Branding Standards and Guidelines
Branding Standards and Guidelines
Our Story
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in higher education with nearly 1,300 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, plus Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau, Peru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates, and U.S. territorial possessions. More than 3.8 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with over 250,000 active members annually.
Our Mission
To fulfill our mission, we focus on recognizing and encouraging the academic achievement of college students while providing opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programming.
Our Name
The full name of the organization is Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, but may be referred to more informally as PTK. Members of the organization should be referred to as “Phi Theta Kappa members,” “Phi Theta Kappans,” or “PTK members.”
Our Symbols
The Phi Theta Kappa Key is the primary symbol representing the honor society. Phi Theta Kappa symbols are protected by copyrights.
The key is a golden slab, keyed at the top and bottom. Across the center of the slab is a black enamel band upon which three Greek letters appear, which are the initials of three mystic Greek words phronimon (Phi), thumos (Theta), and katharotes (Kappa) and meaning wisdom, aspiration, and purity. Behind the band is a wreath, on one side composed of oak leaves, and on the other, of laurel. The wreath of oak leaves denotes stability and strength of character, and the curling leaves of laurel signify achievement and success. Above the band is a representation of the head of Athena, symbol of learning; in the base appear the Greek letters forming the word meaning light, the light of learning and knowledge (φῶς, phi, omega, and sigma).
Our Song
Branding Guidelines
Trademarks, Copyright, and Acceptable Use
Please be aware that the use of Phi Theta Kappa's trademarked or copyrighted content is strictly prohibited unless you have obtained explicit permission from the rights holder. This includes, but is not limited to, logos, brand names, images, text, and any other materials protected under intellectual property laws. Unauthorized use of such content may result in legal action. Please contact marketing@ptk.org for any questions regarding acceptable use.
We have standardized the usage protocol for our associated logos and wordmarks for the PTK brand. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and its associated logos and wordmarks are all registered trademarks of the organization and may not be used for any purpose outside of the guidelines listed below without written permission from the PTK Marketing Department. These logos and wordmarks include everything that is listed on this page.
Colleges with a Phi Theta Kappa Chapter
The Phi Theta Kappa seal may be used by colleges with a Phi Theta Kappa chapter on digital diplomas with written permission by the PTK Marketing Department. Usage of the Phi Theta Kappa digital seal on diplomas must be approved each semester. Submit requests for use to marketing@ptk.org.
Chapter, Regional, and Alumni Communications Usage
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society logos and wordmarks may be used for digital and print formats to promote chapter and regional events and communications, including chapter and regional awards.
The Phi Theta Kappa seal is never to be used in any capacity by chapters or regions.
Merchandise for Sale
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society logos and wordmarks may not be used for merchandise for sale by chapters or regions unless express written permission is received for each use.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society logos and wordmarks may not be used by any outside businesses or individuals not actively associated with the chapter.
The Phi Theta Kappa seal is never to be used in any capacity by chapters or regions.
The words Phi Theta Kappa, the Key, and the Greek letters may be used for chapter merchandise in conjunction with the chapter name and/or letters, including the wordmarks and/or logos listed below.
Social Media Usage
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society logos and wordmarks may not be used in social media handles or avatar images. They may be used in social media posts to promote chapter activities.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society or PTK may not be used in social media handles without approval from the PTK Marketing Department.
- ChapterName_PTK is acceptable.
- CollegeName_PTK is acceptable.
- PTK_YourCollege is not acceptable.
- PhiThetaKappa_YourCollege is not acceptable.
For guidance on how to setup a social media account handle and bio, contact marketing@ptk.org.
Graphics for Download
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.