Why would a student sign up for Phi Theta Kappa?

By true grimes
Staff Writer

By now, 940 students have received invitations to join Phi Theta Kappa this fall at Normandale. Those recipients earned at least a 3.5 grade point average in 12 or more credits toward an associate degree to be eligible.

But, why would a student want to join the academic honor society to begin with? Is it because being a part of the Society is an honor since it recognizes the “cream of the crop” among one’s peers at NCC?

Is it because The Lions’ Roar student newspaper publishes the names of the new charter members after their induction Oct. 2? And, members get to wear the golden honors stole and tassel at the graduation ceremonies held in May?

The scholarship money is why students will want to sign up, according to Lorina Gordejeva, vice president of scholarships of the NCC Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter.
“Phi Theta Kappa is a great organization to be a part of,” Gordejeva said, “and not only because it enhances one’s leadership skills.”

“Not many students are aware that more than $36 million is currently offered in transfer scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa members exclusively, which comes from more than 700 colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada and London. In Minnesota alone, more than 15 colleges offer transfer scholarships that range from $500 to $15,000.”
Augsburg College, Hamline University, Minnesota State University - Mankato, Minnesota State University - Moorhead, St. Cloud State University and Winona State University are among those in the state at www.collegefish.org.

Surprisingly, though, 90 percent of students eligible for the Society do not become members, according to Bryan Tintes, president of the NCC chapter. But, with plenty of scholarship money out there, why do only 10 percent of those eligible on campus actually join?

“A misconception about Phi Theta Kappa being a frat or fraternity is the most common reason,” Tintes said. “The others turn away because they believe there is a time commitment required, even though all our service projects are completely optional.”
“The last reason is the fee to join, which people sometimes see as not being worth it. The fee is $80 for students but the fee can be reduced for those who receive financial aid.”

Because of these misconceptions, Tintes encourages people to come to one of the orientation meetings to learn what Phi Theta Kappa really is. Students can also find helpful information at www.ptk.org.

“Although we sent out letters of invitation Aug. 28, we’re aware that probably not everyone that met the requirements to join got a letter, due to the limitations of the data from the records office,” Tintes said.

“But if someone would still like to join, please contact myself at Bryan.Tintes@Normandale.edu or stop by the Phi Theta Kappa office at SC 1427 in the Kopp Student Center.

“Induction will take place Oct. 2 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Inductees are asked to be there at 4:15 p.m. in business attire and the ceremony starts at 6 p.m.”