Elon taking steps toward possible Phi Beta Kappa accreditation in 2007

Rachel Abbott / Reporter

Elon has been pursing accreditation for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter to start in 2007 since submitting an application in November.

A Phi Beta Kappa chapter would honor Elon for excellence in the school of arts and sciences. It is the nation’s oldest and largest academic honor society. The goal of Phi Beta Kappa is to support the ideals of the society through social, academic and community programs.

Elon previously applied for accreditation in 2000, but did not make the cut. After waiting the mandatory three years, Elon reapplied in November 2003. The application explained Elon’s accomplishments and history. The growth Elon has experienced and its annual recognition from the National Survey of Student Engagement were highlighted on the application.

Elon will be notified in April if it makes the first cut. An Elon committee comprised of English professor Russell Gill, Steven House, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Helen Walter, financial planning assistant, would then send additional information and host a visit from Phi Beta Kappa officials.

There are 270 Phi Beta Kappa chapters nation-wide, including eight new chapters added this year. The organization began in the late 1700s at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. Yale University was the next school to establish a chapter.

If Elon obtains a chapter, students who have completed 95 credit hours in arts and sciences would be invited. Juniors would need a GPA of 3.7 and seniors would be required to have at least a 3.5 GPA and a foreign language requirement.

Elon made a seven part plan to achieve accreditation that includes enhancing the library collection and hiring more Phi Beta Kappa faculty. The plan also called for more academic resources and increasing language and cultural experiences. Elon has aimed to increase the number of arts and science majors and attract brighter students to become honors, fellows and future graduate students.

“I think it’s a good move in accrediting Elon because it gives students an option to make their degrees more valuable,” said freshman Caitlin Burke.

The committee has put an emphasis on the honors programs, according to House. “It has one of the better programs. It is really well organized and set up,” Osinski said.

House indicated the committee is optimistic but emphasized that, “you don’t do these things overnight.” If Elon fails to obtain accreditation this year, it will be in position in 2010.