Phi Beta Kappa

Zeta Chapter

Election

Students have two occasions to be considered for election to Phi Beta Kappa:

  • at the beginning of the spring semester of the junior year, considering five semesters of grades
  • at the beginning of the spring semester of the senior year, considering seven semesters of grades.

Transfer students must have completed four semesters at SMCM before they are eligible for consideration.

Students are elected primarily on the basis of three elements:

  • Broad cultural interests
  • Scholarly achievement, which must include study of a second, or non-native, language through one semester at the intermediate (200) level or demonstrated proficiency equivalent
  • Good character

Eligibility

Seniors

Seniors may be considered for nomination to Phi Beta Kappa under the following conditions:

  • The student has completed at least 48 credit hours of work in residence at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and be registered to complete additional hours to total at least 64 semester hours. If a student has completed fewer than 108 credits in residence at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a review of work competed elsewhere will be done.
  • The student has second, or non-native, language competency by test or course through the 201-level.
  • The student has completed at least one course in math/computer science.
  • The student has a grade point average of 3.75 or higher.
  • The student has demonstrated breadth in coursework by the number and variety of courses taken outside his or her major.
Juniors

Juniors may be considered for nomination to Phi Beta Kappa under the following conditions:

  • The student has completed at least 80 credit hours of work in residence at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, accumulated in at least 5 semesters of college enrollment.
  • The student has second, or non-native, language competency by test or course through the 201-level.
  • The caliber of the student’s work should be of exceptional distinction, including a grade point average of at least 3.90.

Nominations for membership in course shall be made by the Committee on Members-in-Course on the basis of a review of student transcripts; there is no “application” process.

The number of students elected from any class ordinarily would not exceed 10% of the undergraduates expected to receive the liberal bachelor’s degree in that class. Thus, it is possible that a student with a 3.75 GPA and adequate progress toward his or her degree may not be elected to membership.

Process

In early January, the Chair of the Committee on Members-in-Course retrieves from the Registrar’s office a list of students who meet the eligibility requirements. Committee members gather to review the list and propose elections. Then at the annual chapter meeting in February, resident Phi Beta Kappa faculty and staff members elect 20-25 students, depending on the size of the graduating class. Election is by secret ballot and requires an affirmative vote by three-fourths of the resident members present at the meeting.

Notification

Students elected to Phi Beta Kappa will receive notification by the president of the chapter, who will provide registration instructions and product order forms. Students must complete the online registration form, which is forwarded to national headquarters in Washington, DC, to be considered members of Phi Beta Kappa.

Fees

Newly elected members-in-course must pay a one-time $85 induction fee to the Society. The chapter provides intiates with honor cords to wear at commencement.

Benefits

Honorifics vary in value, so it is important to find out which ones matter the most. Our societies do not aim to supply a mere credential: belonging to our societies means more than simply a certification of your grade point average or your resume. In the wider world, membership in one of our organizations is understood as an honor that is neither cheaply won nor widely bestowed. And we offer opportunities to continue to learn and grow in the company of other members of our societies across the country and across generations.Phi Beta Kappa members should keep Phi Beta Kappa national headquarters appraised of address changes in order to receive the monthly journal The American Scholar and the newsletter The Key Reporter.