Phi Theta Kappa’s purpose is to first and foremost recognize scholarly achievement among two-year college students. In addition to this, the Society offers opportunities for personal growth through member involvement in a variety of programs centered on the hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship.

Programs related to the hallmark of Scholarship primarily focus on the current Honors Study Topic and recognize and encourage the academic achievements of members, students and faculty. In addition to scholarship activities, many of the Society’s programs include opportunities to provide Service to the college and community. Such opportunities stress to participants the value and need of providing service. Phi Theta Kappa encourages chapters to focus their service initiatives on the International Service Program.

The hallmark of Leadership encourages chapters and members to assume roles as leaders in their chapters, colleges, and communities as well as on regional and/or international levels of the Society. In addition to assuming leadership positions, chapters are encouraged to foster the development of leadership skills among others through their programming.

Phi Theta Kappa is truly a fellowship of scholars. As such, the hallmark of Fellowship is an intrinsic part of all Society programs. Phi Theta Kappa encourages chapters to use their programs as vehicles to reach out to their college campuses, communities and regions. By doing so,
chapters promote development among inactive chapters, facilitate communication among chapters and offer a balance of social and scholarly events.

Taken from the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Resource Manual 2004-2006