Phi Theta Kappa Logos and Emblems

All Phi Theta Kappa logos and emblems, including the key, crest, seal, the Greek letters comprising the Society name, and the name "Phi Theta Kappa," are registered with the U.S. Patent Office. Any unauthorized use is prohibited by law.

| Proper Use of Symbols | Proper Use of the Phi Theta Kappa Name | The Images - Extended Information and Downloads |

Recommendations for Chapter and Regional Web Pages, Including Images for Web

Proper Use of Symbols

Proper use of our Society's symbols is essential for preserving Phi Theta Kappa's history and ensuring its future. In order to protect the integrity of Society emblems and safeguard the value of membership, Phi Theta Kappa's Golden Key, seal, and crest emblems cannot be used on saleable items, including sweatshirts, t-shirts and other merchandise sold or distributed by chapters or regions at International Conventions. The name Phi Theta Kappa or Greek letters representing Phi Theta Kappa or the chapter name can appear on these items. Chapters may use the Golden Key emblem on chapter stationery, flyers, business cards, etc., which are not offered for sale.

We suggest the following copyright statement to accompany the logos and emblems:

"Copyright © [Current Year] by Phi Theta Kappa. All rights reserved. None of the official Phi Theta Kappa logos and emblems may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Phi Theta Kappa. Phi Theta Kappa has registered the name, logo and various titles herein with the U.S. Patent Office."

Items bearing the Golden Key emblem may be purchased from Headquarters' Recognition Services Department, where a sales representative checks to ensure the person ordering is a member before shipping any such items. This ensures the integrity of Phi Theta Kappa's Golden Key pin and other items carrying the emblem.

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Proper Use of the Phi Theta Kappa Name

The full name of the organization is the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Members of the organization should be referred to as "Phi Theta Kappa members" or "Phi Theta Kappans." "Kappans," "Phi Thetas," or any other abbreviated version of the name are incorrect references.

By the same token, the organization should not be referred to as PTK, as these are not the equivalent letters for the Greek words meaning wisdom, aspiration and purity. When abbreviating, the true Greek letters should be used. Otherwise, "Phi Theta Kappa" should be spelled out.

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The Images - Extended Information and Downloads

The Golden Key of Phi Theta Kappa is the official emblem of the Society. It consists of a golden slab, keyed at the top and bottom. The golden field represents the golden opportunities that abound on every hand for Society folk to evidence their culture and perform good works.

The black band represents the three ideals which band the organization together, and the cultural self control which is the necessary foundation for true wisdom, aspiration and purity. Shining through the black background are the three Greek letters, phronimon, thumos and katharotes; signifying wisdom, aspiration and purity respectively.

Behind the band is a wreath, composed of oak leaves on one side and laurel leaves on the other. The oak leaves stand for stability and strength of character, as symbolized by the sturdy oak. The graceful, curling leaves of the laurel signify achievement and success, all attributes for membership in our Society.

Above the band is the representation of the head of Athena, the symbol of Learning; in the base appear the mystic Greek letters meaning light of knowledge and learning, the common ideal for members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Greek Letters

Greek Letters

These Greek letters are an acceptable and encouraged abbreviation for Phi Theta Kappa.

The Society's crest also contains the representation of Athena's head, the oak and laurel leaves, the band containing the three Greek letters, and the Greek letters symbolizing light and learning below the band.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Seal contains the representation of Athena and the date of the Society's founding, 1918. The Seal is embossed in the lower left-hand corner of all membership certificates. Advisors may order gold-embossed seals from the Recognition Services Department at Headquarters for the diplomas of graduating members.