Phi Theta Kappa logo and pin

Who we are

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the official international society of two-year college.

Phi Theta Kappa's nonprofit mission is to recognize and promote student academic achievement. PTK provides opportunities to cultivate professional and leadership skills, secure scholarships, explore diverse career paths, and build a network of supportive peers and trusted advisors that last a lifetime.

We are committed to empowering student leaders to achieve academic excellence, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful service. We foster a culture of scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service opportunities, while providing guidance, and resources that promote student success both within the college and in the broader community.

Onondaga Community College's chapter, Alpha Sigma Zeta, is an award-winning, student-led organization supported by an active leadership team.

Members

PTK logo

Membership Invitations are mailed to eligible students at the local address each fall and spring inviting them to join. Eligible students are those who:

  • Are currently matriculated
  • Have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at OCC
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5

*OCC does not induct students during the summer or winter semesters. Graduates are not eligible for retroactive induction. Both part-time and full-time matriculated students are eligible for membership.

Why join PTK?

  • Scholarship money from transfer institutions
  • Access to programs to help you be more competitive as a transfer student or employee
  • Opportunities to get involved on campus and build relationships with other high-achieving students as well as faculty
  • Special PTK regalia for the OCC commencement ceremony
  • ID card access to the Honors College/PTK Suite on campus
  • Invitations are emailed and mailed to eligible students each fall and spring semester inviting them to join.
  • Fill out the online application by clicking the link in the email or scanning the QR code.
  • Pay the membership fee by following the directions provided.
  • If you need assistance stop by the PTK Suite in Coulter 204

OCC does not induct students during the summer or winter semesters. Graduates are not eligible for retroactive induction. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible for membership.

  • PDF certificates can be requested directly from PTK by logging on to your account at https://www.ptk.org
  • Access your account and certificate here
    • Go to https://www.ptk.org/
    • Click the circle with the silhouette of the person in the upper right corner. DO NOT choose join because you are already a member.
    • Begin a login with the email you provided on your application.
    • Select "forgot password," and request a new one.
    • You will get the recovery email at the email you provided on your application.
    • Create a password and you will have access to your account.
  • Once logged in, Click on "My Profile.”
    • The link for a PDF membership certificate is located on the right side of this page.
    • You can also purchase an official membership certificate at ptk.org/store under “Graduation.”
    • If your proof is needed for Le Moyne, Syracuse University, or an institution that has a special process, please see the advisors in the suite in C204 or email ptk@sunyocc.edu

If you need assistance, there is a phone number and email link at the bottom of the https://www.ptk.org page and they should be able to help you. It’s recommended to check all individual contact information on https://www.ptk.org to be sure it’s correct.

The PTK Officer Team serves as the student leadership body of the Alpha Sigma Zeta Chapter, working collaboratively to advance PTK’s scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship initiatives. Officers help plan chapter activities, coordinate service and research initiatives, engage members, and represent PTK throughout the campus and community. Through their leadership, officers develop valuable professional skills while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers members to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Officer Positions:

  • President
  • Vice President of Leadership
  • Vice president of Fellowship
  • Vice President of Public Relations
  • Vice President OF Scholarship
  • General Officer

PTK officers are elected at the conclusion of each semester to serve during the following term. Students interested in becoming involved in chapter leadership are encouraged to visit the PTK Suite to learn more about available opportunities and the officer selection process.
 

  1. Are PTK and Honors the same?
    • No, PTK and Honors are two distinct programs.
      • PTK is an International Honor Society. Once you join you are a lifetime member. The Lillian Slutzker Honors College (hyperlink page here) is an OCC program, that provides students with access to designated honors courses and enriched academic experiences. Students may participate in both PTK and Honors simultaneously.
  2. What are the benefits of joining PTK?
    • Gain access to scholarships and transfer opportunities.
    • Develop leadership skills through officer and committee roles.
    • Participate in community service projects that make a difference.
    • Build your résumé and strengthen college, transfer, and job applications.
    • Connect with motivated students who share your academic goals.
  3. Do I need to attend the Induction Ceremony in order to join PTK?
    • No, attendance at the Induction Ceremony is not required to join PTK. The ceremony is voluntary, but we hope you can join us in celebrating your achievement.
  4. What are PTK EDGE Programs?
    • EDGE programs provides members access to online professional development courses that build career-readiness skills , strengthen résumés, and support academic and professional success.
      • Programs Include:
        1. Leadership EDGE
        2. Research EDGE
        3. Healthcare EDGE
        4. Transfer EDGE
        5. Advocacy EDGE
        6. Competitive EDGE
        7. Employment EDGE
    • Members earn a recognition pin for each EDGE program completed, which may be worn with graduation regalia.
  5. What is an Honors In Action Project?
    • The Honors in Action Project is PTK's annual research and service initiative. Members investigate a topic connected to PTK's international theme, conduct research, collaborate with community partners, and take action to create positive change in their community.
  6. What is the PTK College Project?
    • The College Project is a PTK leadership and service initiative that allows members to partner with college administrators to address a campus need or opportunity. Through research and action, students work to create meaningful improvements that benefit the college community.
  7. I received a letter indicating that I made the President's List and may be eligible to join PTK. What happens next?
    • Congratulations!
    • Please be aware that this honor is based on semester GPA, while PTK membership invitations are based on cumulative GPA
    • You will still wait for invitations to come out in September/October and February/March