Phi Beta Kappa

Membership in Phi Beta Kappa is an honor conferred in recognition of scholarly attainment in the liberal arts and sciences. The UR Chapter (Iota of New York) was established in 1887. Scholarship and good character are the determining criteria for membership. New members of this honorary society, both Seniors and Juniors, are recommended by the faculty (who are not necessarily Phi Beta Kappa members) and elected by faculty and administrative staff members who are members of Phi Beta Kappa themselves. The transcript includes a notation when a student is elected. Each year in November, in conjunction with the College, the Chapter presents the "Iota Book Awards" to the most distinguished members of the previous year's freshman class. For further information, see the Web site at www.rochester.edu/College/pbk

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