The time a member devotes to Phi Theta Kappa is a matter of individual choice. Some members choose to devote many hours to chapter activities; others may not participate at all. Phi Theta Kappa's Constitution requires only that a prospective member make and maintain certain grade point averages. Chapters may not required participation in activities by new or old members. Chapters cannot withhold membership benefits based on lack of participation (i.e., wearing honors stole; receiving scholarship recommendations).
What will I do in Phi Theta Kappa?
Phi Theta Kappa activities are determined by the members with emphasis on the four hallmarks of the program: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. You determine your involvement!
What kind of time commitment is expected from new members?
That depends on you. We welcome any amount of time you can contribute.
Membership
At what point does a student officially become a member?
A student becomes a member when his/her membership application has been approved and membership fees have been paid. The Society's induction requirement is met when the student signs the Membership Oath which appears on the membership application. A student must be recorded as a member at Headquarters in order to receive all the rights, privileges and benefits of membership.
What is Regular Membership?
This type of membership gives you full membership, but recognizes that members who choose this program prefer NOT to be notified about chapter activities.
What is Enhanced Membership?
Enhanced Membership is for those members who want to be informed about chapter activities and want to be active. The Enhanced Membership program encourages and rewards member participation in chapter activities.
If I join as a Regular Member, can I change to Enhanced Member?
Absolutely, just let us know, we will put you on the contact list.
If I joined Phi Theta Kappa at another chapter, must I join all over again?
No, contact a chapter advisor for a Transfer Member Application. You will only be asked to pay $15.00 for the chapter membership dues.
What happens if my GPA drops below 3.5?
For most members this is not a problem. You are expected to have a 3.5 GPA when you apply for membership. However, after joining Phi Theta Kappa you are expected to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
Eligibility
Are international students eligible to join?
Yes, as long as they possess full rights of citizenship in their own country.
Can a high school student become a member?
A high school student enrolled at a community college who completes at least 12 hours of associate degree course work with the required cumulative grade point average is eligible for membership.
Are part-time students eligible?
Part-time students may be eligible for membership if they have accumulated the number of hours the college considers to be full-time status (usually 12 hours on a semester system). The decision to make part-time students eligible is an option of the local chapter and should be addressed in each chapter's bylaws.
Are students pursuing certificate programs eligible for membership?
A certificate student may be eligible for membership if the student has completed at least 12 hours of course work that could be applied toward an associate degree at the community college where the student is currently enrolled and has met the chapter's required grade point average.
Is a community college student who has earned a degree already eligible for membership?
A student with a degree who is enrolled at the community college is eligible for membership if that student has completed at least 12 hours of associate degree course work with the required cumulative grade point average at the community college he or she is attending presently.
Can credit hours for coursework taken at another community college be considered in determining eligibility?
Credits from any Maricopa Community College can be considered in determining eligibility, bring in all relevant transcripts with your enrollment application.
Can transfer hours from other colleges be considered when determining membership eligibility?
Courses taken at other institutions may be considered when determining membership eligibility if this procedure is acceptable to the institution the student is currently attending. All courses considered must be applicable to an associate degree at the students current institution. The decision should be addressed in the chapter's bylaws and followed consistently.
If a student attended the community college several years ago and did not do well, are those grades considered when determining the student's eligibility?
Courses taken more than five years ago need not be considered when determining membership eligibility. However, the college administration may increase the number of years which must elapse for waiving course consideration to any period beyond five years.
Are students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution without receiving an associate degree eligible?
While Phi Theta Kappa encourages students to obtain an associate degree before transferring, this is not a requirement for membership eligibility. A student would be eligible if he or she has completed at least 12 hours of course work that could be applied to earning an associate degree where the student is currently enrolled and has met the chapter's required grade point average.
If I joined Phi Theta Kappa at another chapter, must I join all over again?
No, contact a chapter advisor for a Transfer Member Application. You will only be asked to pay $17.00 for the chapter membership dues.
Are international students, those who are citizens of countries other than the country where they attend college, eligible?
International students attending college outside their home countries are eligible for membership if they have completed at least 12 hours of associate degree course work and have met the required cumulative grade point average.
Other Questions
What if I move after being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa? How do I update my address with Headquarters?
Members and other Society constituents can update their contact information with Headquarters any time by editing their online profiles. To access your profile, log in at ptk.org. When Welcome, Your Name appears, click on your name. This will take you to your online profile. To update any of the information that appears, click the green Edit My Profile button, make your changes and then click Save. You may also request updates using our Contact Us form or by calling 800.946.9995.
What happens when I submit my application?
Once your application has been submitted to National Headquarters, you will receive an email within twenty-four hours that your membership has been processed. This email will also containing your membership number, username, and password allowing you full access to exclusive membership benefits. Your membership packet will be mailed within 6-8 weeks.
What is the value of joining if I graduate at the end of the semester?
In addition to having lifetime membership in Phi Theta Kappa on your resume, you can choose to purchase the official Phi Theta Kappa regalia to wear at graduation. Also, you would be afforded access to scholarship opportunities reserved just for Phi Theta Kappa members.
