Psi Chapter of California, Chapman University’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, was established in 2018. Chapman University is now counted among an elite group of fewer than 300 colleges and universities in the United States – that is, among fewer than 10 percent of colleges and universities nationwide – that have been selected to shelter a chapter. In addition to recognizing outstanding undergraduates at an annual initiation ceremony, Psi Chapter at Chapman University will sponsor lectures by distinguished Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholars and present other timely and scholarly events.
On October 9, 2018, Phi Beta Kappa hosted an Ice Cream Social to promote Chapman's new chapter and answer questions about Phi Beta Kappa's purpose and requirements. Other honor societies and relevant campus offices were also invited to share information at this collaborative event.