The honors education at Kapi‘olani Community College houses two programs: Phi Theta Kappa and the Honors Curriculum. At the beginning of the semester, the honor society welcomed Suyin Phillips, as the new honors education coordinator.
Phillips, who previously shared an office in Olonā, has a new office currently in the back of the honors education room in ʻIliahi 128, just past Subway.
She has been at KCC for eight years and was initially a counselor for the Holomua Department, which is now the Kahikoluamea Center. She later transitioned into teaching and still teaches the FAMR 230 course, alongside being coordinator.
Both the honors program and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) require a 3.5 grade point average and have at least 12 credits to be eligible for the programs. Students who qualify for the programs will receive an email informing them of acceptance.
Students then can decide of they want to follow through and inquire about the programs.
Phillips hopes to uphold the previous advisers achievements in the programs.
“Honestly, the past advisers – Laure Burke, Colette Higgins and Candy Branson – did such an impressive job at developing the program,” she said.
The executive board members for honors program are active and involved on campus. Phillips said that she is always blown away by their initiative, productivity and synergy when they are in the office.
The board members make a conscious effort to have a face-to-face presence in the honors office throughout the week. They are open and welcome to helping anyone who wants to stop by.
“The executive board is eager to bring in new members,” she said. “Their energy is contagious.”
Though Phillips is impressed by the previous advisers’ developments, she is still looking to increasing student participation. She hopes to get the membership involved more, not just the executive board.
Alpha Kappa Si, which is what PTK falls under, will be having a college project this semester. This is when the members work with Chancellor Leon Richards to support KCC’s initiatives. This is usually done by holding an event on campus to draw in involvement from students.
The chapter is also working on a community service project and are currently discussing beach clean-ups or working on a traditional Hawaiian garden.
New members of Phi Theta Kappa can also look forward to the semester formal induction ceremony. Family and friends of the new members are welcome to join in and recognize and welcome the new members.
For the honors curriculum, students must maintain and keep a 3.5 GPA throughout their time at KCC until they graduate.
Students involved in the honors curriculum have the opportunity to design their own coursework, receive a writing intensive credit and have guaranteed registration in honors classes. Students who participate in the honors curriculum must take two honors courses and meet twice a semester, unlike Phi Theta Kappa members.
“Honors curriculum is a little harder to attain,” Phillips said. “It’s a smaller group of students.”
Those who inquire to join PTK, must have a 3.5 GPA to be invited and maintain a 3.0 GPA to stay in the program. PTK members are more involved with the community, through service projects and networking.
Students will learn leadership skills, focus on scholarship and enjoy fellowship and travel, according to the Honors Education handout.
PTK applicants must pay a one-time fee of $95, which includes international, regional and chapter dues, since Phi Theta Kappa is national program and each college has it’s own chapter.
Those who join PTK gain a lifetime membership.
“So please visit, meet us and learn more about the Honors program,” Phillips said.