Honor and Professional Societies

Accounting Society (Accounting)

The objective of the Accounting Society is to help students learn about the various aspects of the Accounting and Financial Information professions through activities and involvement with professionals, faculty, and peers. The mission of the Society includes the following: to provide members with opportunities for academic, personal, and professional development so that they may contribute effectively and ethically to their organizations and society; to serve the community and develop members as conscientious members of the community through participation in civic activities; to build unity within the club and establish friendships and networks that extend beyond the college career; to educate members about the opportunities provided by all sectors of the financial information professions including accounting, finance, real estate, information technology, and supply chain management; to aspire to continuous improvement in all activities so that members may perform effectively in today's business environment; and most importantly, to have fun with fellow classmates and members.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Diane D. Pattison, Chapter Advisor; pattison@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4850; Olin 216.

Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre-Health Professional)

Alpha Epsilon Delta is the international pre-health professional honor society. Its goals are to improve the quality of pre-medical education and to promote cooperation between pre-medical students, medical students, and educators.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Jeremy Fields, Chapter Advisor; fields@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4076; Shiley 477.

Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology)

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD), the International Sociology Honor Society, is dedicated to the ideal of "investigating humanity for the purpose of service." The goal of Alpha Kappa Delta is to promote human welfare through the association of a fellowship group interested in developing scientific knowledge that may be applied to the solution of social problems. Eligibility for membership in this Society requires that students be officially declared sociology majors or demonstrate a serious interest in sociology. Students must have achieved junior standing, successfully completed at least four courses in sociology, and accumulated the equivalent of a grade point average of 3.25.

Additional information and an application may be obtained from the AKD Web site, available at www.sandiego.edu/sociology or contact Dr. Michelle M. Camacho, Chapter Advisor; mcamacho@sandiego.edu; (619)260-7826; Serra 227.

Alpha Kappa Psi (Business)

Alpha Kappa Psi is a co-educational business fraternity that aims to foster scientific research in the fields of commerce, accounting, and finance.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Vicente Vargas, Chapter Advisor; vavargas@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4136; Olin 205.

Alpha Sigma Gamma (Real Estate)

Alpha Sigma Gamma is an International Real Estate Honorary Society open to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing an interest in real estate. It is an affiliate organization with the American Real Estate Society, an international professional real estate organization. The main purposes of the Society are to recognize and reward superior academic performance in real estate; encourage research and teaching in real estate; and recognize individuals who exemplify the intelligent and ethical application of real estate knowledge. In order to be eligible for the Society, undergraduate students must have completed at least 75 percent of total credit hours with a minimum 3.2 grade point average. For graduate eligibility, students must have completed at least 50 percent of total credit hours with a minimum 3.4 grade point average. All students must have also taken at least six credit hours in real estate related courses with a minimum 3.5 grade point average.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Elaine Worzala, Chapter Advisor; eworzala@sandiego.edu; (619)260-7939; Olin 340.

Beta Alpha Psi (Business)

Beta Alpha Psi is a national honors Fraternity that enhances the university educational experience by providing interaction with finance, information systems, and accounting professionals; conducting technical and personal development programs through campus, regional, and national meetings; and promoting and encouraging community service. Beta Alpha Psi is a co-curricular experience with an established set of activity and program guidelines that, if fulfilled, bring great value to student pledges and members. The local chapter of Beta Alpha Psi aspires to instill in its members the following goals and values of the fraternity: to inspire a desire for self-improvement; to foster high moral and ethical standards; to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence; to cultivate a sense of responsibility and service; to promote the collegiate study of Financial Information Professions; and to provide for its members opportunities to associate with business professionals.

Additional information may be obtained from Professor Mark Judd, Chapter Advisor; mjudd@sandiego.edu; (619)260-2258; Olin 230.

Beta Gamma Sigma (Business)

Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest international recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral program at a school accredited by AACSB International. To be eligible for membership, the academic ranking of those being considered must place them in the upper 7 percent of the junior class, upper 10 percent of the senior class, or upper 20 percent of the graduating master's class. Local chapters may require higher standards. While almost 300,000 students receive a bachelor's or master's degree in business in the U.S. each year, only about 19,000 are elected to membership in Beta Gamma Sigma.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Andrew Narwold, Chapter Advisor; drew@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4875; Olin 103.

