What is Phi Theta Kappa?

So what is the purpose of this institution? In the official Phi Theta Kappa constitution, it says:

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa shall provide opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

Presidents of Missouri two-year colleges established Phi Theta Kappa in 1918. Currently, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in the U.S. higher education system with well over a million members. The institution has 1100 chapters located in all 50 united states, U.S. territories, Canada, Germany, and Japan. Since 1929, Phi Theta Kappa has become the official honor society of two-year colleges in the United States.

To be inducted as a member in this chapter, a student must have completed at least 12 associate degree level courses (at Normandale Community College, this refers to courses numbered 1000 and above; for example, COMP 0900 would not be an associate level course whereas COMP 1101 would), have at least a 3.5 GPA, and pay a one-time fee of $73.00 payable to NCC/PTK. Once inducted, the student must sustain at least a 3.0 GPA to remain being a member.

• Eligible for $32 million in transfer scholarships.
• Automatic nomination to the National Dean’s List.
• Normandale transcript stamped signifying membership.
• An elegant membership certificate.
• A golden key lapel pin.
• Authorization to wear the Phi Theta Kappa stole during graduation.
• + Many more additional benefits.

Once inducted, it is completely up to the individual members on how involved they wish to be. We recognize that not all students are able to take time away from their studies to become very active. If one is willing and able to participate in some of the activities and though, active involvement in at least some of the chapter’s projects and activities are encouraged, as is attending the meetings. Phi Theta Kappa sets up activities such as academic competitions, book drives, as well as some fun fellowship activities (e.g. bowling). Typically these activities center on the honors study topic of that year. The activities are categorized in four hallmarks: leadership, scholarship, service, and fellowship. Below are brief descriptions of them.

There are also a number of leadership opportunities such as being president of the chapter, a vice president in any one of the hallmarks, or being a chairperson of one of the committees. Besides being a leader, recognition is also given when a member participates in meetings and activities. The more participation one has, the greater the recognition as measured in stars (the highest is a five-star member). Although simply being a member of this international honor society looks good on one’s résumé, being a leader and/or being a multiple star member looks even better because it demonstrates your accomplishments and active involvement in the honor society.

• Résumé Builder—opportunities to develop leadership skills.
• Résumé Builder—opportunities to volunteer in college and community service projects.
• Eligible to be chapter representative at regional and international conferences and conventions.
• Earn a variety of Phi Theta Kappa merchandise.

In the five levels of enhanced membership, each level has additional benefits. A Phi Theta Kappa member earns points by attending chapter or committee meetings, working on chapter service projects and fundraisers, serving as a committee chair or as a chapter officer, and so forth.

Our international honor society is divided into local branches called chapters, where each chapter is a part of one college. The president is the person who is in charge of the chapter. Vice presidents lead their respective departments. For example, the vice president (sometimes abbreviated VP) of service is head of the service hallmark in the chapter. Below is a diagram of the officer positions and structure of our chapter.

All chapters have at least four officer positions: the hallmarks, though some chapters (such as ours) see fit to add more. Our history department records our activities and what happens in our meetings, and our finance department keeps track of our funds and expenditures for our activities. The president and all vice presidents are called officers. Not all activities and departments have officer positions however, such as our chapter’s website. In the latter case, we have chairpersons that can run committees. The two chairpersons we have are for our website and newsletter departments.