This document provides an overview of Phi Theta Kappa, including its mission, eligibility requirements, recognitions, programs, scholarships, and opportunities for involvement at the chapter, regional, and international levels. It describes Phi Theta Kappa's competitive edge and chapter development plans, as well as honors initiatives, leadership development studies, and recognition awards. Contact information is also included for staying connected as an alumni member.
2. What’s in a name?
Phronimon Thumos Katharotes
Wisdom Aspiration Purity
3. Mission Statement
"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."
4. Eligibility
ï‚— enrolled in a regionally accredited institution offering
an associate degree program
ï‚— have completed at least 12 hours of coursework that
may be applied to an associate degree
ï‚— have a grade point average of 3.25*
ï‚— receive an invitation to membership from the chapter
at the college where presently enrolled
* or as determined by your chapter
5. Recognitions
ï‚— The Golden Key Pin: worn on left side only, on lapel, or if no lapel, above
your heart; do not wear on tee shirts
ï‚— Officer Pins: may be worn on left or right side, if you wear both key pin and
officer pin, the officer pin should be worn on the right
ï‚— Medallions: wear at special occasions only; do not wear with officer pins
ï‚— Other Pins: do not wear other pins with the key pin; (Five Star pin is worn
under key pin; International Convention pin may be worn on the right side
ï‚— Exception!: A United States flag pin may be worn above the key pin
6. The Plans
For Members:
ï‚— Five Star Competitive Edge
ï‚— Learn life skills and develop an online portfolio to
showcase your accomplishments when transferring,
applying for scholarships or starting your career.
For Chapters:
ï‚— Five Star Chapter Development Plan
ï‚— A blueprint for building and maintaining a
successful chapter
7. Competitive Edge
Get a leg up on the competition for scholarships, transferring and your dream job.
Your college classes are only part of your education.
Soft skills - such as communication, professional etiquette, team building
and critical thinking - are just as important and can give you an advantage over others.
The Professional Development Plan Includes:
ï‚— Instructional videos by experts on critical thinking, scholarship application
tips, professional etiquette, overcoming speech anxiety and more
ï‚— Activities to strengthen soft skills, completed individually or with your
chapter
ï‚— An Online Portfolio, a central location for posting leadership and service
experience, awards/honors and photos/videos of accomplishments; share your
portfolio with those writing letters of recommendation, potential employers,
scholarship providers, college admissions officials and others
ï‚— A Professional Resume, step-by-step instructions for creating a professional
resume
9. The Program: Honors in Action
ï‚— Honors Study Topic
ï‚— A timely, interdisciplinary and issue-driven subject chosen to promote
discussion and to inspire individual, chapter and regional Honors in
Action Projects
ï‚— Honors Case Study Challenge
ï‚— An academic research competition based on the Honors Study Topic,
includes cash awards and online publication of winning entries, open to
individuals and chapters
ï‚— Honors Institute
ï‚— A five-day summer conference examining the Honors Study Topic using
speaker presentations and small group discussions
10. Additional Programs
ï‚— Leadership Development Studies
ï‚— A humanities-based course using great works of
literature, film, speeches, biographies and experiential
learning in the study of leadership
ï‚— Facebook Leadership Development Study
Group
ï‚— An online dialogue exploring leadership topics with
interested members, alumni or prospective members
11. The Recognition
ï‚— Hallmark Awards
ï‚— Competitive awards recognizing outstanding Honors
in Action by individuals, chapters and regions;
applications due in February
ï‚— Nota Bene Anthology
ï‚— A literary competition for members, includes cash
awards and publication opportunities, submissions
due in December
ï‚— Pinnacle Awards
ï‚— An incentive program for chapters focused on
effective member recruitment
12. Special Initiatives
ï‚— Community College Completion Corps
ï‚— A student-led initiative to raise awareness of the
importance of college completion not only for
students but for colleges and the communities they
serve.
ï‚— Relay For Life
ï‚— An annual fundraising event for the American
Cancer Society in which chapters regularly
participate
13. Scholarship Opportunities
ï‚— Transfer Scholarships
ï‚— Frank Lanza Memorial Scholarship
ï‚— Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise
ï‚— GEICO Business Student Scholarship
Additional scholarships include, but are not limited to:
Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, Jeanette Rankin
Foundation, International Scholar Laureate Program,
Pearson Prize for Higher Education
14. Chapter Involvement
ï‚— Chapter Meetings
ï‚— Induction Ceremonies
ï‚— New Member Orientations
ï‚— Faculty & Student Awareness
ï‚— Event Committees
ï‚— Fundraisers
ï‚— Fellowship Events
ï‚— Campus Open Houses
ï‚— College & Transfer Fairs
ï‚— Collaboration with other student groups
ï‚— College and Honors in Action Projects
20. Indiana Region Alumni Association
ï‚— Eligible upon graduation or transfer from your
two-year institution, as a member in good standing
ï‚— Applications available online
ï‚— Participate with chapter, regional and international
conferences, meetings, and other events
ï‚— Continue to serve Phi Theta Kappa as an
Alumni Association Member or Officer*
*(term of office is 2 years)
22. Resources
ï‚— All information initially compiled by Jessica Roberts
and modified by Lana Highfill
ï‚— Sources include ptk.org and indianaptk.org
Editor's Notes
The founders chose to model their new Society after the prestigious senior honor society, Phi Beta Kappa. The name Phi Theta Kappa was taken from the initial letters of the three Greek words meaning wisdom, aspiration and purity.
Phi Theta Kappa's mission is two-fold: 1) recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students (this is YOU!, sitting here today shows that Phi Theta Kappa has recognized your scholarship achievement and you have received an exclusive invite to become a part of this society) and (2) provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming (everything that Phi Theta Kappa throws your way, through the chapter, regional and international levels is an opportunity for you to develop yourself).
Recognition and other items are available at http://store.ptk.org/
Honors Program Guides are distributed to every chapter and are available in pdf form at http://www.ptk.org/sites/default/files/docs/honors/2012_honors_program_guide.pdf
A full listing of Scholarship Opportunities are listed at http://www.ptk.org/become-a-member/scholarships
Members in our region are eligible to run for all regional positions (VP North & VP South are based on location of your home chapter). Applications for Regional Office are due in February. Elections are held at the Annual Regional Convention in late February or March.
Members are eligible to apply to run for International VP of Division III or International President. Applications for International Office are due in February. Elections are held at the Annual International Convention in April.
Be sure to check out our regional website: http://indianaptk.org/ and our regional facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/indiana.region