Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Membership

1. What is Phi Kappa Phi?

Phi Kappa Phi is an academic honor society founded in 1897 whose chief purpose is to reward and recognize scholarly achievement in all majors and disciplines in the university. The Auburn University Chapter was one of the first honor societies established on this campus, and Phi Kappa Phi is one of two widely recognized honor societies nationwide.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. Standards for election are extremely high. Because Phi Kappa Phi is highly selective, membership is a stamp of excellence that is recognized by graduate and professional school admissions committees and employers alike.

At initiation, members receive gold keys and certificates of membership, but Phi Kappa Phi is much more than a line on a résumé. It is a more than 100-year-old honor society comprised of the best and brightest from all academic disciplines. It is a community of scholars who are leaving an enviable legacy for future generations.

2. How are members elected at the Auburn chapter?

Membership in the Auburn chapter is by invitation only and is based on three criteria: 1) superior scholastic achievement as measured by your earned GPA, 2) satisfactory progress toward your degree objective, and 3) a demonstrated concern for the promotion of excellence. Each semester the Auburn University Chapter invites to Phi Kappa Phi membership those who are in the top 5 percent of their graduating class and certain highly qualified juniors. For more information, please visit our chapter’s website: http://www.auburn.edu/pkp

3. What are the membership dues?

Membership dues at the Auburn University Chapter are $75.00. This amount covers initiation fees and first year dues to the Society; a Society emblem of your choice that may be worn either as a pin, charm or tie tack; a membership certificate suitable for framing; a ribbon to wear at the graduation ceremony; and one-year subscription to the Society's quarterly magazine, the Phi Kappa Phi Forum. Each issue focuses on a single topic and is written by top scholars.       

4. What are benefits of membership?

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi offers numerous benefits that can assist members throughout their academic and professional lives. Our global focus on resources allows Phi Kappa Phi members to connect and network with one another from every corner of the world. 

Benefits of membership may include, but are not limited to, the following:

5. How do I get my member number?

Your member number is assigned by the National Office. After graduation each semester, the Auburn University Chapter treasurer sends an initiation report to the National Office. Your membership information is entered into the Society database, and a member number is assigned. A membership card will be sent to the address you provided on the Permanent Record of Election form. 

To inquire about membership status, contact the Society Headquarters at 1-800-804-9880 ext.11 or members@phikappaphi.org.

6. What can this society mean to you after graduation?

Phi Kappa Phi recognizes excellence. Membership in the Society carries with it the respect of your academic faculty/advisors, family, friends, peers, and employers. You may find membership in the Society opens "doors" for future employment, and membership will provide you an advantage because others know that Phi Kappa Phi members represent the very best and brightest higher education has to offer.

Initiation

1. When does the Auburn chapter hold initiation?

The Auburn University Chapter holds an initiation ceremony each semester. The ceremony format is similar to a graduation ceremony; chapter officers wear academic robes, initiates are seated together, and each initiate’s name is called to receive the membership packet.

The ceremony is usually held in the Foy Union at 5:00 p.m.
 
2. Is attendance required at the initiation ceremony?

Attendance at the initiation ceremony is requested; however, if your schedule does not permit your attendance, you may be initiated in absentia with prior written approval from the Auburn University Chapter membership secretary, Dr. Susan Bannon.

3. How long is the initiation ceremony?

The ceremony usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

4. How do I purchase a stole or honor cords?

Contact Susan Bannon to purchase a stole or honor cords.

5. How do I claim my membership packet if I missed the initiation ceremony?

Membership packets are available for pick up 30 days after the initiation ceremony. Directions will be provided to assist you with claiming your packet.

6. How can I have my packet sent to me?

Your membership packet can be sent to you if the following conditions apply:

• You receive prior approval from Dr. Susan Bannon, to be initiated in absentia,
• You have paid $5.00 (check payable to Phi Kappa Phi), and
• You provide current mailing address to Dr. Susan Bannon, chapter membership secretary.

7. What happens to my membership packet if I do not claim it?

The chapter will may every effort to help get your packet to you, but if a packet is not claimed within 30 days after the initiation ceremony, the contents of the packet are destroyed. Replacement membership certificates and Society emblems can be replaced for a fee.

 

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