All Articles

Iowa State University’s Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa recently received one of five national outstanding chapter awards for the last Triennium (2021-24). The chapter was especially noted for their high induction rate and especially high acceptance rate.

For over 200 years, election to Phi Beta Kappa has been a recognition of intellectual capacities well employed, especially in the acquiring of an education in the liberal arts. Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, and this prestigious honorary now has more than 240 chapters in institutions of higher learning. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (then Sciences and Humanities) at Iowa State University was granted its chapter charter in 1973. The ISU Charter, complete with the names of our founding faculty members, can be found in the 3rd floor conference room in Catt Hall.

Election to Phi Beta Kappa is by invitation. The United Chapters recognizes three classes of members: members in course, alumni, and honorary members. However, Zeta Chapter of Iowa (ISU) elects members in course (undergraduates) and honorary members only. In February each year, eligible students are invited to membership, based on their records at the end of Fall semester. The number who may be invited is limited by national bylaws, so not all students who meet the minimum requirements outlined below can be invited. Initiation is held in April or May. Students who meet the criteria for membership by graduation, but not earlier, are included in the following year’s invitation.