Lessons Learned and Benefits of Becoming a Chapter at-Large

The Board of Directors of a major University academic setting approached a small University regarding becoming a chapter at large with the University. The major University, at the time of the initial discussions, was in the process of celebrating its’ 60the Anniversary as a STTI chapter. The BOD believed that the long, successful history of being a STTI chapter would be enhanced by sharing wisdom and resources with others.

The BOD had previously discussed with the Dean of the smaller school initiatives where the two schools could engage to promote collaboration and catalyze the enthusiasm for learning across both campuses. The administration of both Universities believed that the Chapter at Large status would be beneficial to creating a stronger bond between both Universities. During the early discussions, the BOD at the primary University realized that due to a previously defined partnership with the affiliated urban medical center that including them in the chapter at large application would be beneficial for all parties. Adding the urban medical center would truly enhance the academic/hospital partnership and open doors for the smaller University to be more fully engaged with both the University and the medical center.

Resources at smaller, academic nursing programs have become fewer and more difficult to achieve with budget cuts and increasing tuition costs. Joining forces with a larger, more well connected University provided additional outlets to the smaller school for continue education programs, providing funding for scholarships, providing new research opportunities and excellent networking connections. The addition of the practice setting is a win-win for both academic chapters as hospital staff who have graduated from the smaller school will now have a closer tie to their home school, as well as the larger University.

The presentation will discuss the STTI defined process for submitting the chapter at large application, but most importantly, will discuss helpful hints for fulfilling the many requirements for the application. The application at first glance appears very daunting, but the helpful hints will provide ways for the “dauntingness” of the process to be less overwhelming.

The presentation will highlight the benefits and successes that have been developed and witnessed thus far in the process in an attempt to encourage other chapters to take the bold leap to become a chapter at large.