Members in course are elected to Phi Beta Kappa
primarily on the basis of broad cultural interests, scholarly
achievement, and good character.
The Phi Beta Kappa
Society sets the minimum requirements that must be met in order for a
student to be considered for election. Beyond the College’s graduation
requirements under the Foreign Language capacity, students whose mother
tongue is English must complete a 200-level foreign language class.
Fulfillment of the College’s graduation requirements under the
Quantitative Skills Capacity generally satisfies the minimum criterion
in this area for Phi Beta Kappa eligibility, though completion of one or
more courses in mathematics is viewed favorably. At least three-fourths
of the degree program must be in liberal arts work, i.e., not applied
or professional work. Grades earned in applied or professional
coursework are not counted in the GPA for purposes of Phi Beta Kappa
eligibility. Applied and professional work includes all training
intended to develop vocational skills or techniques. These courses
include, but are not limited to, applied education and accounting
courses.
Weight is given to the breadth of the program of
study as shown by the number, variety, and level of courses taken
outside the major(s). Weight also is given to the balance and proportion
of the candidate’s degree program as a whole. Therefore, exploration of
areas outside the major(s) beyond the minimum coursework required for
graduation will strengthen a student’s qualifications.
Members
are elected during the spring semester each year. In general, the
Hendrix chapter considers only students who are in their last semester
prior to graduation or who completed their degrees the previous
December.