Note: I've redacted the names of individuals mentioned in this to protect their identities and privacy. I also made a single alteration below as a date mentioned as already passed.
From grade school on, students are encouraged to put forth their absolute best for all sorts of rewards and benefits. Students with grades no lower than C’s are accepted into Honor Societies. Students with no lower than a B receive Distinguished Honors.
A similar opportunity awaits students who perform well academically at HACC and many other colleges.
Phi Theta Kappa (or ΦΘΚ) is a nationally recognized honor society. Formed in 1918 in Missouri, their self-described mission is to recognize college students’ academic achievements and grant opportunities for students to grow as scholars and leaders.
Today, Phi Theta Kappa has inducted nearly 3.1 million members from 1,285 college-based chapters nationwide. Almost 135,000 members are inducted each year.
Phi Theta Kappa’s HACC chapter – Alpha Nu Omega, or ΑΝΩ – was founded in 1988. Since then, they bring in hundreds of students from HACC each year.
To be eligible for Phi Theta Kappa, students must meet three requirements. Students must be enrolled in a program aiming for an Associate’s Degree, complete 12 credits that count toward it, and reach a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Once these requirements are met, students are automatically considered qualified to join.
A one-time $80.00 entry fee is required up front from students who accept membership. From here, the main requirement once a student accepts membership into Phi Theta Kappa from HACC is maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA while still attending.
“When you leave HACC as a member in good standing, you remain a member for life,” said Christine Nowik, Interim Harrisburg Advisor and Dean of Student and Academic Success at a Phi Theta Kappa orientation meeting at the Harrisburg campus on October 5.
The main benefits of Phi Theta Kappa stem from being recognized as a member. “In the area of recognition, we want to recognize your accomplishment as a high-achieving scholar,” said Nowik.
One such benefit is a competitive edge in employment opportunities for members. For example, members stand to develop social skills and connections, traits desirable for employers.
“Phi Theta Kappa has just been a very, very positive influence on my life,” said Laura Hutson, Vice President of Student Program and Development on opportunities provided by Phi Theta Kappa membership. “I am a gigantic introvert, but this has actually helped me become a better speaker, become an overall well-rounded person, which is what companies look for. They look for a well-rounded person.”
In addition, Phi Theta Kappa also wields positive influence for potential employers. For example Phi Theta Kappa offers personalized letters of recommendation for prospective employers and scholarships.
Students also stand to be eligible for over $37 million in scholarship opportunities.
“I have been offered $500 from Drexel [University] just because I’m a Phi Theta Kappa member,” said Laura Hutson. “They haven’t seen anything from me, I haven’t even applied, but they’re like, ‘We’ll give you $500 just for the sole fact that you’re a Phi Theta Kappa member.’”
“I think you should get involved. It’s a really good experience,” said Beonckia McManus, current President of the Alpha Nu Omega chapter.
Induction ceremonies will be were held October 23 at Scottish Rite Cathedral.
Bibliography
- https://www.ptk.org/AboutUs.aspx
- https://www.ptk.org/FutureMembers/Scholarships.aspx
- Adney, Isa. "5 Reasons to Join Phi Theta Kappa." Community College Success. N.p., 5 Apr. 2013. Web.
- Phi Theta Kappa Membership Recruitment Video
- Recording of Phi Theta Kappa orientation/meet and greet on Wednesday October 5, 2016. Obtained with permission of Christine Nowik and attendees.
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