The Golden Key National Honour Society was formed in 1977 at Georgia State University and the SUNY Geneseo Chapter was chartered in 1994. The purpose of the society is to provide a forum for recognizing all exceptional students, regardless of their major or level of involvement in campus activities. The SUNY Geneseo Chapter extends invitations for membership each January to the top 15% of juniors and seniors (students with more than 60 credits).

There are many benefits to membership in Golden Key. Newly inducted members pay a one-time membership fee, then are entitled to participate in all Golden Key activities. In addition to being a resume builder, Golden Key members are offered a chance at a valuable leadership opportunity as a chapter leader, get a chance to see their creative work published in the society magazine, Concepts, and have access to a wide network of advisors, alumni, and honorary members. Golden Key members receive access to Golden Key's Online Career Library, discounts to Kaplan Test Courses, and access to numerous national scholarship opportunities in all areas of academic and creative work. SUNY Geneseo's Golden Key chapter annually presents two scholarships: one to an outstanding new inductee, and one to an outstanding active member. Finally, the national organization also awards research grants and study abroad scholarships to qualified members.

Our chapter focuses on providing academic service in the community of Geneseo and Greater Livingston County. We do this by running registration workshops for freshman in the fall, reading to or with nearby elementary students, and supporting higher education in the area's high schools. We also participate in non-academically focused service activities, like Make-A-Difference Day, Day of Caring, fundraising for the Livingston County Cares project, and Adopt-A-Family. We are a non-SA funded organization with a lot of flexibility and resources. Our activities depend on the perceived needs of the community. If you have any suggestions for activities, feel free to contact us!

If you are a recent invitee, please feel free to email chapter officers any questions you may have about Golden Key membership. If you are a student with less than 60 credits, please make Golden Key membership a goal to strive for in the future!