Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
Phi Theta Kappa traces its beginnings to a Society that originated with six charter members under the name of Kappa Phi Omicron at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, in 1910. The society continued to grow and, in the spring of 1918, was one of many honorary groups in Missouri.
At a meeting of the presidents of the Missouri junior colleges for women in 1918, it was decided to organize a new honorary society, with chapters that would share a common character, stand, and organizational structure. The name Phi Theta Kappa was chosen, and the society was incorporated in Missouri as a national organization. Founders modeled many aspects of the new society after the prestigious senior college honorary society, Phi Beta Kappa.
“The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. 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.”
What is Phi Theta Kappa?
Phi Theta Kappa is composed of honor societies from community colleges throughout the world. There are chapters in Japan, Germany, Canada, and Great Britain, with more countries joining. Phi Theta Kappa is an achievement that you have made by being among the very best and brightest of community college students. It demonstrates that students at Rose State College have the potential to transform the world and positively impact their community throughout their lives.
What is Alpha Eta Alpha?
Alpha Eta Alpha is the name of the Rose State College Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Most community colleges across the nation participate in this honors program, and each college has a chapter name. Chapters compete at regional and international levels by writing essays and helping members grow through service to the school and community.
Eligibility
As eligibility for membership is determined, a student’s cumulative grade point average for all courses taken, including those taken at another institution, must be 3.5 or higher. Remedial courses or courses that will not apply towards an associate degree should not be considered in the cumulative grade. At least 12 hours of coursework must be completed in courses leading to an associate degree at a fully accredited university, four-year college, or two-year college in which the student is enrolled. If found to be qualified, the student will receive an invitation letter to join the program. Transfer hours from other institutions are accepted. If you feel you are eligible to join, but you have not received a letter, please email advisor Leanne May at [email protected] or advisor Julie Dill-Burnett at [email protected].
How Do I Join?
To accept the invitation to membership, please go to www.ptk.org/become-a-member and type in the code that was provided in your membership invitation email. You will then fill out an application form and pay your dues with a credit or debit card. Once completed, you will have full access to all of the benefits Phi Theta Kappa membership has to offer.
Membership invitations to all eligible students are sent to the Rose State student email accounts during the first two weeks of each semester. If you have misplaced your letter or did not receive one, please email advisor advisor Leanne May at [email protected] or advisor Julie Dill-Burnett at [email protected].