The Triennial Council is Phi Beta Kappa’s legislative body, which convenes every three years to conduct Society business and hold elections. Our executives, senators, and representatives from the ΦBK chapters and associations met for our 47th Triennial Council from July 31 to August 4 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Phi Beta Kappa voted to establish three new chapters at the 47th Triennial Council. The Society awarded new chapters to Phi Beta Kappa faculty at College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina; Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington; and Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
Chapters are granted after a rigorous, multi-year application process administered by the Society’s Committee on Qualifications. That Committee makes recommendations for new chapters to the Phi Beta Kappa Senate, which in turn makes recommendations to the Council, which then votes to approve prospective chapters every three years.
These three new chapters will join Phi Beta Kappa’s 290 chapters at colleges and universities nationwide. The founding members of each new chapter will organize the official chapter installation and first induction ceremonies for new members at their institutions in the coming months.
“We are honored to install new chapters at the College of Charleston, Gonzaga University, and Texas State University, reflecting our commitment to recognizing and fostering academic excellence,” said Secretary Frederick M. Lawrence. “These schools exemplify the values of and relevance of the liberal arts and sciences, and we look forward to celebrating the academic achievements of their most outstanding students. We are thrilled to expand our network and welcome these distinguished institutions into the Phi Beta Kappa family.”