Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phi Theta Kappa the same as the EMCC Honor's Program?

NO.  The Beta Alpha Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is not the same as the EMCC honor's program.  For consideration into the Honors Program, please contact Honor's Coordinator Clarissa Davis-Ragland in 150 Ocotillo Faculty Bldg., 623-935-8222 or clarissa.davis-ragland@emcmail.maricopa.edu .

What are the requirements for membership in EMCC's Beta Alpha Xi Chapter ?

Eligible students are currently enrolled at Estrella Mountain Community College, have completed 12 semester hours or more at the 100-level or above, and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better. A one-time membership fee is also required.

Are part-time students eligible?

YES.  According to the International Constitution and Bylaws, part time students may be eligible if they have accumulated at least 12 credits over two or more academic terms.

Are students who are enrolled in associate degree programs eligible if they do not plan to actually complete their associate degrees, but instead plan to simply transfer to a senior institution?

YES.  A student need not necessarily be planning to receive an associate degree, as long as he or she has accumulated at least 12 credit hours of course work that could be applied toward an associate degree.

Are students pursuing certificate programs rather than associate degree programs eligible?

MAYBE.  A certificate student may be eligible for membership if the student has accumulated at least 12 credit hours of course work that could be applied toward an associate's degree.

Are international students, those who are citizens of countries other than the United States or Canada, eligible?

YES.  International students attending on a United States student visa and who possess full rights of citizenship of their country are eligible for membership.

Can transfer hours from other colleges be considered when determining membership eligibility?

MAYBE.  Grades for courses taken at another institution may be considered when determining membership eligibility if this procedure is acceptable to the institution in which the student is enrolled.  This issue is addressed in the chapter's bylaws.  However, while grades may be considered, the student must still complete at least 12 credit hours of associate degree course work at Estrella Mountain Community College.

Can a high school student who is taking college credit be a membership of Phi Theta Kappa?

YES.  A high school student enrolled at a two-year college who achieves at least 12 credit hours of associate degree course work and the required GPA is eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa.

Can a community college student who has already earned a degree be a member of Phi Theta Kappa?

YES.  A student with a degree who is enrolled at a community college is eligible for membership if the student completes at least 12 credit hours of associate degree course work with the required cumulative GPA at Estrella Mountain Community College.

If a student attended our college eight years ago and did not do well, do we have to consider those grades when determining the student's eligibility?

According to the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution, studies taken more than five years ago need not be considered when determining membership eligibility.  However, the college administration has the prerogative of increasing the number of years that must elapse for waiving course consideration to any period beyond five years.