Distinctions & Opportunities
Academic Distinctions
Phi Beta Kappa
The Society of Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, is the oldest academic Greek-letter society in existence. Throughout its history, Phi Beta Kappa has held as its primary objective the recognition of excellence in the academic performance of undergraduate students who are candidates for degrees in the liberal arts and sciences in U.S. colleges and universities. There are at present 276 chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. Indiana University’s chapter, Gamma of Indiana, was established in 1911.Members are chosen by faculty electors of Indiana University’s chapter from senior degree candidates and recent graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences whose academic records have placed them among the top 10 percent of their class.