Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Beta Kappa is a scholastic honor society for those in the liberal arts and sciences. The society was formed in 1776 and is the oldest student honorary society in the US. The Florida State University chapter, chartered in 1934 and established in 1935, was the first in Florida. The FSU chapter became an RSO in 2008. The chapter's activities include recognition of outstanding juniors and graduating seniors and sponsorship of visiting speakers of University-wide interest. In the Fall and Spring, the chapter gives the Marion Jewell Hay Award to the top graduating student member. In the Spring, student officers honor an FSU faculty member with the Phi Beta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award. New members are automatically invited each Fall, Spring, and Summer based on major, grades (minimum 3.9 GPA for juniors and 3.65 GPA for seniors), language study, and other criteria.
Local Web site
National Web site
Advisor: Dr. Kurt Piehler, kpiehler@fsu.edu, (850) 644-9541
Phi Kappa Phi
Phi Kappa Phi recognizes academic excellence among undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty in all disciplines. The society was founded in 1897; the University chapter was chartered in 1925. The chapter recognizes outstanding student scholars and artists and recommends them for national awards. New members are automatically invited each spring. Second-term juniors must rank in the upper seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of their respective colleges or schools. Seniors must be in the upper ten percent (10%) of their respective colleges or schools. Graduate and professional students must rank in the upper ten percent (10%) of their respective colleges or schools. All students must have at least twenty-four (24) graded semester hours at The Florida State University.
Local Web site
National Web site
Advisor: Mary Melton, mmelton@fsu.edu, (850) 645-9793
Golden Key International Honor Society
Founded in 1977, Golden Key International Honour Society honors undergraduate and graduate academic achievements. The Florida State University chapter was chartered in 1984. The University chapter awards the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award and regularly sponsors projects in local schools and a number of community service projects. The chapter has been named The Florida State University Campus Organization of the Year and has been recognized for excellence by the national organization. Every fall the chapter automatically invites those students with at least thirty (30) semester hours and in the top fifteen percent (15%) of the sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate class.
National Web site
Advisor: Nicole Lilly, nlilly@neuro.fsu.edu, (850) 645-9565
Phi Eta Sigma
Phi Eta Sigma is the oldest and largest national honor society that encourages and rewards academic excellence among first year university students. Every spring full-time FSU undergraduates who earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 during their first year in college are offered membership-for-life in Phi Eta Sigma. Selected participants represent Florida State at Phi Eta Sigma's biennial national convention. Locally, members are invited to participate in a variety of academically-based opportunities such as peer advising and tutoring; volunteering at major university events; and managing chapter activities as a member of the Leadership Council. These exceptional opportunities make Florida State members highly competitive when applying for Phi Eta Sigma national scholarships as demonstrated by the $136,500 in total awards won by FSU members in the past five years. Members may also apply for the chapter's Endowed Award to Support Undergraduate Research.
Local Web site
National Web site
Advisor: Susannah Cochran, scochran2@fsu.edu
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is an honors organization that recognizes outstanding academic achievement among first and second year college students and encourages members to develop leadership skills through community service. The Society was founded in 1994 at The George Washington University, and the Florida State University chapter formed in 1995. The Society offers scholarships, awards, service opportunities, and leadership programs. Every fall the chapter invites to membership those students who rank in the top 20th percentile with a minimum GPA of 3.4.
National Web site
Advisor: Pat Pallentino, ppallentino@business.fsu.edu, (850) 644-7875
Tau Sigma National Honor Society
Florida State University has been granted a university charter membership into Tau Sigma National Honor Society.
Tau Sigma is a national academic honor society specifically designed to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. Membership in Tau Sigma offers a special opportunity to distinguish students based on academic excellence and community service.
Tau Sigma provides a common bond among transfer students through social activities and involvement in service to the university and charitable organizations. Each year, Tau Sigma awards scholarships totaling $100,000 and hosts an annual leadership conference with representatives from chapters across the country.
National Web site
Advisor: Brandon Saridjo, bsaridjo@fsu.edu