Phi Theta Kappa
In the tradition of Phi Beta Kappa, its four-year counterpart, Phi Theta Kappa, is the only nationally recognized honor society for two-year colleges. The pledge of membership embodies four goals—service, scholarship, fellowship, and leadership.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. 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. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929. More than 3.8 million students have been inducted since 1918, with approximately 250,000 active members in the nation’s community colleges, making Phi Theta Kappa a true catalyst among members and colleges.
The Phi Theta Kappa Foundation awards $1.5 million in scholarships to members each year, and four-year college partners now offer $250 million in transfer scholarships exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members. The PTK Edge suite of free online courses helps students develop key skills to successfully transfer to a four-year college and gain employment.
Active membership in Alpha Rho Chi requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better on 12 completed college-level credits toward an associate's degree. Membership not only places you among the academic elite, but also affords you special benefits and unique scholarship opportunities open only to Phi Theta Kappa members.
PTK at Gogebic Community College
There are two types of membership at Gogebic Community College: General Membership and Par Excellence Membership.
In order to qualify for General Membership, a student must:
- Have completed at least 12 credits above the 100 level
- Pay a one-time fee of $65.00
- Attain a GPA of 3.5, then maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.25
With the general membership, students only have to pay the fee to obtain their membership. There are no other service requirements. Students can choose their own level of involvement, which is ideal for people who are too busy to commit to being involved.
In order to qualify for Par Excellence Membership, a student must:
- Have completed at least 12 credits above the 100 level
- Pay a one-time fee of $65.00
- Attain a GPA of 3.5, then maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.25
- Earn at least six (5) stars through volunteering, service, and/or fundraising.
Stars can be earned by volunteering, attending events, participating in fundraisers, and also by completing Edge programs online. Typically, we issue 1 star per on campus service event or 1 star per hour for an off campus volunteer community service effort. Students can also earn 1 star for every $50 raised through a fundraiser.
After a student obtains their five stars their membership status transfers to Par Excellence. Only Par Excellence members are provided with the Phi Theta Kappa stoles at graduation commencement.
For any questions regarding this membership program, please contact your PTK advisor: Dayle Jackson daylej@gogebic.edu.
