters at the above address in Stillwater, OK.
 
Upon receipt of the Colony Application Form and current fees for all colony members, the National Council will review each application for selection as a new colony. The National Headquarters will notify the new colony when the National Council has made its decision, and for approved colonies, the Headquarters will issue to each member their Prospective Member button and colony membership card. The National Vice President for Colonization & Membership will provide the new colony with the name of the Advising Chapter & an Advising Person to assist the Colony throughout the colonization process.
 

Colonization Application Form

Summary of Kappa Kappa Psi Colonization 2003-2005 (XLS)

OUTLINE FOR SUCCESS

ELECTION OF OFFICERS--As soon as possible, colony officers must be elected to serve as the executive team and guiding force in obtaining active chapter status.

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION--When the preliminary forms and filing fee have been received and reviewed in the National Headquarters, official notification of colony status is sent to Fraternity and District Officers.

ADVISORS--Each colony will be assigned to an advising chapter and an advising person. These persons are your first line of communications. Colonies are encouraged to maintain close contact with these sources of information and assistance.

OPERATION--The colony group is provided operational materials and receives all mailings from the National Headquarters. The colony group is expected to function as a chapter in developing a program of service to the band department.

KNOWING WHAT TO DO--The National Headquarters staff is prepared to serve as a constant source of information and support. However, the best possible assistance to the colony group will come from contact with active chapters. Active chapters may assist colony groups by sharing ideas for projects and activities, as well as by assisting with chapter operation.

TIMETABLE FOR COLONIZATION--Your colony will be provided with a Timetable for Colonization. This schedule should be followed as closely as possible.

DISTRICT CONVENTION--Each colony is required to have at least one (1) member attend the District Convention. This will give the colony an opportunity to better understand the scope of the organization. The colony will have voting rights at certain times during the colonization period.

PETITIONING DOCUMENT--The petitioning document serves as the official request for active chapter status, as well as providing a written and pictorial record of the band program, the sheltering institution, and the colony. Guidelines for preparing the petitioning document are provided to the colony.

Along with your Petitioning Document, please complete a Colony Installation Form.

COMMUNICATION--All active colonies of the Fraternity and Sorority are required to submit monthly reports to the National Headquarters, advising National Officers or representatives and advising chapter. Lack of communication is the greatest contributing factor to failure of a colonization effort. If a positive working relationship between the colony and National Organization cannot be developed during the period of colonization, there is little hope that an active chapter would survive.

PRE-INSTALLATION VISITATION--Prior to the installation of a chapter, a representative of the National Organization will visit the campus to meet with college/university officials, sponsor, and colony members.

INSTALLATION--When National Council approval has been granted, official plans for the installation of the chapter may be made. This event is closely coordinated between National, district, and local officers.

Failure to complete the colonization requirements within the specified period of time will result in the colony being dropped from consideration as a chapter. Any and all fees paid will be forfeited.

COLONIZATION... Advising Chapter Guidelines

NOTE: The National Councils have recommended the following set of guidelines for chapters who are appointed as an advising chapter.

1. Assign one person or a committee to be responsible for consistent communication with the colony. District and National Officers should be provided with the name and address of the contact person.

2. Plan meetings with the colony officers and/or entire colony every four weeks throughout the colonization period.

3. Provide information and conduct a mini membership education program by giving presentations on the history of Kappa Kappa Psi. Be sure to cover National Programs as well as operation of the Fraternity & Sorority on the National and District levels.

4. Colonies are not to start their own membership education program during the colonization period.

5. Provide a copy of your chapter constitution and assist the colony in drawing up their own.

6. Have in-depth discussions with the colony members on topics such as service projects, membership education programs, fundraising, National obligations, etc...