How to Join

Next opportunity to join PTK at HVCC: Fall 2023

 

Eligibility Requirements

Only students who meet basic eligibility requirements will be invited to join the Alpha Xi Sigma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Invitations are sent to eligible students once in the fall semester, once in the spring semester, and once in the summer semester. The requirements for induction are:

  • Matriculation into a program at HVCC
    • Associate Degree:  Minimum of 12 hours of college level work completed
    • Certificate of 1 year:  Minimum of 6 hours of college level work completed
  • A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50*
  • Students must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct
  • Students must possess recognized qualities of citizenship

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 their cumulative GPA up to 3.50. If they fail to raise the cumulative GPA to 3.50 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.

*Regarding the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50: As stated in Chapter 3, Section 1.A of the Bylaws of the Alpha Xi Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, courses taken prior to a one year absence from the college may be excluded from the initial eligibility GPA calculation. This is done upon request – if you would like to find out if this exception may make you eligible to join PTK, please contact ptk@hvcc.edu from your HVCC email address.

Additional Membership Opportunities


Provisional Member: Shall be a student who, in the opinion of the local chapter officers and advisors, has shown active interest in the affairs of the honor society, and who serves the honor society in some special capacity but does not meet the full requirements for membership in the honor society. In addition to meeting eligibility requirements as stated in Article IV, Section 1B of the *Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Constitution and Bylaws,* a student must have earned a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.25 on all course work completed at Hudson Valley Community College. A student must be currently enrolled in courses leading to a degree or certificate credential at the two-year college, adhere to school conduct code and possess recognized qualities of citizenship. Provisional members will pay local chapter dues of $2.00 per semester, but are not required to pay the international and regional induction fee until they have qualified for full membership. Provisional members may not be eligible for Phi Theta Kappa scholarships.

Alumni Member: Former member of the chapter who terminated active membership. An individual must meet eligibility requirements as stated in Article IV, Section 1C of the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws.

Honorary Member: Shall be a person who meets the eligibility requirements as stated in Article IV, Section 1D of the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws.

Transfer Member: A member from another Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter may transfer membership to Alpha Xi Sigma Chapter if they are currently enrolled at Hudson Valley Community College and meet the membership eligibility and maintenance standards at the new chapter.

Membership Fee

Each new member is charged a one-time fee of $80.00. If you are a transfer Phi Theta Kappa member, the fee is only $10. The fee is collected to help with the expense of Chapter operations.

All fees are paid at the Student Activities Office, Siek Campus Center, Room 210. Payment may be made by check or money order (made out to ptk-fsa) or by cash or credit card payment. If you have questions, please email ptk@hvcc.edu

Member Benefits

Members of Phi Theta Kappa have exclusive access to:

  • $37 million in scholarships
  • CollegeFish.org, a college completion and transfer planning tool
  • Five Star Competitive Edge, a personal and professional development planning tool and online portfolio
  • PTK’s Career Resource Center
  • Publishing opportunities in Phi Theta Kappa’s anthology, Nota Bene
  • Personalized letters of recommendation for scholarships and employment
  • A Press Release announcing your academic achievement
  • Increased pay grade for entry level federal jobs

All PTK members receive the following:

  • The Phi Theta Kappa Golden Key Membership Pin
  • A Phi Theta Kappa Membership Certificate and ID Card
  • The official Seal of Phi Theta Kappa placed on your college diploma upon graduation
  • Notation of membership on your college transcript
  • Recognition by wearing Phi Theta Kappa Commencement Regalia during graduation (individuals can purchase at the PTK Store at ptk.org)

In addition to these tangible benefits, new members may participate in an induction ceremony during the semester in which they join. The Alpha Xi Sigma chapter at Hudson Valley Community College also sponsors member-only events, to help members develop research and leadership skills.

The best part about membership in Phi Theta Kappa is that your level of involvement with the Honor Society is up to you! You may choose to participate in all of the events, or none of them if you wish.