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The Alpha Zeta Lambda Chapter at Smith College
(the 700th chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha) was founded by Mary Darby, Claire Stein-Ross
and Caroline Sutcliffe, all members of the graduating class of 2010. Formal recognition
of the Smith chapter by the national office came on March 26, 2010. The first students
were inducted into the society on April 20, 2010.
Who Can Apply for Membership?
Article II I of the Smith College chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha details the requirements
for membership:
- A minimum overall grade point average of at least 3.3;
- Not less than a 3.5 in the major;
- Completion of at least six graded Government courses;
- Be a senior, junior or second semester sophomore in the Government major;
- Pay the one-time chapter dues.
In the case of transfer students, graded courses in
political science from other institutions may be used to reach the 6 courses required
for application to Pi Sigma Alpha when the credits have been accepted for transfer
by Smith College. If the applicant wishes to include these courses considered for
admission to Pi Sigma Alpha, the applicant must submit an official transcript from
the previous institution. In such cases all grades received in those courses accepted
for transfer by Smith College will be used in the calculation of the GPA eligibility
to Pi Sigma Alpha.
Benefits of Membership
Membership in an honor society is a worthy distinction in itself and as a measure
of academic achievement can provide a tangible advantage in a competitive world.
All Pi Sigma alpha members receive a certificate of membership and pin, and permanent
enrollment in the society’s membership maintained by the national office.
Upon request, the National Office will provide letters verifying membership to
prospective employers and graduate schools. Members are entitled to wear the Pi
Sigma Alpha key at any time or the medallion and honor cord with cap and gown at
graduation and on other official occasions. Members may apply for scholarships
for both graduate study in political science and for Washington semester programs,
and best paper awards.
Pi Sigma Alpha also gives students the opportunity for
valuable administrative experience as chapter officers or organizers of chapter activities.
Chapters can compete for Chapter Activity Grants awarded each year by the National
Office. Members are also eligible to compete for Pi Sigma Alpha Graduate Scholarships,
the Graduate and Undergraduate Best Paper Awards, and a one-year student membership
in the American Political Science Association, funded by the national office for
one student selected by each chapter each year. Members are also eligible to submit
articles to the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics, published
twice per year. For more information contact one of the officers below or read more
about the National Organization online.
2010-11 Pi Sigma Alpha Officers (Alpha Zeta
Lambda Chapter)
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