Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

1. How do I become a member?


Membership is by invitation only and is extended to students who have accumulated 12 credit hours and have a grade point average of 3.5 or better. Invitations to join are sent to eligible students at the beginning of every semester. If you did not receive a letter and believe that you should have, obtain an unofficial transcript and contact your campus advisor.

 

2. Are part-time students eligible?


YES. As long as you are currently enrolled at 6 credits, have accumulated 12 credit hours of course work and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

 

3. Are students who are enrolled in associate degree programs eligible if they do plan to actually complete their associate degree, but instead plan to simply transfer to a senior institution?


YES. Students taking basic course work at a two-year college, with plans to transfer to a four-year institution without completing associate degree requirements are eligible if they meet the above requirements. The same is true for students who are enrolled in certificate programs.

 

4. Can a community college student who has already earned a bachelor's degree be a member of Phi Theta Kappa?


YES. If said student is currently attending a two-year college and has met the above requirements, he or she is eligible.

 

5. Are international students, those who are citizens of countries other than the United States or Canada, eligible?


YES. International students attending college on a United States student visa and who possess full rights of citizenship of their country (just as U.S. and Canadian students must) are eligible for membership.

 

6. Can a high school student who is taking college credit be a member of Phi Theta Kappa?


YES. However, they must be enrolled in a two-year college and meet the above requirements.

 

1. Why are the membership dues $75.00, and when is the deadline for payment? 


Phi Theta Kappa operates at three levels: The International Headquarters, The Regional Headquarters, and the local chapter. The chapter dues make up only a small portion of the $75.00 fee. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is life long. The experiences and benefits of becoming a member will greatly exceed this one-time only charge. The deadline for membership fees payment varies from semester to semester, but is indicated in the invitation for membership you received.

 

2. I missed the deadline for payment. What can I do? 


The deadline for payment is rarely extended. However, you can become a Provisional Member by writing a "Letter of Intent." While you will not become an official member until the next induction, you can still become active with the chapter until you are able to meet all the requirements for membership. These same instructions apply to those that cannot afford the one-time fee at this time. 

 

3. I have the grades, but can not afford the cost of membership.  Are scholarships available?

YES.  A limited number of membership scholarships are available from the chapter. These scholarships require an application which is available from the Vice-President of Membership or any Chapter Advisors.  Applications must be completed in full or they will be rejected by the Executive Board.  Candidates will be notified in writing about the scholarship award.

1. What can I do if I cannot attend the orientation scheduled for the campus that I primarily attend? 


ABX is a campus-wide organization at Pima Community College. You can attend any of the orientations. 

 

2. I cannot attend any of the scheduled orientations. What can I do?


You are highly encouraged to attend an orientation. It is the only way to become truly informed. However, you do not have to attend an orientation to become a member. Contact your campus advisor for other options.

 

3. I cannot attend my induction. Does this mean that I will not become a member? 


Missing your induction simply means that you'll miss one of the most memorable moments of your college career, and a truly fine ceremony. However, it will not affect your membership in any way.

 

4. I haven't gotten my membership packet yet. What's the deal? 


Membership packets are mailed directly from Phi Theta Kappa International Headquarters.  Membership packets are not forwarded, so if your address changes after you submit your application, you will not receive the packet. You should typically expect to receive the packet right around the time of the induction ceremony.  Contact Advisor, Rob Carey, and ask him to follow up on the problem.  

 

1. How do I contact chapter advisors and board members?

All email addresses are listed on the Contact Us page.

 

2. What if I have a question or problem with the website?

Contact our Webmaster.

 

3. What is PTK-L, and who subscribed me to it?

PTK-L is the chapter's e-mail list server that allows us to send relevant information to chapter members and advisors. You were subscribed to the list server when you became a member and provided your e-mail address. 

Appropriate information would include reminders of upcoming events, request for member help with chapter projects and activities, announcements of chapter officer position vacancies, announcements about scholarship opportunities, cultural events, and related matters. PTK-L is not to be used to send e-mail messages to members you know; everyone on the e-mail list will receive your message, and that might not be desirable! 

     4.   How do I subscribe and unsubscribe to PTK-L?

           Send an email to PTK-request@lists.pima.edu. In the subject, put subscribe or unsubscribe.

Graduation

1. Do Phi Theta Kappan's sit together during graduation?          

Phi Theta Kappans do not sit together as a group, unless they choose to do so. Your membership will be noted in the program with an asterisk next to your name. 

As a member, you are entitled to wear Phi Theta Kappa's honors stole, tassel and cords. Most members just wear the stole and tassel. These items MUST BE PURCHASED. You may order your graduation regalia from the Phi Theta Kappa International Headquarters Recognitions Department  or by calling them at 800.946.9996.

If you have earned Five-Star Enhanced Membership, you will receive your stole and tassel at the annual awards ceremony. The date and time of the ceremony will be announced in the spring semester calendar of chapter events.