What is Golden Key?
Golden Key is the largest collegiate honour society in the world. Membership into the Society is by invitation only, to the top 15% of college/university sophomores, juniors, seniors and top performing graduate students in all fields of study, based solely on the objective criteria of their academic achievements.
Golden Key is a non-profit organization under Section 501C(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. return to top
When was Golden Key founded?
Golden Key National honour Society was founded by a group of undergraduate students and faculty members at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia on November 29, 1977. In 2001, the Society modified its name to Golden Key International Honour Society to reflect its diversity and global presence. The spelling of “Honour” was utilized to observe the more globally accepted spelling. return to top
What are Golden Key’s mission, vision, and values?
Vision: Golden Key is the world’s premier honour society. We recognize academic excellence and provide tangible value to our student members, advisors, recent alumni and partners while positively impacting their lives and society.
Mission: To enable members to realize their potential.
Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Diversity, Excellence, Engagement
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Why should I join Golden Key? What are the benefits?
The Society offers members valuable opportunities for individual growth through leadership, career development, networking and community service. In addition, a number of scholarships and awards are available for members to apply for as well as special discount programs with participating vendors such as Princeton Review and Bank of America. return to top
What are the requirements for membership?
– Top 15% of sophomores, juniors, seniors, and top performing U.S. graduate students.
– All full and part-time students from any field of study.
– All traditional, non-traditional and international students are included.
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After graduation, will I continue to receive benefits?
Yes, the following benefits will remain available to members after obtaining their respective degree:
Now that I have received the letter of invitation and want to join, what do I do?
You can accept your membership invitation in two ways:
The deadline has passed; can I still join?
Yes. Send your Membership Acceptance Form and complete fee payment to International Headquarters as soon as possible. The invitation you received is valid for one year from the postmark date on the letter or when you received the first email invitation. Your personalized certificate will be mailed to you at the mailing address you provide or presented to you at the Induction Ceremony if this event has not passed.
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What happens if my cumulative GPA drops after I join?
Once you become a member your membership will not be withdrawn due to grade changes. return to top
I am already a member of another honour society. Does that mean I am already
a member of Golden Key, or are these organizations related?
Golden Key is not affiliated with any other honour societies, therefore it is necessary for you to accept membership using the Golden Key invitation you received to obtain your membership in this Society.
You may see your local chapter of Golden Key partnering with other organizations for service, social and academic projects, however, to become a true member of Golden Key, you will have to adhere to Golden Key’s requirements and process for membership.
What sets Golden Key apart from many other collegiate honour societies on campus are its efforts to provide opportunities beyond recognition and to cater to the needs of students approaching graduation, continuing education, and the job market. We accomplish this by providing scholarships on the local and international levels, by promoting service participation by each chapter, by involving students as chapter and community leaders, and offering career assistance and networking opportunities.
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What if I don’t have the money to join now?
The invitation to join is valid for one year from the postmark date on the letter or when you received the first email invitation. Partial payment of the membership fee is not available. Complete payment of fees must accompany the Membership Acceptance Form. return to top
Must I be involved in activities to be a Golden Key member?
No, Golden Key was founded on the principle that any student who meets the established academic criteria can become a member and access the many benefits offered. Participation is highly encouraged and purely voluntary.
However, Golden Key provides one of the best networks of opportunities to actively participate at the local, regional, national and even international level. Thousands of Golden Key members have utilized the opportunities in Golden Key to develop their leadership skills, engage in community service, and enhance their personal network.
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