Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest, academic honor society established a branch at George Mason University during the 2011 spring semester. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences greeted the society with 288 of its students earning admission into the group's inaugural class. The society named officers at its official installation on Jan. 21 and inducted its first group of members on April 18.
Admission to the society is highly competitive and by invitation only for those who earn high academic marks, and less than 10 percent of graduate students, seniors and second-term juniors at Mason are invited.
Phi Kappa Phi decided to open a chapter at Mason after a lengthy review process, which included a tour of campus.
Marcy Glover, undergraduate education programs coordinator for the Office of the Provost and Phi Kappa Phi chapter secretary, said Mason's adoption of the prestigious society shows the school looks to promote high achievers.
“Mason is always looking for ways to recognize the accomplishments of our high-achieving students and to translate these accomplishments into tangible benefits,” she said. “Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is a stamp of excellence that is recognized by graduate and professional admissions committees and employers alike.”
Members gain access to scholarships, awards and grants, career assistance through lectures, a mentoring service and an online job board.