GK Logo.
Golden Key, founded in the USA over 30 years, is one of the world’s largest academic honour societies.
Membership of the Chapter is by invitation only, done through a vigorous selection process of top achievers. The Chapter includes students in all fields of study and is solely based on an objective evaluation of the students’ academic achievements, with the primary goal of enabling members to realise their potential.
The initiative is co-ordinated by the University’s Golden Key chapter advisors, Prof Ben Van Wyk, DVC for Teaching, Learning and Technology and Dr Eric Pule, Director at the Advancement and Partnerships Office.
Online TUT Information sessions were held in May 2022 and a couple of current members have already put their names forward to serve on the first TUT Chapter Committee. The Golden Key South Africa (GKSA) Head Office will facilitate and conduct the online election of Committee members, with all current paid-up members eligible to vote.
Prof Van Wyk said: “The Golden Key initiative forms part of a bigger student driven project underway, which is aimed at creating a sense of belonging, unity and developing a common identity among members of the TUT community.”
To date, the Golden Key Society has over 370 chapters at colleges and universities in seven countries including the USA, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand and United Arab Emirates.
Dr Pule emphasised that the Golden Key Chapter membership stretches beyond academic recognition. Some of the benefits include graduate career assistance, scholarships, an online career centre, as well as leadership, community service and networking opportunities.
“The Golden Key honour society membership is so much more than a well-earned mark of distinction on a resume. The membership is an opportunity to learn, grow, travel, and meet incredible people around the world,” said Dr Pule.
Upcoming Golden Key Chapter activities:
- Later in the year (September 2022), GKSA HQ will arrange an online\virtual “New Member Recognition” ceremony for all TUT Chapter members.
- The Chapter will more or less run autonomously with guidance from GKSA to the elected committee. Prof Ben and I are additional advisors (internally) to the Chapter committee.
- Potential new members will be identified (annually) by the APO through the Management Information System (MIS) once first year results are available. This will be done according to GK criteria and forwarded to GKSA, who will then invite the students to become members of the Chapter. A membership fee is charged.