1. What is Phi Theta Kappa?
2. What is Alpha Epsilon Pi?
3. Who is eligible to become a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi?
4. What events does PTK participate in, specifically the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter?
5. Why should I join Phi Theta Kappa?
6. How do I become a member?
7. What is my fee used for?
8. The fee is expensive, is there a Membership Fee scholarship available?
9. Am I still a member when I graduate?
10. Will I receive verification/certification that I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa?
11. I can’t attend the induction ceremony. Will I still be inducted as a member?
12. If I can’t attend meetings regularly can I still participate in events? How do I find out about them?
13. Is participation a requirement?
14. How do I keep track of my participation in events and how does this benefit me?
15. What is the points system?
16. How do I find out about and/or apply for Phi Theta Kappa scholarships? Which scholarships am I eligible for?
17. What are the four hallmarks, and what do they mean?

1. What is Phi Theta Kappa?

Phi Theta Kappa is an International Honor Society. “The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is 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 success.”

2. What is Alpha Epsilon Pi?

Alpha Epsilon Pi is the local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa located at Raritan Valley Community College.

3. Who is eligible to become a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi?

Any student at Raritan Valley Community College who has completed 12 credits at the community college level and has a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Part-time students are welcome to become members. To remain a member in good standing you must maintain a GPA of at least 3.2.

4. What events does PTK participate in, specifically the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter?

The AEII chapter participates in many academic and non-academic events. Fundraising events such as car shows and concerts have been a great success. We also hold satellite and leadership seminars. We recently started a partnership with RVCC’s Honors Program.

To promote fellowship, we organize parties and picnics. We provide many opportunities to become socially involved with the school while working with the community, networking and helping members find scholarships and academic opportunities.

5. Why should I join Phi Theta Kappa?

Joining Phi Theta Kappa opens the door to thousands of scholarships and academic opportunities. It is a wonderful addition to your transcript as well as a chance to make new friends. Futhermore, membership in PTK offers you the chance to contribute to your community and the academic world.

6. How do I become a member?

To become a member you must attend an orientation meeting and fill out the required paperwork which consists of an application.  The specifics of the application process can be found on this portion of the website: http://www.raritanval.edu/studentactivities/Phitheta/join_team.htm.

There is also a one time fee of $50. Your application and payment must be turned in before the semester deadline. Ask an officer to help you with the application process.

7. What is my fee used for?

The lifetime fee goes to Phi Theta Kappa International and the Phi Theta Kappa Middle States Region.

8. Is there a Membership Fee scholarship available?

Yes, there is a Membership Fee scholarship. For more information on the scholarship, go to http://www.raritanval.edu/studentactivities/Phitheta/join_team.htm or speak to a Phi Theta Kappa officer or advisor.

9. Am I still a member when I graduate?

Yes, membership is for life.

10. Will I receive verification/certification that I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa?

Yes. Four to six weeks after the induction ceremony you will receive a membership certificate, a membership card, as well as additional information regarding Phi Theta Kappa.

11. I can’t attend the induction ceremony. Will I still be inducted as a member?

Yes, as long as you complete the rest of the application process and hand in everything on time. However, we encourage you to attend the induction ceremony and bring family members and friends. It is important to attend in order to get acquainted with your fellow inductees/current members as well as to celebrate your personal achievement.

12. If I can’t attend meetings regularly can I still participate in events? How do I find out about them?

Of course you can still participate and there are many ways to contribute! We hold many events in the evenings and on weekends. You can also help write up event summaries for publication in local newspapers or chronicle our history by taking pictures during our events.

Participation is required to be an active member. If you do not qualify as an active member, you MAY find it more difficult to obtain scholarships.

You can always find out about events by stopping by the Phi Theta Kappa office in the Student Activities Office, asking an officer, or by going to our website.

13. Is participation a requirement?

Participation is a requirement for active membership. If you do not participate, you will be deemed inactive. This MAY affect your success in obtaining scholarships. However, as long as you maintain a 3.2 GPA you will be eligible to apply for all available PTK related scholarships. However, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to secure an advisor’s signature or obtain a letter of recommendation from an advisor.

14. How do I keep track of my participation in events and how does this benefit me?

You can keep track of your participation in events on a Memberships Points Sheet. The more points you earn the more your status and benefits in Phi Theta Kappa are increased.

15. What is the points system?

The points system awards points for participating in events and attending meetings. Your contributions of time and effort to Phi Theta Kappa and the community are awarded by points as well. To be an active member in the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter you must achieve 80 points, or the 1 STAR Level. Points are cumulative and reach up to the 5 STAR Level. For more information on the points system, speak to an officer or an advisor and visit this link http://www.raritanval.edu/StudentActivities/Phitheta/enhanced_awards.htm

16. How do I find out about and/or apply for Phi Theta Kappa scholarships? Which scholarships am I eligible for?

Visit these sites to find out about Phi Theta Kappa scholarships:
www.ptk.org
http://www.raritanval.edu/studentactivities/Phitheta/index.htm
www.getconnected.ptk.org

17. What are the four hallmarks, and what do they mean?

The 4 Hallmarks are: Leadership, Fellowship, Service and Scholarship. There is one vice president for each Hallmark. Their job is to promote their Hallmark on campus and in the community at large. Usually there will be at least one event to promote each Hallmark every semester.