Our Mission Statement:

What is Phi Eta Sigma?

Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for college freshman. Our goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year students in institutions of higher-learning. The oldest and largest freshman honor society, Phi Eta Sigma was founded at the University of Illinois on March 12, 1923. We now have more than 300 chapters throughout the United States and more than 500,000 members. Phi Eta Sigma was voted membership into the Association of College Honor Societies in 1937. Only three societies have had longer continuous membership.

Who is eligible to join?

On campuses with a chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, all first-year students are eligible to join who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the close of any full-time curricular period during their first year.



Must I be inducted at a particular time?

Although you will prefer to be inducted with your classmates, you do not lose eligibility by missing an induction. You may be inducted at a future date. This year's induction is located in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union on April 21, 2002.



Is Phi Eta Sigma a social fraternity?

Although our chapter has some social events, we are not a social fraternity. Phi Eta Sigma is not affiliated with the Greek system. There is a dignified induction ceremony to which your parents and friends may be invited. Most chapters have projects and activities promoting academic excellence, but your participation is optional.



Must I maintain my grade point average?

No, lifetime membership is conferred upon induction.



What do I get for the national membership fee?

Your national membership fee pays for your academic key or tie-tack and your membership certificate. It also pays a portion of the expenses for a chapter delegate to attend the national convention. The national magazine, the FORUM of Phi Eta Sigma, and the study pamphlet, HINTS on learning and studying, are provided to chapters on a complimentary basis. A portion of the membership fee goes to the Founders Fund, which provides a dozen or more $2,000 national scholarships, and over forty $1,000 national awards to undergraduates.



Who is eligible for the scholarships?

Cash scholarships of $2,000 and awards of $1,000 are provided to members of Phi Eta Sigma selected by the national scholarship committee. Members applying for the scholarships and awards must be nominated by their chapters. Your local chapter adviser has the application forms; national deadline is March 1. Many local chapters also award scholarships.



Who is eligible for the scholarships?

Cash scholarships of $2,000 and awards of $1,000 are provided to members of Phi Eta Sigma selected by the national scholarship committee. Members applying for the scholarships and awards must be nominated by their chapters. Your local chapter adviser has the application forms; national deadline is March 1. Many local chapters also award scholarships.



If I join Phi Eta Sigma, can I join other honor societies later?

Definitely! Phi Eta Sigma is one of many honor societies, none of which limit their members to their organization alone. It has been a pleasure to see our members go on to join Golden Key, Mace and Crucible, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Kappa Beta, and other prestigious honor societies.



What is a key?

A key is a pendant often worn on a chain or bracelet. It bears the colors and insignia of Phi Eta Sigma.



Why should I join Phi Eta Sigma?

Phi Eta Sigma is an outward recognition of personal accomplishment and serves as an incentive for continued high scholarship. It provides you the opportunity to meet freshman scholars from all academic disciplines on your campus and to join them in promoting academic excellence. Also, you may apply for scholarships provided by the national and local chapters.

Membership in Phi Eta Sigma identifies you to employers and professional and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and performance.



What kind of activities does Phi Eta Sigma offer?

Many people view membership in an honor society as nothing more than a resume builder. However, as our mission statement indicates, we believe in offering a wide range of events in which our members can participate. Some of our past social events have included: trips to Comedy Sportz, attending the UW Band Concert, a Karaoke night, and co-sponsoring an 80's dance. We also have participated in charitable events such as blood drives, food drives, charity walks, and the annual Wilmar Neighborhood Center Pie Bake. In addition, we have handed out lollipops during finals to hungry students at Helen C. White library. We also field intramural sports teams each semester The planning of our events is performed by two committees: a social committee and a service committee. Any member can serve on these committees or offer suggestions for events. Several officer positions are available for those who would like to become more involved and take a leadership role. An election for new officers takes place approximately one week after initiation.