Phi The South Dakota State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, a national honor society, was established in 1949. Phi Kappa Phi's primary objectives are the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is by invitation only. Seniors, juniors, and graduate students with high academic records are eligible. Because of the high standards of scholarship and character required for membership, election of Phi Kappa Phi is one of the highest honors a student can receive at SDSU or any other university.
Membership is also extended to outstanding faculty and to distinguished alumni.
The major criteria for these memberships are personal and professional achievements. Inc. Mortar Board is a national union of senior honor societies united to form a single national society. The purpose of this society is to facilitate cooperation among senior honor societies, contribute self-awareness of the members, promote equal opportunities among all peoples, emphasize the advancement of the status of women, support the ideals of the university, advance a spirit of scholarship, recognize and encourage leadership, provide service, and establish an opportunity for networking and meaningful exchange of ideas. Golden Key Golden Key is an international academic honor society dedicated to scholastic achievement and excellence. Two scholarships are awarded at the chapter's reception to the outstanding junior and senior initiates.