The Phi Kappa Literary Society meets every Thursday at 7:00 pm in Phi Kappa Hall.
Since 1820, the Phi Kappa Literary Society has been the House of Controversy on the University of Georgia's campus.
Our Mission
Dedicated to excellence in debate and oration, the Society is an illustrious home for self-improvement. The Society strives to improve its members in public speaking skills, academics, critical thinking, and friendship. Phi Kappa is a home for debate, but it also acts as a sanctuary for a siblinghood that lasts a lifetime.
“We, the members of the Phi Kappa Literary Society of the University of Georgia, prompted by the objective of improving ourselves and actuated by a desire to perpetuate the Society’s rich heritage and to preserve the time-honored practices and traditions of our illustrious predecessors, do adopt the following Constitution.”
Notable Alumni
Inclusive Action Committee mission Statement
In September 2025, the Phi Kappa Literary Society unanimously voted in favor of an amendment to the Society’s Constitution. Submitted by Brother Ian Roberts, the amendment elevated the Inclusive Action Committee to a standing committee, and the IAC Chairperson to a permanent officer position. In doing so, the actives only accentuated what had been firmly embedded in the Society for years: inclusion and diversity are not afterthoughts to Phi Kappans, nor just for show. They are deep and abiding aspects of what makes our Society great.
As siblings of the Phi Kappa Literary Society:
We will make efforts to facilitate debates and research that stand in solidarity with marginalized groups.
We will involve ourselves with our history and our future in a manner that contextualizes the history of the communities we welcome into our Hall.
We believe that Phi Kappa is a part of the communities forged by the city of Athens and the University of Georgia, and will engage with them in a meaningful fashion.
We believe that both our siblinghood and our commitment to productive discourse are heightened by a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.
We believe that regardless of identity markers or walks of life, all people who enter our Hall should feel empowered to strive for the extraordinary.
With each new generation of orators, siblings of the Phi Kappa Literary Society seek something similar to that of ancient Athenian youths, whose oath is now inscribed in the statue of Athena in front of the Classic Center: Thus in all these ways we will transmit this Society, not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.
Community Partners
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is committed to dismantling systemic racism and discrimination by advocating for equitable policy reforms, opposing mass incarceration, and confronting historically oppressive practices that hinder the progress of people of color. We empower grassroots organizers, individuals impacted by police violence, and discriminatory practices by amplifying their voices through impactful storytelling, advocacy, and education. Our mission is to uncover and challenge injustices, inspire positive change, and provide a platform that fosters dialogue, awareness, and action toward a just and equitable society.