Phi Theta Kappa is NOT a sorority or fraternity! Phi Theta Kappa is the Honor Society for two-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa is now over 3 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. This requirement varies from college to college. Stark State College has set their standards higher than the minimum required by International Headquarters
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.
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.
The most tangible benefits are the availability of scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa members and the honor of wearing the gold stole and gold tassel at graduation. The intangible benefits 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.
Upon obtaining an invitation to join, you will will receive a passcode to complete the membership application online. If you do not wish to complete a membership application online, you may contact the chapter advisor (S302a). You will also need to pay a one-time membership fee of $80.00.
There is a one time membership fee of $80. Of this one time fee, $60 is sent to International Headquarters, $5 is sent to the 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.
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.
Contact the the Chapter Advisor(Room S302a). There may be a way to expunge your previous courses in the old major.
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.
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 they will make sure you get registered. We encourage you if at all possible to attend at least one regional convention to truly experience what it is to be a part of the Phi Theta Kappa family.
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 a chapter office, you can contact the chapter advisor, Shari Brooks at sbrooks@starkstate.edu or the current Chapter President. Guidelines for running for an International office can be found at www.ptk.org
The Ohio Regional Coordinator is David Sigmund and he can be reached at dsigmund@starkstate.edu Dave serves as the leader of the region. His duties include facilitating the integral relationship among chapters in the region, between Headquarters and the chapters, and between Phi Theta Kappa and the two-year college.
The advisor is designated by the college to conduct the main correspondence with Headquarters (e.g., the Chapter Annual Report and reporting new inductees to 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 chapter officers, advisors provide the continuity to our Society.
To build our relationships with our colleges and communities as well as develop our leadership, service, collaboration, and project management skills, every chapter conducts a College Project. The College Project begins with proposals and collaboration with our colleges to identify an area of need for the campus community. The chapter then organizes organizations and individuals within the college community to help address the identified issue.
Phi Theta Kappa also offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary Honors in Action Program for use as an honor course, seminar, or community colloquy. Additionally, the Society provides opportunities for students to engage in scholarly research and creative writing. The 2022-2024 Honors In Action Topic is ‘The Art and Science of Play”.
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 Ohio alumni group which you are encouraged to join once you graduate. Alpha of Ohio has a wonderful, active group of members and officers along with many goals that will benefit the region. For more information on Alpha of Ohio, visit the web site at http://www.ohioptk.org/alumni.html