Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1949-2018 (Creation)
Extent
2.42 linear feet (2 record boxes, 1 document case)
Name of creator
Administrative history
The South Dakota State University chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi has recognized academic excellence across all disciplines since at least 1949, as documented in university archives. While the exact date of the chapter’s founding remains unclear, records show decades of active involvement in promoting scholarship through initiation ceremonies, academic banquets, faculty lectureships, and student recognition events.
Over the years, the chapter has maintained a strong presence on campus, emphasizing the Society’s mission to honor students and faculty of high scholarly achievement and good character. Archival materials—including meeting minutes, correspondence, newsletters, and event programs—reflect a long-standing commitment to fostering a culture of academic distinction at SDSU. The chapter’s history exemplifies the Society’s broader goals of encouraging excellence in higher education and service to the academic community.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society Records document the activities, governance, and membership of the South Dakota State University chapter from its charter meeting in 1949 through the early 2000s. The collection includes meeting minutes, constitutions, membership lists, banquet and lecture programs, correspondence, publicity materials, and financial records.
These materials offer a detailed view of the chapter’s founding, development, and academic involvement on campus. Foundational items include the original charter meeting minutes and constitution, along with extensive nomination and selection materials for faculty, student, graduate, alumni, and honorary members. The collection also contains initiation records, banquet and faculty lectureship programs, officer communications, IRS filings, national and regional correspondence, newsletters, clippings, and directories.
This collection is significant for understanding the role of honor societies in fostering academic achievement and faculty recognition at SDSU. It reflects decades of academic excellence, institutional support, and intellectual engagement, and provides valuable insight into evolving academic culture and organizational practices over time.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.