What is Phi Eta Sigma?
Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society for college freshmen. 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 22, 1923. We now have more than 350 chapters throughout the United States and more than 900,000 inducted members.
Phi Eta Sigma was voted membership into the Association of College Honor Societies in 1937. Only two societies have had longer continuous membership. Our members take a great deal of pride in the 80-year accomplishments of our society despite the fact that we have the lowest membership fee of any member of the association.
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 your induction opportunity. You may be inducted at a future induction ceremony.
Is Phi Eta Sigma a social fraternity?
Although some chapters have social events, we are not a social fraternity. There is a dignified induction ceremony to which your parents and friends may be invited. Most chapters have projects and activities promoting academic excellence and campus and community service, but your participation is optional.
Must I maintain my 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 tac and your membership certificate. It pays a portion of the expenses for a chapter delegate to attend the national convention and leadership workshops. 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 fifty or more national graduate or undergraduate endowed scholarships of up to $7,500 each and fifty or more national undergraduate awards of $1,000. One $10,000 Scholar-Leader-of-the-Year scholarship is also awarded annually.
Who is eligible for the scholarships and awards?|
Cash scholarships of up to $7,500 and awards of $1,000 are provided to members of Phi Eta Sigma selected by the national scholarship committee. One $10,000 Scholar-Leader-of-the-Year scholarship is also awarded annually. Members applying for the undergraduate scholarships and awards, as well as the Scholar-Leader of the Year Award, must be nominated by their chapters. Any Phi Eta Sigma member may apply for the graduate scholarships.
Why should I join Phi Eta Sigma?
Phi Eta Sigma membership is an outward recognition of personal accomplishment and serves as an incentive for continued high scholarship. It provides you the opportunity to meet scholars from all academic disciplines on your campus and to join them in promoting academic excellence and campus and community service. Also, you may apply for scholarships provided by national and by some local chapters.
Membership in Phi Eta Sigma identifies you to employers and professionals and graduate schools as a person of superior academic ability and a commitment to campus and community service.
Who participates in the national convention and leadership workshops?
Every active chapter has the opportunity to nominate a student delegate to attend the biennial national convention and leadership workshops. The national office pays for the delegate’s housing and convention meals. Student delegates chair and staff all convention committees, elect all national officers, and provide guidance for the future. At each convention, three students are elected to serve a two-year term on the national Executive Committee. Student leadership and a commitment to service are a major strength for Phi Eta Sigma as future options are planned.
