Setting Chapter Goals and Objectives

Setting chapter goals and objectives give direction to chapter leaders and all chapter members. Setting a number of small goals or deadlines can make project implementation and completion more manageable.

Before the beginning of the academic year, the officers, committee chairs and advisors should meet to discuss the upcoming year’s activities. Begin by chronologically listing all past chapter activities, determine which activities are still important and then include any new projects. Set challenging, yet attainable goals with defined objectives. When setting your chapter’s goals and objectives, remember these elements:

Membership Recruitment and Retention
One hundred percent student membership at a school would be ideal, but probably not a realistic goal. Greater than ninety percent membership would be more realistic, but each chapter needs to determine what their achievable goal is. APhA-ASP chapter membership goals are set during the APhA Summer Leadership Institute.

Under the guidance of the chapter’s Membership Vice President, all chapter leaders should know the benefits of membership in APhA and articulate them to prospective and returning members. Leaders also need be aware of other resources available to assist them in achieving their goals, such as the APhA Membership Toolkit and the APhA Student Outreach program.

APhA Patient Care Programs
APhA offers structured programs focused on patient care including the National Patient Counseling Competition, Operation Immunization, Operation Diabetes, and the APhA-ASP/NHBA Heartburn Awareness Challenge. As an APhA-ASP chapter, your goals and objectives should include effective implementation of these programs.

Recognition and Awards
APhA also offers a structured awards program to recognize those chapters who participate in the programs of APhA and who are dedicated to advancing the profession of pharmacy. APhA requires all chapters to send the Chapter Activity Report and encourages full participation in the APhA-ASP Chapter Achievement Awards program.

Shared Goals with APhA
As part of APhA, APhA-ASP also has the responsibility to work towards achieving the goals of the association. Chapter leaders need to understand the goals of APhA, inform members and provide ways for members to support these goals.

Other Organizations on Campus
Each APhA-ASP chapter should strive to work with other specialty organizations and fraternities on projects and events. Building positive working relationships with the other organizations strengthens projects and minimizes separation of the student body.

Budget Projections
Allocation of financial resources is very important to the success of a chapter. Determine how much each project will cost when setting goals and objectives.

It may be possible to have a sponsor fund the program. A budget should then be developed and proposed to the sponsor. If a sponsor does donate funds, it is important to identify and recognize the sponsor.