“Honor Society members are people – like you – with similar interests and high achievements. They are eager to advance scholarship, ethics, and professionalism in their academic disciplines. Though achievement is its own reward, earning your Honor Society key or pin demonstrates that you have accomplished something that makes you special and puts you at the top of your chosen field. Having an Honor Society listed on your résumé provides a tangible sign of your academic success.”

The following Honor Societies for students of all majors are hosted and endorsed by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. We would strongly encourage you to join if you are invited:

• Phi Kappa Phi, founded in 1897, was the first national honor society to recognize superior scholarship in all fields of study and to take into membership the highest-ranking student from all branches of learning. UMKC’s chapter was founded in 1969. Each year, the highest-ranking students in the University are elected into membership.
• Mortar Board is a national honor society that provides opportunities for leadership development and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Juniors are annually selected for membership on the basis of scholarship, leadership and service. UMKC’s chapter was founded in 1973.
• Golden Key is an international academic honors organization dedicated to excellence. The society is interdisciplinary and unites the talents of the most promising undergraduate students. Juniors and seniors in the top 15% of their class may be selected for membership. Members are actively involved with community service projects.
• Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society with circles on more than 200 college and university campuses. The society recognizes and encourages the achievement of superior scholarship and leadership. All members are expected to engage cooperatively in effective leadership and services for the good of the institution and the community.

In addition, several academic disciplines at UMKC offer honor societies that select members on the basis of their grades and class standing. We would certainly encourage you to consider joining such an Honor Society if you are invited.

If you are invited to join an Honor Society that is not listed above, we advise you to consult the website of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). ACHS publishes a set of guidelines on how to judge the credibility of Honor Societies. In general, you should only consider joining an Honor Society if you receive the invitation from a reputable source whose identity you can verify, such as a local UMKC chapter officer. If you are still uncertain, please consult with the Honors Program Director of Student Services or with your major advisor.