The newly chartered Omega of Texas Phi Theta Kappa alumni association will conduct its first induction ceremony in April, and hopes to create a larger on-campus presence.

This international honor society helps transfer students from community colleges around the world by directly involving them in their new institution through community service involvement.

Although the organization only opens its membership to Phi Theta Kappa members and alumni, its events are open to everyone, allowing the new students to meet people outside of the group.

“Our two main goals are to ease the transfer process for the students and to expose them to community involvement within the university,” said Barbara Wolf, president of the association.

The association hopes the ceremony, which will officially induct about 20 of its 60 Phi Theta Kappa members this month, will help promote its message on-campus.

“We are excited to be part of the SMU student organizations, and we hope that with the charter we can make ourselves better known throughout the university,” Wolf said.

Besides fostering a welcoming environment for transfer students, Phi Theta Kappa also volunteers in the community. As its mission statement affirms, members of Phi Theta Kappa strive for scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

With the help of the Student Senate, and through fundraising events to be sponsored in the upcoming fall semester, Phi Theta Kappa hopes to continue to help new students adjust to and enjoy their time at SMU.