{"id":416,"date":"2022-12-11T05:12:24","date_gmt":"2022-12-11T13:12:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/phi-beta-kappa\/?page_id=416"},"modified":"2025-07-30T16:12:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T23:12:09","slug":"phi-beta-kappa-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/phi-beta-kappa\/phi-beta-kappa-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n  \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          How can I contact USC PBK?\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-lgIrSrQirC\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-lgIrSrQirC\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Email the USC Phi Beta Kappa Coordinator: <\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-lgIrSrQirC\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-lgIrSrQirC\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><a href=\"mailto:pbk@dornsife.usc.edu\">pbk@dornsife.usc.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n    \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Chapter Information\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-b_SkrP23l2\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-b_SkrP23l2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What is the name of the chapter at USC?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-b_SkrP23l2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-b_SkrP23l2\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Phi Beta Kappa Epsilon of California<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-b_SkrP23l2\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-b_SkrP23l2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">When was the chapter at USC founded?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-b_SkrP23l2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-b_SkrP23l2\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The USC Chapter, Epsilon of California, was founded in 1929.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n                \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Membership &#038; Invitation to Join\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">May I apply for membership?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-gnpQzNK72y\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-gnpQzNK72y\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>No. Membership to PBK is by invitation only. Students are selected each year based on membership criteria. Those who are eligible are notified via email in spring (February\/March).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What are the membership criteria? Who is invited to join?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-gnpQzNK72y\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-gnpQzNK72y\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The offer to join Phi Beta Kappa is extended to undergraduate students (Juniors and Seniors) who are pursuing a liberal arts degree (major), which includes a BA conferred at any school at the University and\/or a BS conferred only through the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.\u00a0 A minor is not considered for eligibility.<\/p>\n<p>Students must have a USC minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.9 at the time of invitation.\u00a0 Invitations are extended in Spring, after Fall semester grades have been posted.<\/p>\n<p>Additional requirements can be found on the Phi Beta Kappa National website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbk.org\/Requirements\">PBK Membership Requirements<\/a>.\u00a0 The USC chapter adheres to the national organization\u2019s guidelines and stipulations.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">If I am invited to join, am I automatically a member of Phi Beta Kappa?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-gnpQzNK72y\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-gnpQzNK72y\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>No. You must follow the instructions provided on the invitation to join, register with Phi Beta Kappa National Society, and submit the USC New Registrant Form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is there a membership fee?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-gnpQzNK72y\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-gnpQzNK72y\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Yes. Membership involves a once only life-time fee, as set by PBK National Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is there a deadline to register?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-gnpQzNK72y\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-gnpQzNK72y\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The invitation to join remains open.\u00a0 However, only those registering by the date provided in their invitation email will be given a certificate and be invited to attend the induction ceremony.\u00a0 If registering past that date, contact pbk@dornsife.usc.edu to confirm your invitation and receive the appropriate registration code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Do I have to renew my membership every year?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-gnpQzNK72y\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-gnpQzNK72y\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>No. Once you accept membership and the one-time membership fee is paid, you are a lifetime member. There is no renewal fee to stay active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-7-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-controls=\"section-1-7-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How do I stay connected with fellow PBK members?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-7-gnpQzNK72y\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-7-gnpQzNK72y\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Phi Beta Kappa alumni associations exist in many areas of the United States, and membership is open to anyone elected to Phi Beta Kappa. The associations exist to foster friendship and learning in their communities, and they provide a means for members to continue their active affiliation with the Society after graduation.<\/p>\n<p>Check out the links and resources at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pbk.org\">www.pbk.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-8-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-controls=\"section-1-8-gnpQzNK72y\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is membership with the USC chapter or with the national society?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-8-gnpQzNK72y\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-8-gnpQzNK72y\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Both!\u00a0 When joining Phi Beta Kappa, you become a member of the National Society and of course also a member of the Epsilon of California Chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n          \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Induction Ceremony\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What happens at the Induction Ceremony?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-Kw3aHhgjkr\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-Kw3aHhgjkr\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The induction ceremony is a formal event to welcome and induct the newest members of the Epsilon of California Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The ceremony may open with a procession of the executive board and inductees. Remarks are delivered by the President of the Phi Beta Kappa Epsilon Chapter, the Secretary and by a keynote speaker.\u00a0The Phi Beta Kappa Undergraduate Award Recipient are introduced and recognized. There is a formal induction of the new inductees.<\/p>\n<p>Inductees receive a certificate of membership.<\/p>\n<p>The ceremony is followed by a reception with hors d\u2019oeuvres and beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is attendance at the Induction Ceremony required for membership?