Academics
Phi Beta Kappa
Gamma Chapter of Vermont at Saint Michael's College
As the nation's oldest academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is dedicated to promoting excellence in the liberal arts. Phi Beta Kappa chapters are allowed to elect a maximum of 
10 percent of their institution’s graduating class to join each year. Less than one percent of college graduates nationwide are admitted, and fewer than 10 percent of colleges and universities are privileged to have Phi Beta Kappa chapters on their campuses.
Saint Michael’s College was invited by the Phi Beta Kappa organization to establish a chapter on its campus in August 2003. As the Gamma chapter of Vermont, Saint Michael's is one of only three Vermont institutions to have Phi Beta Kappa chapters on their campuses: The University of Vermont (Alpha) and Middlebury College (Beta). Of the 220 Catholic colleges in the country, only 20 have chapters, four of which are in New England: Saint Michael’s, Boston College, Holy Cross and Fairfield.
To be considered, an institution must have a faculty with 10 percent Phi Beta Kappa members. Criteria for selection include quality of faculty and their research, quality of students and extent of student research, as well as success of students in gaining fellowships and admission to graduate or professional programs. Also considered are honors programs, library quality and number of faculty inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
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If you have any questions about the Vermont Gamma chapter, please contact:
Jennifer Niebling
President
802.654.2505
jniebling@smcvt.edu
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Dr. John Kenney
Secretary
802.654.2525
jkenney@smcvt.edu