Delta Sigma Pi (Business)

Delta Sigma Pi is a professional fraternity organized to foster the study of business in universities; encourage scholarship, social activity, and the association of students for mutual advancement through research and practice; promote closer affiliation between the commercial world and students of commerce; and further a higher standard of commercial ethics and culture, as well as the civic and commercial welfare of the community.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Johanna Hunsaker, Chapter Advisor; hunsaker@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4858; Olin 239.

Eta Kappa Nu Association, Kappa Eta Chapter (Engineering)

The Eta Kappa Nu Association is a National Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society founded in 1904 to encourage excellence in engineering education for the benefit of the public. Student inductees have conferred honor upon engineering education by distinguished scholarship, activities, leadership, and exemplary character as students in electrical or computer engineering. Professional members are inducted based on their attainments in the field of electrical or computer engineering.

Eta Kappa Nu chapters seek to bring society members into a closer union to foster a culture of service and leadership in the engineering community and community at large, and to aid in continuing their professional development through association with alumni and others who have attained prominence in the industry. Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Thomas A. Kanneman, Chapter Advisor; kanneman@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4628; Loma 211.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (Engineering)

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) disseminates knowledge of the theory and practice of all aspects of electrical engineering, electronics, radio, allied branches of engineering or related arts and sciences, as well as the furtherance of the professional development of students.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Mikaya Lumori, Chapter Advisor; mlumori@sandiego.edu; (619)260-7559; Loma 218.

Institute of Industrial Engineers (Engineering)

The goal of the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) is to inform students about events and opportunities in industrial engineering.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Bradley Chase, Chapter Advisor; bchase@sandiego.edu; (619)260-7466; Loma 229.

Kappa Gamma Pi (Graduate)

Kappa Gamma Pi is the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. Members are graduates who have demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding service and leadership during their college years. As candidates, they pledge to continue to provide examples of scholarship, leadership, and service in their personal and professional lives. This commitment is the difference that distinguishes nomination to Kappa Gamma Pi as one of the most relevant and prestigious awards on campus.

Kappa Gamma Pi was founded in 1926 at the National Catholic Educational Association Conference of Catholic Colleges. Today, more than 41,000 graduates of 139 Catholic colleges are Kappa Gamma Pi members. They live throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. Their successful lives and careers exemplify outstanding leadership and service in church, profession, and community. Kappa Gamma Pi has members from the first graduating classes of USD to the present. These members are Catholic men and women as well as men and women of other faith communities.

In January, graduating seniors who have a GPA of 3.5 or above receive a letter from the Provost informing them that they are qualified by reason of their academic achievement to apply for membership in Kappa Gamma Pi. If they have exemplified outstanding leadership and service during their years at USD, they are encouraged to submit a letter of recommendation and an essay to the Selection Committee.

Kappa Gamma Pi sponsors the St. Catherine Medal awarded at the Honors Convocation for outstanding leadership and service as well as the Cornaro Scholarship for members of Kappa Gamma Pi pursuing graduate studies. Currently, the Cornaro Scholarship is $3,000.

Additional information may be obtained from Sr. Juanita Meyer, Kappa Gamma Pi USD Liaison; meyerj@sandiego.edu; (619)260-2275; or the Kappa Gamma Pi National Office at KGPNEWS@aol.com; (440)286-3764.

Lambda Alpha (Anthropology)

Lambda Alpha, Gamma Chapter of San Diego, the National Collegiate Honor Society for Anthropology, was founded to encourage and stimulate scholarship and research in anthropology by recognizing and honoring superior achievement in the discipline among students, faculty, and other persons engaged in the study of anthropology. Undergraduate students who have completed not less than 12 semester-hours in anthropology with a grade point average of not less than 3.0 in these courses and a cumulative quality point average of not less than 2.5 may apply for membership. Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Amadeo Rea, Chapter Advisor; (619)260-7865; Serra 218.

Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Studies)

Lambda Pi Eta is the official communication studies honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA). The goals of Lambda Pi Eta are to recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement; stimulate interest in the field of communication; promote and encourage professional development among communication majors; provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about the field; establish and maintain close relationships and understanding between faculty and students; and explore options for further graduate studies.

To be eligible for membership, students must have completed 60 semester hours in undergraduate credit courses; have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; have completed the equivalent of 12 semester hours in communication courses; with a grade point average of at least 3.25 in these courses; be in the upper 35 percent of their graduating class;and be currently enrolled as a full-time student in good standing.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Kristin Moran, Chapter Advisor; kmoran@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4085; Camino 116B.

Mortar Board Chapter 216, Alcalá Senior Honor Society

Mortar Board is a national honor society for college seniors which was founded in 1918 and chartered on the USD campus in the Fall of 2000. The society recognizes in its members the qualities of scholastic achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedicated service to the University and the community. There are over 200 active chapters of Mortar Board at colleges throughout the country.

To be eligible for membership, students must have junior standing in the Spring semester with an overall GPA that places them in the top 35 percent of their class. Moreover, students must have participated and excelled in leadership and service activities during their college years. They must submit an information sheet, a resume, a letter of recommendation from a USD faculty member, and a personal essay for review by the current Mortar Board members. Admission to Mortar Board at USD is highly competitive and is restricted to approximately 30 students each year.

USD's Mortar Board chapter is an active student organization and expects full participation from its members. Chapter members participate in biweekly meetings, an annual Faculty Appreciation Dinner, tutoring and other service activities, interaction with San Diego's Mortar Board Alumni Chapter, social events, and fundraising for the STRIVE scholarship, which chapter members established for college-bound seniors at Kearny High School who have excelled in scholarship, leadership, and service. Mortar Board members have the opportunity to apply for local and national Mortar Board scholarships and fellowships to be used for graduate study.

Each year in February a letter is mailed to juniors who are in the top 35 percent of their class. The letter invites those students to submit their essay, letter of recommendation, and other required information for consideration for Mortar Board membership. Selected students are "tapped" in one of their classes by USD Mortar Board members. The Mortar Board Initiation ceremony occurs in April.

Additional information may be obtained from Judith Lewis Logue, Chapter Advisor; jllogue@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4720; Hughes 302; www.mortarboard.org.

National Society of Collegiate Scholars

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars aims to recognize and celebrate high achievement among first and second year students in all academic disciplines; encourage and promote high standards throughout the collegiate experience; provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership development for members; organize and encourage learning opportunities through community service; and foster an overall appreciation for the value of the higher education experience.

Additional information may be obtained from Professor Mark Judd, Chapter Advisor; mjudd@sandiego.edu; (619)260-2258; Olin 230.

Order of Omega (Greek Leadership)

Order of Omega seeks to recognize students who have attained a high standard of leadership in inter-Greek activities; encourage such students to continue along this line; inspire other students to strive for similar conspicuous attainment; bring together the most representative fraternity and sorority members; create an organization which will help to mold the sentiment of the institution on questions of local and intercollegiate affairs; and bring together members of the faculty, alumni, and student members of the institution's fraternities and sororities on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and helpfulness.

Additional information may be obtained from Mandy Womack, Chapter Advisor; awomack@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4590; UC 161.

Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics)

Omicron Delta Epsilon is open to economics majors who have demonstrated excellence in the study of economics. Membership makes available participation in extracurricular programs, lectures, discussions, and meetings furthering the study of economics.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Dirk Yandell, Chapter Advisor; yandell@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4835; Olin 315.

Phi Alpha Delta (Law)

Phi Alpha Delta is a professional organization for undergraduate women and men interested in law. We provide a friendly forum for the exchange of information about law schools, legal scholarship, and legal careers. As part of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, we strive to promote the principles of liberty and equal justice under the law, to inspire excellence in scholarship, to encourage the professional development of our members, and to develop friendships that will last a lifetime.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Del Dickson, Chapter Advisor; dickson@sandiego.edu; (619)260-6870; IPJ 285.

Phi Alpha Theta (History)

Phi Alpha Theta promotes the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas. We seek to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together for intellectual and social exchanges, which promote and assist historical research and publication by our members in a variety of ways.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Colin Fisher, Chapter Advisor; colinf@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4039; IPJ 279.

Phi Beta Kappa (Arts and Sciences)

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States. The Society was established in 1776 and has evolved to become the nation's leading advocate for the liberal arts and sciences at the undergraduate level. The Society's distinctive emblem, the golden key, is widely recognized as a symbol of academic achievement. USD received its Phi Beta Kappa charter in 2003 and is one of only 270 chapters nationwide. To be eligible for membership, students must be majoring in an area of the liberal arts or sciences, hold senior standing, and have attained a GPA that places them in the top 10 percent of their class. Additional criteria for selection include intellectual integrity, tolerance, and a broad range of intellectual interests. Each spring a campus committee composed of Phi Beta Kappa faculty invites a select group of students to become members in the Society. Students who accept the invitation are then initiated into the Phi Beta Kappa Society in a formal installation ceremony.

Phi Sigma Tau (Philosophy)

The purpose of Phi Sigma Tau is to serve as a means of awarding distinction to students who have high scholarship and personal interest in philosophy; promote student interest in research and advanced study in this field; provide opportunities for the publication of student research papers of merit; encourage a professional spirit and friendship among those who have displayed marked ability in this field; and popularize interest in philosophy among the general collegiate public.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Gregory Walski, Chapter Advisor; gwalski@sandiego.edu; (619)260-7462; Founders 165A.

Pi Delta Phi (French)

Pi Delta Phi is the National French Honor Society in which French majors and minors who maintain high scholastic standing and serve actively in the French Club are eligible for membership.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Michele Magnin, Chapter Advisor; mmagnin@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4063; Founders 144.

Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)

It is the purpose of the Theta Mu chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha to promote the discipline of Political Science, which includes the related fields of Government, Public Administration, and International Relations; stimulate productive interest in Political Science; provide a forum for free intellectual discussion; and promote the continuing search for knowledge by way of speakers, presentations of papers, and use of informal discussions while adhering to the principles of freedom of expression and thought.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. J. Michael Williams, Chapter Advisor; jamesw@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4012; IPJ 286B.

Psi Chi (Psychology)

The purpose of Psi Chi is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Patricia Kowalski, Chapter Advisor; kowalski@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4003; Loma 334.

Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish)

Founded at the University of California, Berkeley in 1919, Sigma Delta Pi is the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society in which Spanish majors and minors who maintain a high scholastic standing are eligible for membership. Sigma Delta Pi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is affiliated with the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Alejandro Meter, Chapter Advisor; ameter@sandiego.edu; (619)260-7417; Founders 123A.

Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics)

Sigma Pi Sigma exists to honor outstanding scholarship in physics, to encourage interest in physics among students at all levels, to promote service to all, to provide for a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics, and to help them in their professional development.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Gregory Severn, Chapter Advisor; severn@sandiego.edu; (619)260-6485; Loma 325.

Sigma Theta Tau International (Nursing)

Sigma Theta Tau International is the Honor Society for the Profession of Nursing. The honor of membership is conferred on baccalaureate and graduate students in recognition of their superior scholarly achievements. The purpose of the organization is to recognize superior scholarship, foster high professional standards, encourage creative work, strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of nursing, and recognize the development of leadership qualities. Founded in 1922 by six nursing students, there are now chapters in more than 94 countries. Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Susan Instone, Chapter Advisor; sinstone@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4549; Hahn 218.

Society of Women Engineers (Engineering)

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a national non-profit, educational service organization dedicated to making known the need for women engineers and encouraging young women to consider an engineering education. Its mission is to inspire women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, to expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving quality of life, and to demonstrate the value of diversity. Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Susan M. Lord, Chapter Advisor; slord@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4507; Loma 214.

Theta Alpha Kappa (Theology and Religious Studies)

Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honor Society for Theological and Religious Studies, recognizes outstanding scholarship in Theological and Religious Studies and supports further study of these subjects. Membership is an honor conferred on students who have demonstrated academic excellence in these fields and in their general education.

Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Patricia Plovanich, Chapter Advisor; pplov@sandiego.edu; (619)260-4055; Maher 289.