Wayne Community College’s Upsilon Chi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honor society has been named a 2023 REACH Chapter by the organization.
Recognizing Excellence in Acceptance and Completion with Honors (REACH) was developed to reward chapters that excel in PTK membership development by achieving exceptionally high rates of membership acceptance. WCC’s chapter is one of 159 to be recognized for the 2023 calendar year.
PTK recognizes the academic achievements of community college students and gives them opportunities to grow as scholars and leaders. The organization’s lifelong membership also provides benefits such as scholarships and discounts with partner companies.
Only one out of 10 eligible students typically accepts membership into PTK. Chapters that meet or exceed a 15% membership acceptance rate are recognized by REACH and receive graduation stoles. As a REACH chapter, WCC’s Upsilon Chi will receive 11 free PTK stoles for students to wear during their graduation ceremony.
“We are extremely humbled and appreciative to have our students accept the invitations,” said Katie Holloman, chapter contact advisor. “The number of students who are eligible and the ones who accept being part of this lifetime organization speaks very highly of not only the student body we have on campus but also the instructors, staff, and administrators who help push and guide our students.”
The Upsilon Chi chapter of PTK currently has over 200 enrolled members. In 2023, 165 new members accepted the invitation to join, the largest WCC has seen in a single year. “We have really grown over the past couple of years, and we’re on track to keep growing,” Holloman said.
To receive an invitation to join the International Honor Society, students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the required number of semester hours for degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Dual-enrolled high school students in WCC’s Career and College Promise program are also eligible to join the society. Fall and spring induction ceremonies are held each year for new members.
