Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Phi Theta Kappa?

Phi Theta Kappa is the International Organization of Two Year Colleges. Membership in this society is the highest honor a community college student can achieve. Bergen Community College’s Alpha Epsilon Phi Chapter is one of the 1,100-chartered chapters. In 2002, Alpha Epsilon Phi was ranked as one of the top 25 in the nation and received the International distinction of being in a Chapter of Excellence.

Q: What are the benefits of joining?

The most important benefit is that the member is immediately affiliated with the International organization. This affiliation opens millions of dollars in scholarship money. For example, Montclair State College offers 48 annual full-time full-tuition scholarships to only Phi Theta Kappa members. Of these 48, five of them are exclusively earmarked to members of Bergen Community College’s Alpha Epsilon Phi members. Alpha Epsilon Phi members have enjoyed full-paid and partially funded scholarships to other universities as well. In addition, the Chapter allows for intellectual exchange of ideas and opportunities to participate in Regional and International Awards. You can immediately find out what scholarships and awards are available by visiting www.ptk.org.

Also, members receive special recognition at graduation including being listed on their own page in the commencement booklet as well as by wearing their gold honors stole while leading their graduation class at the ceremony. In addition, Phi Theta Kappa and the month and year of your induction are placed on your transcripts as well as our gold seal will grace your diploma.

Q: What are the Long Term Benefits?

Our over 1,000 Phi Theta Kappa alumni when noted that participation in the Phi Theta Kappa experience has bolstered their resume and provided the scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship dimensions of their academic career that separated them from the majority of their competition when applying for positions and making application into four-year institutions.

Q: What does membership in the Alpha Epsilon Phi Chapter entail?

Your enhanced membership within our organization requires approximately 8-hours of contribution yearly. As an active organization promoting excellence on campus, the Chapter provides opportunities to contribute to our community at-large. Over the past 10 years the Chapter has raised over $55,000 for needy children and has provided thousands of hours of service?

Q: What is enhanced membership?

Enhanced membership represents full membership in good standing with Alpha Epsilon Phi. Members realize that it takes more than good grades to get a full tuition scholarship to a senior institution, as you can only be a Phi Theta Kappa member if you have good grades. Therefore, your enhanced membership qualifies you to get the necessary letters of recommendation to apply for available scholarships.

Q: Why was I selected?

Alpha Epsilon Phi has a rigorous entrance requirement. You were selected based on your outstanding grade point average. Details regarding entrance can be found in the Student Services section of the College Catalog.

Q: If I chose not to join will I be asked again?

Your invitation is only extended for this academic semester. If you choose not to join you may be asked again only if you (1) do not graduate (2) maintain your education within a degree program at Bergen Community College and (3) maintain the exceptional grade point average that allowed your selection today.

Q: If I join, will my membership ever terminate?

Continued membership is based on maintaining a 3.5 average grade point average. Students who drop below 3.5 are removed from the active member list.

Q: What if I have a class on the night of the Induction?

The College President and Academic Vice President preside over the Induction Ceremony. The faculty and College community provides you with your recognition; therefore, at the Orientation session you will receive an excused absence notification from an advisor. It is highly recommended that you notify your instructor a week prior that you will be attending the Induction Ceremony.

Q: Where does my money go?

The Phi Theta Kappa International organization receives $40 of your membership fee, $5 is sent to the Middle States Region and the chapter holds $5 toward induction expenses. This is a lifetime fee.

Q: What do I submit to join?

You must submit (1) the Membership Profile Form, (2) the Induction Response form, and (3) a check payable for $50 to Bergen Community College. It is imperative that these items be submitted to Professor Robert Saldarini (A306C) on or before the deadline date. All members will be registered with the International organization and the Induction program prepared. Requests for membership after the deadline date will be declined once membership with the International Organization is sealed. The College conducts only two inductions per year. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions.

Q: What do I wear to the Induction Ceremony?

As you will be meeting the College President and Academic Vice President, as well as being recognized by all attendees, business attire is suggested.

Q: Who runs the Chapter?

The members run the Alpha Epsilon Phi Chapter. The executive team consists of your Chapter President and four Vice Presidents; namely, your Vice President of Scholarship, Vice President of Leadership, Vice President of Service, and your Vice President of Fellowship. Members interested in serving in a leadership role should contact Professor Saldarini prior to the induction for a full briefing of officer responsibilities and benefits.