Phi Kappa Phi members – and nonmember UT Dallas students – will have opportunities for grants and scholarship awards through the Society.

Members are eligible to apply for more than $700,000 in awards and honors annually from the national organization. Society awards range from $15,000 fellowships for graduate school to $500 Love of Learning grants for continuing education and professional development.

Phi Kappa Phi will formally become part of the University on April 19.  The addition of the honor society, the nation’s oldest  for all academic disciplines, meets a criterion for state funding vital to the growth of research at the University.

Dr. Mary Jo Venetis, associate library director for technical services with the McDermott Library who became a Phi Kappa Phi member as a graduate student at the University of North Texas, offers advice for students who may be eligible for membership.

Mary Jo Venetis

Dr. Mary Jo Venetis

“Students should take full advantage of all that the Society has to offer, including scholarships and fellowships, as well as participating in the national mentorship program,” she said. “Being actively involved in Phi Kappa Phi will enrich members’ college experience and provide them with skills they will carry with them throughout their career.”

The Society also offers nonmembers at UT Dallas the opportunity to compete for its Study Abroad Grants, which support research and experiential learning in a student’s discipline. The national office of Phi Kappa Phi awards 45 $1,000 grants annually; up to three UT Dallas students may be awarded per year.

The new Phi Kappa Phi chapter at UT Dallas joins more than a dozen other honor societies already at the University, including the interdisciplinary Golden Key International Honour Society. The local Golden Key chapter, which counts 345 student members and 61 honorary members, was founded in 1995.

“The advantage of membership in an interdisciplinary society is threefold,” said Golden Key advisor Patty Atchley. “Members benefit from the mingling of perspectives of those with different academic backgrounds; they form networks useful after graduation; and they have opportunities to interact with outstanding faculty and community leaders.”

Dr. Susan Jerger

Dr. Susan Jerger

Dr. Susan Jerger, Ashbel Smith professor and director of the undergraduate honors program in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, became a member of Phi Kappa Phi as an undergraduate at the University of Houston. She foresees the new chapter creating leadership opportunities for UT Dallas students, as well as helping them in their careers.

“Membership offers a way for students to get involved with organizing and hosting scholarly activities on campus,” she said. “Phi Kappa Phi’s strong network of alumni also helps student members with internships and jobs.”

For more information about the UT Dallas Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, contact the Collegium V office at 972-883-4297.