How do I know if I am eligible to join?
Eligibility requirements are listed here. Inductions are held once each semester, so if you meet all of the eligibility requirements you will receive an email inviting you to join in either October or February.
What is the fee for, and do I have to pay every year?
The fee is paid only once, when a member is first inducted. The fee covers the cost of Chapter operations. The majority of the fee is paid to the national PTK headquarters, to cover the expense of running the organization. The fee breakdown is as follows: $60 to the national organization, $5 to the regional organization, $10 to the local chapter.
What will be required of me if I join?
The beauty of PTK membership is that the amount of time a member devotes to Phi Theta Kappa is a matter of individual choice. Some members choose to devote many hours to chapter activities; others may not participate at all. Members have the option to run for office or participate in chapter events. However, participation is optional and will not affect your ability to remain a member, apply for scholarships, or use any of the PTK resources.
What do we wear to graduation & where do I get the regalia?
The Alpha Xi Sigma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa wears the Honors Key Chord to the commencement ceremony, which is provided at the spring induction ceremony. You may purchase additional PTK regalia from the PTK web store. If you are an honors graduate (3.5 GPA and above), you will receive an honors tassel at cap and gown distribution.
If my GPA drops below a 3.60, will I lose my membership?
Once a student is inducted into PTK, a cumulative GPA of 3.25 must be maintained. When a member’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.25, they have one semester in which to bring the cumulative GPA to 3.25. If they fail to raise their cumulative GPA to 3.25 after one semester, the member shall have their name stricken from the local chapter roll and the Phi Theta Kappa National Headquarters shall be notified to strike the name from the national roll as well.
How can I find out more?
If you are eligible to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa, you will receive an email (to your HVCC email address) inviting you to attend an Orientation session. If you are unable to attend Orientation, or have specific questions, please contact an advisor at ptk@hvcc.edu.