The symbol of Phi Beta Kappa membership is a gold key.  The front of the key contains the Greek letters ΦΒΚ, three stars, and a hand pointing to the three stars.  On the reverse is the date of founding, December 1776, and the letters S P.  The Greek letters refer to the society’s motto, Philsophia Biou Kybernetes, which means “The love of learning is the guide of life.”  The letters S P are the initials of the Latin words Societas Philosophiae.  The pointing hand and the three stars symbolize the ambitions of young scholars and the three distinguishing principles of the Phi Beta Kappa Society – friendship, morality, and learning.  The new member’s name, Phi Beta Kappa Chapter and date of initiation are also engraved on the reverse.

New members are encouraged, but not required, to purchase a Phi Beta Kappa key.  Information on how to purchase a key will be included with the invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa.