Questions and Answers

What is Alpha Lambda Delta-Phi Eta Sigma?
Who is eligible to join?
Must I be inducted at a particular time?
Is Alpha Lambda Delta-Phi Eta Sigma a social fraternity?
Must I maintain my average?
What do I get for the national membership fee?
Who is eligible for the scholarships?
Why should I join Alpha Lambda Delta-Phi Eta Sigma?
Who participates in the national convention and leadership workshops?

What is Alpha Lambda Delta-Phi Eta Sigma?

Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma were twin organizations (one for men, one for women) until the Title IX decisions made both organizations co-educational int he 1970's. On some campuses, there are chapters of both Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma, and on some campuses, the organizations work together as a joint chapter, including the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. Since Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma are merged on our campus by joining you get the benefits of both honor societies with one lifetime membership fee.

Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society for students in their first year at an institution of higher education.  We're a national organization that's been in existence since 1924.  (For a brief history of the Society, click here) Alpha Lambda Delta's mission is to "encourage superior academic achievement... to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their unique roles in society."

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 300 chapters throughout the United States and more than 800,000 inducted members. Phi Eta Sigma was voted membership into the Association of College Honor Societies in 1937. Only three societies have had longer continuous membership. Our members take a great deal of pride in the 75-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?
Alpha Lambda Delta recognizes those students who have succeeded in maintaining a 3.5 or higher GPA, and are in the top 20% of their class, in their first year.

On campuses with a chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, all first-year students are eligible to join who have a cumulative gradepoint 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 induction. You may be inducted at a future date.

Is Alpha Lambda Delta-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, the FLAME of Alpha Lambda Delta, 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 scholarship funds.

Who is eligible for the scholarships?
You, the members! There are both local and national scholarships available. Members applying for the scholarships and awards at the national level must be nominated by their local chapter.

Alpha Lambda Delta gives $55,000 in Undergraduate Scholarships and $90,000 in Graduate Fellowships at the National Level.

Phi Eta Sigma's scholarship program awards approximately $225,000 each year to deserving applicants-Five or more $7,500 graduate scholarships; thirty or more $4,000 undergraduate scholarships; and fifty or more $1,000 undergraduate awards.

Why should I join Alpha Lambda Delta-Phi Eta Sigma?
Alpha Lambda Delta-Phi Eta Sigma 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 some local chapters.

Membership in Alpha Lambda Delta-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 both the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma national convention and leadership workshops.