Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 CSU Dominguez Hills chapter?
Membership in the CSUDH chapter is by invitation only and is based on three criteria: 1) superior scholastic achievement as measured by your cumulative earned GPA, 2) satisfactory progress toward your degree objective, and 3) a demonstrated concern for the promotion of excellence. Each year the CSUDH Chapter invites to Phi Kappa Phi membership those who are in the top 5 percent of their graduating class and certain highly qualified (top 7.5%) juniors.
3. 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:
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Recognition for academic achievement by the nation’s oldest, largest, and most selective all-discipline honor society
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Career assistance to post résumés, search newly listed position openings, and manage job applications
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Opportunities to apply for awards and scholarships valued at more than $700,000 per year
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Partner discounts on certain products and services
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Society publications such as the Phi Kappa Phi Forum
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Networking, training, and leadership opportunities
For more information about benefits of membership, please visit the national Web site.
4. How do I get my member number?
Your member number is assigned by the National Office when you join online. You will receive your member number and you will create a password when you join online. You may begin to use this information to enjoy membership benefits.
To inquire about membership status, contact the Society Headquarters at 1-800-804-9880 ext.11 or members@phikappaphi.org.
5. 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 CSU Dominguez Hills chapter hold initiation?
The CSUDH Chapter holds an initiation ceremony every academic year usually in May. 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 Loker Student Union Ballroom.
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 will be initiated in absentia. When you join online, you will indicate whether or not you will attend the initiation ceremony.
3. How long is the initiation ceremony?
The ceremony usually takes about one hour.
4. 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.