Membership

Admission to the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter in accordance with the bylaws of both the chapter and the national Society. Both require superior scholarship and good character as criteria for membership.

Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society, not an honorary society or fraternity. Membership is earned; it is a true honor. Meeting Phi Kappa Phi's criteria signifies excellence which, in turn, signifies distinction.

Because of their outstanding records, members of Phi Kappa Phi often are preferred candidates for grants, scholarships and fellowships from institutions where they may continue their education or do research. When they seek jobs, they find their Phi Kappa Phi membership is widely accepted as an indicator of academic ability and motivation. Phi Kappa Phi, being interdisciplinary and thus drawing membership from all colleges, divisions, or departments within the academic institution, is a unifying force in education today.
 
It is in a unique position to cultivate consciousness of relationships by bringing together individuals from a variety of disciplines. It promotes the intellectual life of the community.
 
The academic variety within the Society's membership acquaints initiates with many options if they are in the process of trying to decide upon a career.
 
Members are eligible for Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships. Active members receive National Forum: The Phi Kappa Phi Journal enabling them to keep abreast of significant cultural, social and scientific issues. Active members receive the Newsletter, enabling them to share in the national activities and programs of the Society and of its members. Members of the Society can participate in activities sponsored by local chapters.
 
Phi Kappa Phi insists upon high quality in the institutions to which it grants chapters, e.g., strong faculties and ample libraries. It thus fulfills an obligation to assure its initiates that they are coming into a truly significant organization.
 
Phi Kappa Phi provides for the association of kindred spirits--kindred in the sense of having integrity of character and the highest ideals, as well as an abiding love of learning.

Eligibility

Only students with the most outstanding academic credentials, supported by good character, are invited to join Phi Kappa Phi. In accordance with national standards for membership in Phi Kappa Phi, juniors invited must be among the top 7.5 percent, and seniors and graduate students must be among the top 10 percent of their class within each academic department. The minimum allowable GPA is 3.0, but the minimum varies by academic department since the candidates are selected based on the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors within each academic department and not university-wide. Student initiates also must have been enrolled at SIUE for at least one year before being invited (i.e., juniors and seniors must have completed 24 hours at SIUE and graduate students 18 hours).

A small number of outstanding faculty, staff, and alumni may become members each year based on their academic record, professional achievement, service to higher education, and good character. This number is limited to four or to 2% of the students initiated, whichever is greater.