REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN [Back to top]
What are the requirements to join?
In order to be eligible to become a member of the Omega Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, you must:
- Have a 3.5 or higher GPA (an advisor will verify your GPA)
- Completed at least 12 college credit hours (not including developmental classes)
- Be enrolled as a student at HCCS during the next spring or fall induction period (part-time or full-time)
- International students are welcome to become members. They must meet the requirements above and possess all rights of citizenship in their native land.
Please note: Once a member, you are only required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Once deemed eligible please continue on to the New Member Application. If you need help determining whether or not you are eligible to become a member please email info@omegasigma.com. Thank you.
I only attend school part time, can I still be a member?
Yes, but you need to be taking a least one class at HCC when you apply. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can be a member.
I am an international student, can I still be a member?
Yes, international students can join as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and are citizens with good standing in their country of citizenship.
Is participation required?
No. Phi Theta Kappa is a wonderful organization and to become a standard member all you have to do is join. If you choose, you are then eligible for all member benefits including scholarships and to wear the Phi Theta Kappa stole, tassel and honors cords at graduation, which can be purchased at www.ptk.org. We do strongly encourage participation through our Enhanced Membership Program where you earn points and rewards based on your efforts within the chapter.
NEW MEMBER APPLICATION [Back to top]
Where can I find the New Member Application?
The application is available by going to the home page and selecting the "New Member Application" link available in the menu on the left side of the screen. There are seven pages to the application and all must be submitted with the fee according to the instructions on the website.
Who is supposed to sign the Faculty Recommendation Form in the Application?
Current or past professors and Phi Theta Kappa advisors are your best source for faculty recommendations.
I've only known my professors for a short while, can they still sign the Faculty Recommendation Form in the Application?
Yes, they can and most are usually willing to do this. However, if you would feel more comfortable, you can ask former professors.
I am a distance education student, how can I get signatures on the Faculty Recommendation Form?
An email from your professor would work in place of the Faculty Recommendation Form as long as the email is worded similarly and has all necessary information in the event we need to contact you or the professor with questions. You could ask them to sign it and scan or fax it back to you.
When is the New Member Application Due?
We will be accepting applications beginning February for the SPRING 2008 semester.
All seven (7) items of your New Member Application package MUST be received at least 1 week prior to the induction ceremony, if you wish to participate in the formal induction ceremony. However, those who choose to, may turn in their paperwork no later than one month after the induction ceremony and be inducted at a general meeting by the chapter president (induction/meeting times and locations can be found under the 'Chapter Events' section of the Omega Sigma website www.omegasigma.org).
Please note that once your paperwork is turned in, your check will be cashed immediately, your information will be verified, we will submit your information to the Phi Theta Kappa headquarters, your name is placed on the rolls, and then you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Omega Sigma chapter; you simply need to take the Phi Theta Kappa oath (at the formal induction ceremony or at a chapter meeting).
Why do I have to pay a Membership Fee?
Your one time payment of $75 for membership dues will cover: International fees ($45.00), Regional fees ($10.00), and chapter fees ($20.00). Your check or money order should be made out to HCCS - Phi Theta Kappa. We do accept cash, but you will need to turn cash in directly to an advisor or officer. Please DO NOT MAIL CASH! You will only pay this one time. Once you become a member, you are a member for life, unless your GPA at HCC falls below a 3.0. You can also transfer your membership to another Two Year College for free (if the college has a chapter, you must speak to both Chapter advisors first, you must be in good standing). This also covers your Golden Key Pin, Certificate, Mailings, International Dues, Regional Dues, and Chapter Dues.
When you transfer or leave school, you become an alumni member of this chapter. Many universities also have alumni chapters, which you can join. If you move to another 2-year college, you can transfer your membership to that chapter, if they have one.
I have submitted my application but have not heard anything yet. Am I a member?
If you submitted your completed paperwork and your Membership Due check has been cashed you are a member. You may not hear anything unless the Chapter Officers send information about the Yahoo Groups, Orientations, or Induction. If your check has cashed, please also make plans to attend an orientation session or the Formal Induction Ceremony. You should receive your membership packet from Phi Theta Kappa headquarters approximately month after your check has cashed.
If you qualify and have submitted a complete application without a check then you will need to submit the check before your paperwork will be processed. If you submitted your completed paperwork with a check and it has not been cashed within a week, please call 713.718.5779 or email info@omegasigma.org for the status of your application.
When will I receive my Membership Packet?
You should receive your membership packet from Phi Theta Kappa headquarters approximately month after your Membership Due check has cashed. If you have not received your packet in a month, please call Member Services at 601.984.3504 or email Headquarters at member.services@ptk.org.
INDUCTION CEREMONY [Back to top]
When is induction?
The Formal Spring Induction Ceremony is Friday April 25th at 7pm in the Central Campus Auditorium. Once you are a member, you will get an email with more information on this event. Or check our website for more information on Induction. You can also be inducted at any general chapter meeting. Please visit our website and the Event Calendar for dates/times/locations.
SPRING INDUCTION CEREMONY
Friday, 04/25/08
Loc: Central Campus Auditorium & Lecture Hall Rm 151
Inductee Orientation before ceremony
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Induction Ceremony
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Ceremony
What do I expect at Induction?
- Remember that attending the induction ceremony is a reward for your hard work, it is not a requirement for membership, as you can be inducted at a Chapter meeting or event.
- If you would like to attend the induction ceremony, please be sure to send your completed application at least one week prior to the induction, as indicated in the New Member Application section of our website.
- Dress for the induction ceremony is business casual.
- Feel free to bring family, friends, coworkers, and anyone that you would like to witness this momentous occasion in your college education.
- Note that you will be seated in an area separate from the general audience for the majority of the ceremony, so if you have small children please bring someone to watch them for you.
I cannot attend the orientation and/or the induction ceremony. Can I still be a member?
Yes, attendance at orientation is not mandatory. For induction, if you cannot attend the induction ceremony, please attend at least one chapter meeting to be inducted at that time.