Stipulations Concerning Eligibility for Membership
Students are considered for induction into Phi Beta Kappa as Juniors and Seniors. Each Spring approximately one percent of Juniors and ten percent of Seniors are invited to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
Students are evaluated on the following criteria when being considered for Membership:
- GPA: A grade point average of at least 3.6 is necessary for induction as a Senior, and at least 3.9 for induction as a Junior.
- Recommendation: All faculty are asked to nominate students based on excellence and breadth in the liberal arts and sciences, a commitment to the spirit of learning, and civic-mindedness.
- Additional Accomplishments Considered in Selecting Membership
- A double major across disciplines in different divisions is considered a strong indicator of breadth across the liberal arts and sciences.
- A Senior Thesis is considered a strong indicator of the spirit of learning valued by Phi Beta Kappa.
- Coursework in Modern Languages and Literatures at Lake Forest College is considered a valuable part of a liberal arts education.
The Theta of Illinois Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa is composed of Faculty and Staff at Lake Forest College who are members of Phi Beta Kappa. The Chapter’s Membership Committee reviews academic records and solicits recommendations. Each Spring the Membership Committee makes a proposal for induction to the Chapter. The full Chapter then votes to confirm the students who will be invited to join Phi Beta Kappa.
This membership induction process was discussed, reviewed, and voted upon by the Chapter in the Fall of 2023 and the Spring of 2024.
The Chapter will continue to consider how to improve our process to reflect the values of fairness and transparency, and to further Phi Beta Kappa’s commitment to excellence and breadth in the liberal arts and sciences, a commitment to the spirit of learning, and civic-mindedness.
More information
National History of Phi Beta Kappa
Elected to Phi Beta Kappa at Lake Forest College: