BSSW Honor Societies
Alpha Kappa Delta
International Sociology Honor Society
Alpha Kappa Delta is a non-secret, democratic, international society of scholars dedicated to the ideal of "anthropon katamanthanein diakonesein" or to "investigate humanity for the purpose of service." The purpose of AKD is the promotion of excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, research on social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition. The organization is open to Sociology majors or students who demonstrate serious interest in Sociology.
AKD is affiliated with the United Chapters of Alpha Kappa Delta: International Sociology Honor Society. WSSU's chapter of AKD was established in 1975. The chapter was inactive for several years. However, since 2006 the WSSU chapter has regained its momentum, and new officers are appointed each year. Interested students should contact Dr Edward Opoku-Dapaah in CO 318 or by telephone at (336)750-2643 for information.
Phi Alpha
National Social Work Honor Society
The Purpose of Phi Alpha Honor National Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. Contact Professor Yolanda Byrd for more information: (336) 750-2085.
Psi Chi
National Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology. Psi Chi serves two major goals-one immediate and visibly rewarding to the individual member, the other slower and more difficult to accomplish, but offering greater rewards in the long run. The first of these is the Society's obligation to provide academic recognition to its inductees by the mere fact of membership. The second goal is the obligation of each of the Society's local chapters to nurture the spark of that accomplishment by offering a climate congenial to members' creative development. Chapters make active attempts to nourish and stimulate professional growth through programs designed to augment and enhance the regular curriculum and to provide practical experience and fellowship through affiliation with the chapter.
Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests, and who meet the minimum qualifications. Members must:
- Be Psychology Majors or Minors,
- Have completed 9 Credit Hours in Psychology, and
- Have maintained a 3.0 GPA.
Pi Gamma Mu
National Social Science Honor Society
The purpose of Pi Gamma Mu is to improve scholarship in the social studies and to achieve synthesis therein; to inspire social service to humanity by an intelligent approach to the solution of social problems; to engender sympathy toward others with different opinions and institutions by a better mutual understanding; and to supplement and to support, but not to supplant, existing social science organizations by promoting sociability and attendance at meetings.
Requirements for membership in Pi Gamma Mu are as follows: at least 21 hours of social science courses, which may include sociology, political science, history, philosophy, economics, and geography. In psychology only social psychology and history and systems are accepted. A 3.00 grade point average is required in all social science courses, and a 2.85 average in all other courses.
Sigma Phi Omega
What is Sigma Phi Omega?
Sigma Phi Omega (SPO), the national academic honor and professional society in gerontology, was established in 1980 to recognize the excellence of those who study gerontology/aging and the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. The formation of a society not linked directly to any of the major professional associations appeared to be a fruitful avenue to provide a much needed link between educators, practitioners, and administrators in various settings where older persons are served.
The goals of SPO are achieved primarily through the activities of local chapters, and secondarily through efforts of the national office and officers. Local chapters serve as links within their respective communities to promote interaction between gerontology educators, students, alumni, and local professionals. The chapters provide opportunities for personal and professional interaction, sharing of concerns, discussion of issues, service activities, and so forth.
Purpose
SPO seeks to promote scholarship, professionalism, friendship, and services to older persons, and to recognize exemplary attainment in gerontology/aging studies and related fields. A 3.3 cumulative grade point average is required to become a member of Sigma Phi Omega at the undergraduate level.
Epsilon Alpha Chapter Advisor:Dr. Shannon Mathews, 307 Coltrane Hall 336-750-8804 or mathewssh@wssu.edu.
