Frequently Asked Q & A

What is Phi Theta Kappa?

Phi Theta Kappa is NOT a sorority or fraternity or a club! Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society for two-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa is now over 2 million members strong with chapters throughout the world making it the largest International Honor Society. At Stark State College, prospective members are invited to join once they have completed 16 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. This requirement varies from college to college. Stark State College has set their standards higher than the minimum requirement by International Headquarters.

What are the benefits to me?

The most tangible benefits are the availability of scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa members and the honor of wearing the GOLD (gold stole and gold tassel) at graduation. The intangibles are numerous and vary for each member. There is the opportunity of creating a large network of friends, of learning and/or refining leadership skills, and the opportunity to travel.

How Do I Join?

Upon receiving an invitation to join, you will need to fill out an application. You will also need to pay a one time fee to the college cashier office and return the application with the paid receipt to the chapter advisor.

What GPA do I need to maintain once I am a member?

Once you have been inducted as a Phi Theta Kappa member, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.4. Again, this requirement varies from college to college.

What happens if I drop below that GPA?

If your cumulative GPA drops below 3.4, you will be placed on probation and will have two semesters to bring your cumulative GPA back up to 3.4

How much does it cost?

There is a one time membership fee of $65. Of this one time fee, $45 is sent to International Headquarters, $5 is sent to the Ohio Region, and $15 is for the chapter. There is help available to those for which this would cause a financial hardship. If you are invited to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa, please do not let the one time membership fee be what keeps you from accepting the invitation. Contact the chapter advisor or chapter president to discuss your options.

I am graduating at the end of the semester, am I still eligible to join?

Yes, definitely! Do not turn down this opportunity to proudly wear the gold stole and tassel at graduation. Plus, once you are inducted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, you are a lifetime member.

I took a couple of classes several years ago and had a poor GPA. Now I am back taking classes in another major doing very well. How can I qualify to join Phi Theta Kappa?

Contact the Dean of Student Services (Room S305). There may be a way to expunge your previous courses in the old major.

I work full-time, have a family, and go to school at night, how much of my time does being a member require?

There is no time requirement of members. However, you will only get out of this experience what you put into it. We are all busy with work, families, and school but becoming involved with your Phi Theta Kappa chapter can be very fulfilling and rich with friendships. We encourage all to give what they can whether it is baking for a bake sale, actively participating in a chapter event, or becoming an officer.

Can I attend a Regional Convention without being an officer?

All active members can attend Regional Conventions. All that is required is that you pay the registration fee for the convention to the chapter advisor and she will make sure you get registered. If at all possible, we encourage you to attend at least one Regional Convention to truly experience what it is to be a part of the Phi Theta Kappa family.

How do I run for Chapter, Regional, or International office?

To run for a chapter or regional office, you must be nominated and accept the nomination. Further guidelines for running for a Regional Office can be found in the Regional By-Laws at www.ohioptk.org For more information on running for Chapter Office, you can contact the chapter advisor, Cherie Barth, at cbarth@starkstate.edu Guidelines for running for International Office can be found at www.ptk.org

Who is my regional coordinator, and why do I care?

The Ohio Regional Coordinator is Cindy Carbone and she can be reached at cindy.carbone@ptk.org Cindy serves as the leader of the Ohio Region. Her duties include facilitating the integral relationship among chapters in the Ohio Region, between International Headquarters, and between Phi Theta Kappa and the two year college.

What is an advisor and what do they do?

The advisor is designated by the college to conduct the main correspondence with International Headquarters (e.g., the Chapter Annual Report and reporting new inductees to the Headquarters). Chapter advisors are considered the authority of the chapter from the perspective of the campus administration and Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters. While students provide leadership as officers, advisors provide the continuity to our society.

What is the Service Project and Honors Topic?

Phi Theta Kappa offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary Honors Program for use as an honors course, seminar, or community colloquy. Additionally, the Society provides opportunities for students to engage in scholarly research and creative writing. The 2006-08 Honors Topic is "Gold, Gods, and Glory: The Global Dynamics of Power."

 

Phi Theta Kappa collaborates with national or international organizations to engage students in service learning activities related to the Society's Honors Study Topic. The 2006-08 International Service Project is "Operation Green: Improving Our Communities." Phi Theta Kappa has partnered with Keep America Beautiful, Inc. for this project.

What happens after I graduate?

Once you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa, you are always welcome to attend chapter and regional events even after you graduate. Alpha of Ohio is the alumni group which you are encouraged to join once you graduate. Alpha of Ohio has a wonderful, active group of officers this year and they have several goals they are hoping to accomplish. For more information on Alpha of Ohio go to: Alpha of Ohio Web Site

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