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-Kw3aHhgjkr\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-Kw3aHhgjkr\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>No. The ceremony is a celebration of the accomplishments of inductees and is not a mandatory step towards membership. New members are encouraged to attend to be a part of this exciting and important event, but are not obligated to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Who is invited to attend the Induction Ceremony?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-Kw3aHhgjkr\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-Kw3aHhgjkr\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Phi Beta Kappa alumni, supporters, friends of the organization, and guests of the inductees are welcome to attend. Inductees are also encouraged to invite faculty members who have had a significant positive impact on their educational experience.\u00a0 The total number of guests that an inductee may invite will depend on the particular ceremony (location, expected number of students being inducted, and any possible restrictions.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">When is the Induction Ceremony?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-Kw3aHhgjkr\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-Kw3aHhgjkr\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The USC Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony takes place in April of each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-Kw3aHhgjkr\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How do I RSVP for the event?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-Kw3aHhgjkr\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-Kw3aHhgjkr\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Invitations to the event will be emailed approximately three weeks prior to the event.\u00a0 You will then be asked to RSVP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n    \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Certificate\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-eJj90nXSZs\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-eJj90nXSZs\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is there a cost for the certificate?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-eJj90nXSZs\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-eJj90nXSZs\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The certificate is complimentary to new inductees who register their membership by the date provided on their invitation to join.<\/p>\n<p>If you register after the date on your invitation letter and would like to have a certificate, you can purchase one directly from Hand and Hammer through the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pbkkey.com\/\">Phi Beta Kappa Society<\/a> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-eJj90nXSZs\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-eJj90nXSZs\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">If I registered my membership with PBK National Society by the deadline but cannot attend the ceremony, how do I get my certificate?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-eJj90nXSZs\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-eJj90nXSZs\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Certificates will be available for pick-up from a campus office for up to 1 year after the induction ceremony.\u00a0 Email <a href=\"mailto:pbk@dornsife.usc.edu\">pbk@dornsife.usc.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you cannot pick-up your certificate, you are welcome to send someone to pick it up for you. That person must show an email from you authorizing them to pick-up your certificate.\u00a0\u00a0You also have the option of purchasing a certificate directly from Hand and Hammer through the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pbkkey.com\/\">Phi Beta Kappa Society<\/a> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n        \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          USC PBK Undergraduate Award\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1--t-JWt9YUs\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1--t-JWt9YUs\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">What is the USC PBK Undergraduate Award?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1--t-JWt9YUs\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1--t-JWt9YUs\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The USC Phi Beta Kappa Undergraduate Award recognizes excellence in liberal arts studies as expressed through creativity, scholarship, and leadership in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2--t-JWt9YUs\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2--t-JWt9YUs\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How can I apply for the award?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2--t-JWt9YUs\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2--t-JWt9YUs\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The invitation to apply for the award is sent via email in Fall of each year to graduating USC PBK students. Instructions are included in the email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3--t-JWt9YUs\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3--t-JWt9YUs\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">Is there a monetary award included?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3--t-JWt9YUs\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3--t-JWt9YUs\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Yes. The $ amount of the award may fluctuate year-by-year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4--t-JWt9YUs\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4--t-JWt9YUs\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How many awards are given each year?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4--t-JWt9YUs\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4--t-JWt9YUs\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The number of awards given each year is at the discretion of the Executive Committee and available funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n    \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container\">\n\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Phi Beta Kappa Key and Other Insignia Items\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-ZzZlHqLlFl\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-ZzZlHqLlFl\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">\u00a0What is the Phi Beta Kappa key?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-ZzZlHqLlFl\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-ZzZlHqLlFl\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2457 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/phi-beta-kappa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2023\/03\/PBK-Key-2-sided-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/> The symbol of Phi Beta Kappa is a golden key bearing three stars, a pointing finger and the Greek initials of the Society, Phi Beta Kappa.\u00a0 The stars represent the three distinguishing principles of the Society: friendship, morality and learning. The pointing finger symbolizes ambition of the members to attain these principles.\u00a0 On the reverse, the initials SP stand for the Latin words Societas Philosophiae, or &#8220;Philosophical Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-ZzZlHqLlFl\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-ZzZlHqLlFl\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\">How do I order my Phi Beta Kappa key and other insignia items?<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-ZzZlHqLlFl\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-ZzZlHqLlFl\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>Official keys and other memorabilia can be purchased from Hand and Hammer through the\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pbkkey.com\/\">Phi Beta Kappa Society<\/a>\u00a0website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":120,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-416","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Frequently Asked Questions - Phi Beta Kappa<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Phi Beta Kappa FAQ. 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