Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Why do I have to pay to join?

The money pays for your membership benefits.

Is the $50.00 a one-time-only fee?

Yes

Where does the $50.00 go?

$9.00 goes directly back to support chapter operations. An additional $2.00 goes to scholarships awarded to the top junior and senior initiates of the chapter. The remaining money is used for certificates of membership, publications to members, national programs, regional conference, national convention, and national staff support for each chapter.

I've talked to some of my professors and they've never heard of you. Why?

Golden Key if a fairly young organization. It was established in November of 1977. The Society has chapters at more than 200 major colleges and universities in the United States and Australia.

How much are the scholarships?

The amount of the scholarships vary and depend on the number of people who join. Two scholarships are awarded, one to junior and one to a senior. For every person who joins, two dollars are taken from the fee. So, if 500 people join, each scholarship will be $500.

Who is eligible for the scholarships?

All new inductees are eligible for the scholarships. However, you are only eligible for undergraduate scholarships the year you join.

How are the scholarship recipients selected?

The selection is based initially on grade point average and then on leadership, extracumcular activities, work experience, community service, etc.

How many scholarships are awarded?

Two scholarships are awarded at each chapter: one to a junior and one to a senior.

What benefits do I get for joining?

After I become a member, am I required to participate?

Participation is voluntary, however, there are a number of wonderful opportumties for members to get involved. Review activities that the local chapter is involved in.

Does this school have a chapter?

Yes.

What does this university's chapter do?

Visit our Activities page.

Why should I join Golden Key instead of another honor society?

If you are involved in other honor societies you can talk about them. Never put down another honor society. Ask questions to determine prospective members' interests and highlight benefits of Golden Key that relate to their interests.

How long has Golden Key been on campus?

Chartering date in the back of CONCEPTS.

How do I apply to join?

Membership is by invitation only. Eligible students are sent letters of invitation. To become a lifetime member, send the completed profile form and membership fee to national headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia by the deadline date.

Are graduate students allowed to join?

Graduate students can join if their undergraduate institution has a Golden Key chapter and if when they graduated they were in the top 15 % of their class.

I meet your requirements, but I haven't received a letter. Why?

Are you a junior or senior? Are you a transfer student? Have you recently moved? What is your grade point average?. How many hours do you have? If prospective member meets all these requirements, complete an eligibility inquiry form and give to the advisor to verify information. Once information is verified, an invitation will be sent. Advisors are sent 15-25 extra invitations.

I'm already a member, but I haven't heard from the Society since I joined. Why?

Have you moved? If not, come to one of our next general meetings.

I just transferred here, but I was eligible at the school I came from. Can I still join?

You can join as a member of your previous school and transfer your membership or you can wait until you have at least 25 semester hours at your current institution. You are immediately ehgible to join here if all your grades and hours transferred.