Psi Chi's transition of the Eye on Psi Chi from a print to an exclusively digital/HTML publication.
2/1/2011
Dear Faculty Advisor:
At its January 2011 Mid-Winter Meeting, Psi Chi's Board of Directors made the
decision to transition the Eye on Psi Chi from a print to an
exclusively digital/HTML publication. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I
want to explain the reasons for the transition, and why we believe it is a
positive move for our organization.
Beginning in July of this year, the Eye will be available exclusively
in the following three formats:
- Digital Edition: The most current, complete issue of the digital Eye with
interactive links will be featured on
www.psichi.org
- HTML E-mail Newsletter: An email of the newsletter will be sent to all members
and advisors. This electronic format gives you a quick overview of the contents
of the magazine with links to the full articles on the Psi Chi website.
- PDF Download: Members can login to the website and download specific articles or
the complete issue of the Eye of Psi Chi to create their own digital
library.
We based our decision to go from print to digital/HTML format on three primary
factors:
- Better Use of Psi Chi Funds: Printing and mailing
the Eye is costly. By going electronic, funds will be reallocated to
other direct member benefits, such as awards and grants, leadership programming,
and communication through new forms of media.
- Accessibility: We have received a lot of feedback that the majority of
the print copies of the Eye are not getting adequately distributed by
chapters. For example, members who were unable to attend meetings at which it
was distributed typically are not picking up a copy later. Also, chapter members
who graduate and move to another location are not continuing to receive the
Eye if they do not reconnect with another chapter. Furthermore, expensive
shipping costs and long delays for delivery have prevented international members
from receiving the Eye, even though membership entitles them to this
information. E-mailing this more reader-friendly HTML newsletter directly to all
members and advisors avoids these problems. Readership will increase by making
the information far more accessible than the print version via direct delivery
to members. Thus, distribution will no longer depend upon advisors and chapter
officers. Delivery also will become more flexible by permitting copies to be
downloaded to smart phones and other personal electronic devices. Electronic
distribution will make it possible to keep members connected to Psi Chi long
after graduation (as long as the member continues to update their contact
information with the Central Office). Furthermore, the electronic Eye
also will allow for economical distribution to international chapters.
- Environmental Stewardship: Going electronic is
environmentally responsible. We will be saving paper as well as the energy
expended during the printing and mailing process.
Your chapter will receive two more issues, Spring and Summer, of the Eye in
print to finish out the current volume. We will be reducing the number of copies
per chapter however. You will be mailed ten copies each (for chapters currently
receiving 10 or more copies) of the remaining two issues unless you request
more. If you would like additional copies for your chapter, please email
psichieye@psichi.org by February 9.
In addition to the electronic versions of the Eye on Psi Chi, we will
be exploring and implementing additional relevant and effective forms of
communications, including but not limited to podcasts, online video content, and
social media. We welcome your comments and feedback about the technical advances
of Psi Chi communications with its members and advisors. Please feel free to
contact Michele Rumpf (Executive Officer) or Susan Iles (Director of Publishing)
with any questions or comments. You may also contact your regional
Vice-Presidents through our website or at upcoming conventions about improving
communications to chapters and members.
Sincerely,
Michael Hall, PhD
President, Board of Directors
Martha Zlokovich, PhD
Executive Director
Michele Rumpf
Executive Officer