• had a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 at OCC for all coursework completed at OCC through Spring 2009 and
• had completed at least 12 units of letter-graded (A-F), associate-level* coursework at OCC by the end of the Spring 2009 semester

Following acceptance, members MUST maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 in order to continue to receive benefits and remain eligible for scholarships, etc.

*Associate-level coursework includes any that may be applied to earning an Associate degree:  AA or AS (generally courses numbered 100 and higher, though there are a few exceptions), including courses associated with certificate programs. These are listed in Options 1, 2, or 3 of the OCC Catalog and Schedule of Classes. While the level of coursework must be at the "associate level," students need not be working toward AA or AS degrees, certificates, or transfer to apply for Phi Theta Kappa membership.

PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP: New beginning Fall 2009!
Provisional membership (CHAPTER membership only) applications may be submitted by OCC students who do not yet meet the requirements for full (chapter, regional and international) membership. Applications will be approved by the current chapter officers on the basis of prior history (e.g., high school, employment, military experience, parenting experience) and short written responses to two prompts. Provisional members may not vote or represent the chapter at official meetings or events of the national or regional Phi Theta Kappa organizations, but may participate in volunteer activities and be recognized on a chapter basis. Provisional members must apply for full membership as soon as they are eligible, or else discontinue their membership altogether.

Provisional members pay only chapter dues, currently $50.00, for up to one year of membership at this level.  If, at the end of one year, the student still does not qualify for full membership, s/he may renew as a provisional member for one additional year.

When the Provisional member applies for full membership, s/he pays only the one-time national and regional dues at the prevailing amounts (currently $50.00).

NOTE: While chapter service is not a requirement for international membership, a minimum of 20 hours of service to the chapter annually is recommened in order to be minimally competitive for chapter scholarships, state-wide and national scholarship nominations, and other chapter-specific benefits.

Chapter service includes, among other opportunities: attendance at weekly meetings, voluntary participation in chapter events and projects, and voluntarily representing the chapter at charitable and non-profit community events and projects (such as "Train to End Stroke," "Relay for Life," "Habitat for Humanity," "Special Olympics," etc.), assisting with membership recruitment, fundraising, and serving as an officer or committee chair.