About Phi Beta Kappa

Phi Beta Kappa is a national honor society founded in 1776, with chapters on 286 campuses.  Only 10% of U.S. colleges and universities have Phi Beta Kappa chapters.  No more than 10% of graduating seniors are elected to membership.  A smaller number of outstanding juniors are also elected each year.

The local Phi Beta Kappa chapter at UC Santa Cruz was founded in 1986 as "Upsilon of California."  The Phi Beta Kappa Northern California Association is active in connecting members and planning events.  It also awards graduate student scholarships to members conducting original research.

Current chapter officers (2022-2023)

• President Jason Nielsen (Physics/SCIPP)
• Vice President Andrea Cohen (Academic Affairs)
• Secretary Elizabeth Abrams (Writing/Merrill)
• Treasurer Irena Polić (The Humanities Institute)