There are several reasons to join. None, though, is more important than this: Membership recognizes and rewards academic success. At initiation, members receive gold keys and membership certificates. But Phi Kappa Phi is considerably more than a gold key and an impressive addition to a résumé. Phi Kappa Phi members enjoy many benefits such as:
Lifelong Respect
Membership in Phi Kappa Phi carries with it the respect of family, friends, peers and employers.
Awards/Grants
Dissertation Fellowship
The Dissertation Fellowship is new to the Society and is intended to support doctoral candidates who are writing dissertations. Phi Kappa Phi awards ten Dissertation Fellowships of $10,000 per year.
Study Abroad Grant
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Seventy-five $1,000 grants are awarded each year.
Literacy Grant
The Literacy Grants program was initiated to mobilize members and resources of Phi Kappa Phi and the higher education community to champion literacy initiatives. Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members to fund ongoing literacy projects or to create new initiatives. The Society's commitment to the cause of literacy grows out of and is consistent with its mission, which was expanded to include "... and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."
Love of Learning Award
Love of Learning Awards help fund post-baccalaureate studies and/or career development for active Phi Kappa Phi members to include (but not be limited to): Graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, career development, travel related to teaching/studies, etc. Recipients of the Fellowship award are not eligible to apply. Beginning in 2017, 200 awards at $500 each, will be distributed.
Fellowship
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi currently awards fifty Fellowships of $8,500 each, six at $20,000 each, and two at $35,000 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. This application is printed and handed to the local chapter officer to be considered in the Fellowship competition.
Scholar or Artist Award
The Phi Kappa Phi Scholar Award and Phi Kappa Phi Artist Award honor those individuals who demonstrate the ideals of the Society through their activities, achievements, and scholarship. Awardees receive $1,000 honoraria, a life membership and a recognition certificate. Each award is given once per biennium.
First presented in 1974, the Scholar Award recognized excellence in teaching, research, and public service. In 1983, the Artist Award was established to recognize the achievements of those who, in addition to their outstanding scholarship, have displayed talents in the broad realm of the arts-creative, graphic, performing, visual, and/or fine arts.
Excellence in Innovation Award
The Phi Kappa Phi Excellence in Innovation Award will be given to a college or university each biennium for achievement in innovation. The institution selected for the award will receive $100,000 from the Society. Further details about this award will become available early 2017.
Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service
The Ray Sylvester Distinguished Service Award honors an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. The award recipient receives a $1,000 honorarium, a life membership and a recognition citation. The award is given once per biennium.
Online Access
Through Phi Kappa Phi’s national website, members have access to a number of services and products, including health insurance, online banking, travel, society information and much more.
Leadership Opportunities
Leadership positions exist at the chapter, regional and national levels.
Networking Opportunities
Conferences and conventions provide excellent opportunities to meet other members of this esteemed organization.
Publications
The society offers two quarterly publications to its members — The Phi Kappa Phi National Forum, a scholarly magazine, and The Phi Kappa Phi Newsletter.