Constitution

Article I. Name of Society

The name of this Society is "Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society."

Article II. Purpose of Society

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society exists to provide recognition for academic excellence and opportunities for all college students to grow as scholars and leaders as early as possible during their pursuit of a college degree or credential.

Article III. Insignia of Society

Section 1. Emblem.

The emblem of this Society is a golden slab, keyed at the top and bottom. Across the center of the slab is a black enamel band upon which three Greek letters appear, which are the initials of three mystic Greek words symbolizing phronimon (Phi), thumos (Theta), katharotes (Kappa) and meaning wisdom, aspiration, and purity. Behind the band is a wreath, on the one side composed of oak leaves, and on the other, of laurel. The wreath of oak leaves denotes stability and strength of character, and the curling leaves of laurel signify achievement and success. Above the band is a representation of the head of Athena, Goddess of Learning; in the base appear the mystic Greek letters meaning light, the light of learning, and knowledge.

Section 2. Colors.

The colors of the Society are blue, for scholarship, and gold, for purity.

Section 3. Seal.

The official seal of the Society is of the same general character as the emblem.

Article IV. Membership in the Society

Section 1. Types of Membership.

The Society will consist of active, provisional, alumni, and honorary members:

A. Active Members.

An active member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is a student who has been duly initiated into the Society, maintains the standards required for good standing, and is currently enrolled at the institution where the student’s member record is located.

B. Provisional Members.

A provisional member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is a student who, in the opinion of the local chapter, has shown an active interest in the affairs of the Society and who serves the Society in some special capacity, but who does not meet the full requirements for active membership in the Society. A provisional member will not have the right to vote, hold office, or represent the chapter at meetings of the Society.

C. Alumni Members.

An alumnus/alumna member is a former active member of the Society who is no longer enrolled at the institution where the student’s member record is located.

D. Honorary Members.

An honorary member is a person who, in the opinion of the Society or of the local chapter, has rendered distinguished service. International honorary membership will be conferred at the discretion of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Board of Directors, and local honorary membership will be conferred at the discretion of the local chapter.

Section 2. Eligibility for Membership.

To be eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a student must have established academic excellence as outlined in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Bylaws and as judged by the academic standards of the local chapter and its sponsoring institution.

Section 3. Revocation of Membership.

Each chapter has the responsibility of setting standards for continued active membership. In the event that a member does not meet these standards, the name of the member shall be removed from the Society’s official membership roster.

Article V. Governance

Section 1. Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors is composed, at minimum of one (1) chapter advisor, one (1) Regional Coordinator, one (1) student member, one (1) alumnus member, one (1) international honorary member, one (1) two-year college administrator, and the Chief Executive Officer of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The Board of Directors may elect, when deemed to be in the best interest of the Society, to include additional members.

Section 2. International Officers.

The International Officers of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society are composed of a President and Vice Presidents from each of the geographic divisions of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. International Officers serve as student ambassadors of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and one International Officer will represent the student membership on the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors.

Article VI. Local Organizations

Section 1. Types of Local Chapters.

A local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is classified as an active, provisional or alumni chapter.

A. Active Chapters.

An active chapter is one which is fully affiliated with the International Headquarters of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, has been included on the roll of active chapters by having complied with the necessary requirements, and has been issued a charter.

B. Provisional Chapters.

A provisional chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is one that has not met the eligibility requirements of an active chapter but has achieved progress toward those requirements.

C. Alumni Chapters.

An alumni chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is one that is fully affiliated with the International Headquarters of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, has completed the requirements necessary to be an alumni chapter, and has been issued an alumni chapter charter

Article VII. Meetings

Section 1. Meetings.

There will be meetings of the Society as necessary to fulfill the purpose of the Society. Among these meetings will be an annual international convention.

Article VIII. Finance

Section 1. Tax Exemption.

The Society is operated exclusively for educational purposes and is exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) and described in Section 501(c)(3) in the Internal Revenue Code. No part of its net earnings will benefit any private individual except for reasonable compensation paid for services rendered.

Section 2. Expenditure of Funds.

All fees, donations, grants, and other types of financial income will be expended for the Society’s purpose.

Section 3. Provision of Dissolution.

If the Society should ever cease to operate as provided for in its charter of incorporation or in its Constitution, the accumulated assets will be distributed in accordance with the laws of the State of Incorporation and the laws of the United States of America.

Article IX. Amendments

Section 1. Constitution.

The Constitution of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society may be amended at any time in the following
manner:

A. A proposed written amendment must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer at least thirty (30) days prior to the International Convention.

B. If the proposed amendment is approved by at least three-fourths vote of the Board of Directors, the amendment will then be presented at the International Convention for discussion and possible approval. Tentative approval will require a three-fourths vote of the delegates present at the International Convention.

C. If a tentative approval is passed at the convention, the amendment will be submitted thereafter to the local chapters for consideration. A three-fourths affirmative vote by all local chapters voting will approve the amendment.

Section 2. Bylaws.

The Bylaws contain provisions relating to the ways that Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society conducts its affairs. Because these processes can change over time, the Bylaws are more easily amended to reflect the organization's current activities rather than ratifying a new Constitution. The Bylaws of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society may be amended at any time in the following manner:

A. A proposed change in the Bylaws must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer by any active chapter, International Officer, or member of the Board of Directors at least thirty (30) days prior to a meeting of the Board of Directors.

B. Approval of any proposed change in Bylaws will require a three-fourths vote of the Board of Directors.