FAQs

What is Phi Eta Sigma?

Phi Eta Sigma is a National Honor Society for first-year college students. It is a society inspired by the past and dedicated to the future. Its goal is to encourage and reward academic excellence among freshmen 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, and now has more than 350 chapters throughout the United States and more than 900,000 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?

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. provided they have carried a normal academic load acceptable toward a bachelor's degree and rank in the upper 20% of their class. An eligible member will receive an invitation to join following the first semester he/she obtains a 3.5 grade point average or better. This may be accomplished either the first or second semester of his/her college career.

Must I be inducted at a particular time?

Although you will most likely prefer to be inducted with your classmates, you do not lose eligibility by missing an induction. You may be inducted at a future date.

What if I transfer to UW-Green Bay?

If you were a member of a Phi Eta Sigma chapter at another institution and transfer to UW-Green Bay, contact us to be included on our membership list. If you were not a member of a Phi Eta Sigma chapter at another institution and transfer to UW-Green Bay after your first or second semester of college and have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.5, you will be eligible to join the UW-Green Bay Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma until tne end of your sophomore year.

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, but your participation is optional.

Must I maintain my average?

No, your life-time membership is conferred upon induction.

What do I get for the national membership fee?

Your national membership fee pays for an academic key or tie tac and a membership certificate, the national magazine, the Forum of Phi Eta Sigma, and the study pamphlet, Hints on Learning and Studying, which are provided to chapters on a complementary basis. The fee supports attendance of a chapter delegate at the national convention and leadership workshops. A portion of the membership fee goes to the Founders Fund, which provides national scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students.

Who is eligible for the scholarships?

Cash scholarships ranging from $1000 to $10,000 are awarded 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. The UW-Green Bay chapter can only nominate one person per academic year for an undergraduate scholarship.

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 air fare and/or automobile mileage, housing, and convention meals. Student delegates chair and staff all convention committees, elect all national officers and provide guidance fore the future. At each convention, three students are elected to serve a two-year term on the national Executive Committee. A second student delegate may attend at the expense of the local Phi Eta Sigma chapter.