Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa logoWhat is Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society?

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929. Our mission is to recognize the academic excellence of college students and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) established the Alpha Xi Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in 1988.

FAQs » Phi Theta Kappa (ptk.org)

Benefits Of Being a Member

PTK can connect you with scholarships, mentors, and resources to help. Whether you are continuing your education at your two-year college, planning to transfer to a university, or going to work, PTK has award-winning online programs to help you plan for the next steps of your future. 

PTK Scholarships: Access our network of more than $1.3 million in cash scholarships awarded directly to PTK members by our PTK Foundation. 

PTK Regalia: If you graduate as a PTK member, you will earn a stole and cord to walk across the stage with.

PTK Connect™: Connect with 800+ four-year colleges and universities that offer $246 million+ in exclusive PTK transfer scholarships and use our career exploration tools to empower your next steps.

PTK Edge™: Five online, self-paced courses to help you get your dream job, transfer to a university, develop research skills, or get a personal competitive edge essential to developing critical thinking, cultural, emotional, and professional skills. We even have a course specifically for healthcare majors.

Member Benefits » Phi Theta Kappa (ptk.org)

Alpha Xi Phi Chapter

Our office is working to provide professional development, volunteering, and scholarship opportunities for our members and the campus community. Our chapter officers offer resources and opportunities to grow and learn as exceptional students at SPSCC. As a PTK member, you would receive a gold seal with your diploma and may display honor society regalia at the SPSCC commencement ceremony upon graduation.

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Eligibility Requirements

  • Be enrolled in an institution that has a Phi Theta Kappa chapter
  • Have completed at least 12 credits of coursework toward an associate or bachelor's degree or at least 6 credits of coursework toward a certificate of 1 year
  • Generally, have a cumulative 3.5 grade point average, or higher

If you feel you meet these requirements and would like to join this prestigious honor society, please reach out to the contact advisor to review your eligibility and send you a passcode. If you have received an email invitation from them, you have been issued a passcode from PTK headquarters which you can use to JOIN on their website. The membership fee is a one-time, forever fee of $75 which will make you an Alpha Xi Phi chapter member at SPSCC. This membership is transferrable to other community and technical colleges internationally, and will shift to alumni status after completion of your degree or certificate.

Contact Information: ptk@spscc.edu 
Instagram: ptk.spscc

Please follow us on Instagram and look out for opportunities to enhance your life, career, education, and future. We welcome everyone to join us in our efforts to support each other and our community.

Advisors:
Christina Pleasants (Contact Advisor), cpleasants@spscc.edu 
Roosevelt Mendez (Advisor), rmendez3@spscc.edu
Alexis Calma (Advisor), acalma@spscc.edu

The PTK Officer Team for 2025-26

PTK officers at an Induction Ceremony.

PTK at the SPSCC's Career & Transfer Fair in Bldg. 34.

PTK members volunteering at the Senior Services Center in Lacey for Days of Caring.

PTK was awarded Five Star status and Honors in Action Project theme at the Greater Northwest Region meeting.

President​

  • Prepare meeting agendas and lead meetings.​
  • Appoint and establish necessary committees.​
  • Vote only in the case of a tie.​
  • Develop goals for the chapter with the support of other officers and advisors.​
  • Oversee chapter projects.​
  • Oversee award entry preparation and submit projects to Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters.​
  • Provide regular updates to the chapter advisor(s).​
  • Uphold all procedures and guidelines in the Chapter Bylaws and Constitution.​

​Vice President of Scholarship​

  • Assist in overseeing all Honors in Action projects.​
  • Coordinate the chapter’s participation in PTK competitive challenges.​
  • Coordinate the preparation of the chapter’s Honors in Action Awards entries.​
  • Monitor and share the scholarship cycle process and deadlines. ​
  • Send updates and notifications to members.​
  • Share additional local and national scholarship opportunities with members.​
  • Act as backup to Treasurer.​

Vice President of Leadership​

  • Direct the chapter on the use of parliamentary procedure for meetings.​
  • Oversee the leadership components of the chapter’s Honors in Action project.​
  • Partner with the Vice President of Scholarship in the preparation of the chapter’s Honors in Action Awards entries.​
  • Promote member participation in Five Star Competitive Edge.​
  • Implement strategies to increase membership and enhance member engagement.​
  • Support the Vice President of Service & Fellowship in volunteering programs.​
  • Act as backup to President.​

Vice President of Service & Fellowship​

  • Oversee the service components of the chapter’s Honors in Action project.​
  • Coordinate and report the chapter’s participation in volunteering events and community engagement.​
  • Encourage scholarly fellowship at all levels of the Society.​
  • Implement strategies to increase membership and enhance member engagement.​
  • Provide volunteering and community service opportunities for members.​
  • Act as liaison for the Leaders in Action Club, founded by PTK.​
  • Act as backup to Public Relations Officer.​

Public Relations Officer​

  • Promote Phi Theta Kappa at all levels of the organization.​
  • Oversee and maintain the chapter’s website, social media, email, and/or newsletter communications. ​
  • Partner with the SPSCC Public Relations Office.​
  • Take photos at all chapter events or delegate this responsibility to other members.​
  • Share significant chapter news and events with Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters at news@ptk.org or on PTK’s Instagram.​
  • Develop and share promotional posters and campus advertisements for the chapter and its events or activities.​
  • Keep records of all chapter activities.​

Treasurer​

  • Maintain a financial account for the chapter and balance budgets.​
  • Keep a set of financial records that are audited and notarized at the end of each officer term.​
  • Present the chapter’s financial records at business meetings.​
  • File all financial records in the chapter’s official files at the end of the term.​
  • Act as backup to Recording Officer.​
  • Note: Many chapters require a chapter advisor to approve expenditures. Officers should consult with the advisor to determine college policies regarding finances for campus organizations.​

Recording Officer​

  • Take and present minutes at each chapter meeting.​
  • Keep records of all chapter activities.
  • Maintain a system for documenting the chapter’s history (examples include, but are not limited to, journaling, blogging, a chapter website, and filing copies of chapter award entries).​
  • Place a copy of all historical records in the chapter files or share access to electronic files with the chapter advisor at the end of the officer term.​
  • Update, organize, and maintain Microsoft Teams files.​
  • Act as backup to Public Relations Officer.​