Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Key?
Golden Key is a global community of academic achievers that provides opportunities for individual growth through leadership, career development, networking and service. Membership into the Society is by invitation only, to the top 15 percent of college juniors and seniors in all fields of study, based solely on the objective criteria of their academic achievements.
When and how was Golden Key founded?
Golden Key National Honor Society was founded by a group of undergraduate students and faculty members at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. on November 29, 1977. In 2001, the society modified its name to its current name to reflect its diversity and global presence. The spelling of “Honour” was utilized to observe the more globally accepted spelling.
What is Golden Key’s mission?
To build global communities of academic achievers by providing opportunities for individual growth through leadership, career development, networking and service.
What are the requirements for membership?
Golden Key membership is available only to the top 15 percent of sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students from all fields of study, regardless of part-time or full-time status. In order to be considered a sophomore, students must have completed at least 30 hours of coursework.
Why should I join Golden Key?
Membership in Golden Key International Honour Society is a prestigious opportunity for the top 15 percent of undergraduate, part-time and full-time juniors and seniors. The Society offers members a valuable opportunity to get involved in 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 as well as special discount programs with participating vendors such as Princeton ReviewTest Prep and MBNA Financial Services. Here is more specific information on membership benefits.
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. Golden Key does provide, however, 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.
Does it cost anything to join Golden Key?
Members pay a one-time membership fee that provides access to a variety of benefits. A portion of each member fee is sent to the local chapter to support its activities. The balance is retained at the Golden Key headquarters to provide exceptional service to chapters and members via activities such as annual mailings of membership invitations, development of benefits, dedicated staff support on campus, materials for induction ceremonies, publications, and more. There is no fee to the institution for establishing and retaining a Golden Key chapter on campus.
How is the membership fee used?
The membership fee is shared between the local chapter and the international headquarters. The one-time-only fee funds membership benefits and supports local chapters in a variety of ways including scholarships, induction ceremonies and receptions, publications, conferences and conventions, local academic, service and social activities and headquarters support to chapters.
How is Golden Key governed and membership represented?
Golden Key International Honour Society is governed by a Board of Directors, which consists of college presidents, higher education leaders and founding members. The Golden Key Council includes the Society’s president, vice president, secretary and council student representative. In addition, there is an Academic Coordinating Committee, which includes one advisor from each region and one student member per region is appointed as a regional student representative.
Who are Golden Key members?
Golden Key membership has grown to a very large network of over one million members from seven countries. Members include teachers, doctors, engineers, university presidents, social workers, entrepreneurs, politicians, military leaders, and many more. Well known Golden Key lifetime members include: Elizabeth Dole, John Grisham, Colin Powell, and John Glenn.
How many Golden Key Chapters exist today?
Approximately 350 Golden Key chapters exist at universities and colleges in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Africa, United States of America, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Please visit the chapter directory to find out if your country and/or state have a Golden Key chapter.