Next Opportunity to Join PTK Begins Autumn 2020

In the Autumn 2020 semester, Hocking College's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society will elect new officers and begin a new Honors in Action project.

More about PTK

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society provided students at two-year colleges with opportunities to earn scholarships, develop their leadership skills, and give back to their communities for nearly 100 years.

Founded on November 19, 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the world's largest organization specifically devoted to recognizing the achievements of honor students at two-year institutions. PTK has approximately 3 million members globally.

Tell me about Hocking College's chapter of PTK

Hocking College's chapter of PTK is the Alpha Mu Delta chapter. They meet weekly and encourage members to assume leadership roles both on and off campus. The Alpha Mu Delta chapter advisor is Criminal Justice Program Manager Ashlynn Lucas.

How has the pandemic impacted Alpha Mu Delta's activities?

According to Dietz the group's spring events "like a planned trip to the national event in Texas and our initiation ceremony were both lost to the 'new normal.'"

She added that "Monica Mowery, one of Hocking College's members who served as a regional officer as well as Michele Porter, the chapter president, who was to receive the 2020 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar, were both scheduled to attend the Texas event. In addition, Michele Porter and Madison Monroe were awarded All Ohio awards, but the statehouse luncheon in their honor was canceled." 

What is an Honors in Action project?

According to the National PTK website, an Honors in Action Project "combines academic research, problem-solving and action-oriented service to address real-world challenges in our communities. Students gain job-related experience while creating lasting impacts in their communities as they engage in an HIA."

How can students find out more about PTK?

Dietz suggests that students considering joining PTK visit www.ptk.org. She noted the site "offers a great deal of information regarding the organization as well as service and scholarship opportunities."

She encourages students to contact her with any questions about the academic program.

What are the requirements to be considered for PTK membership?

• Membership to PTK is open to students on an invitation-only basis.
• Students must have completed at least 12 college credits.
• Students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 or higher.
• Students must pay a one-time-only fee of $90. However, scholarships are available that can reduce the cost to $20.

When is the next opportunity for students to join PTK?

The national organization regulates invitations to PTK. The autumn semester will offer another round of nominations. Students receive an email from the national organization regarding membership and one-time membership fees. Once students accept, the information is sent to Deitz, and the prospective member receives a welcome email from the Alpha Mu Delta chapter.

What are the advantages of joining PTK?

• Members have access to scholarship opportunities, which in Ohio alone totals nearly $90,000.
• Members who decide to transfer to a four-year school have the chance to get financial discounts.
• Members can receive letters of recommendation.
• Members will have opportunities to develop and hone their leadership skills.
• Member association with PTK will be noted on their academic transcripts.
• Members can receive tutoring and mentoring opportunities.
• Members get to become part of a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to bettering themselves and their communities.

For more information on Phi Theta Kappa or Hocking College's Alpha Mu Delta Chapter, contact Ashlynn Lucas at the following:

• lucasa35804@hocking.edu
• 740-753-6472