Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society

Welcome to the Lambda Sigma Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at Queensborough Community College. Phi Theta Kappa is the official honor society of two-year colleges, as recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges. On this webpage, you will find information for prospective members who want to know more about what we do as an honor society and what opportunities are available to you once you become a member.

• Membership FAQ
• Why You Should Join PTK
• PTK Membership Benefits
• Accept Your Membership Invitation

If you have questions about the honor society, feel free stop by the Office of Student Affairs, located in the Library Building - Room 412. You can also call us at (718) 631-6351 or email us at PTK@qcc.cuny.edu (be sure to indicate your full name and 8-digit EMPL ID# so, we can identify you as a QCC student).

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, chapters of which would have a common character, stand, and similarity of organization. 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.

For the first six years, Phi Theta Kappa confined its activity to women's junior colleges, but in 1924 through constitutional amendment, the field of activity was enlarged to cover all junior colleges. In 1926, Phi Theta Kappa expanded beyond the borders of Missouri and into coeducational institutions. The American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.

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." Phi Theta Kappa's mission is two-fold: 1) recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and (2) provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. The society operates on four hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship and as a member of this organization, you will have the opportunity to participate in important college-sponsored activities as well as regional events that can bring you together with other PTK students, graduates, and faculty.