Department of
Biological Sciences

Phi Sigma is a national society that was founded in March 1915 at Ohio State University to promote academic achievement and research in the biological sciences. There are currently 32 active chapters with approximately 50,000 members.  The internet address for the website maintained by the national office personnel is: http://www.phisigmasociety.org

The Beta Eta chapter is at the University of Idaho. It began in 1962. The number of participating members - new and continuing - in the Beta Eta chapter during an academic year ranges from about 20 to 40.

Why join Phi Sigma? Membership signifies academic accomplishment and a potential for future success in one of the life science disciplines. Membership also offers you an opportunity to learn more about exciting biological research currently in progress. In addition, new members may apply, along with current members, for a scholarship ($200) awarded locally each academic year by the Beta Eta chapter.  Finally, travel grants ($200 each) are available annually to student members of the Beta Eta Chapter who are presenting their research findings (see National Awards section below).

National Affiliations

• Association of College Honor Societies (A. C. H. S)
• American Institute of Biological Sciences (A. I. B. S)
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (A. A. A. S.)

Membership

1. Demonstrated interest in research.
2. Good moral and ethical character.
3. Minimum of junior standing.
4. In residence at UI at least one semester prior to election and enrolled at UI at the time of election.
5. Cumulative G.P.A.: 3.00 or higher for undergraduate students and 3.50 or higher for graduate students.
6. Completion of 12 credits in courses listed in the UI catalog under: animal science, bacteriology, biology, botany, entomology, food science, forestry or zoology.

Two categories of membership: Active and Honorary -- check the Constitution and "Chapter Manual".

1. Current policy is to install new chapters in schools offering a graduate program.
2. Majority of current chapters are evenly balanced between graduate and undergraduate membership.
3. In several chapters membership is restricted to graduate students. Two current chapters are entirely undergraduate.

Costs

1. No national dues after individual initiation fee of $60.00 ($50.00 national, $10.00 local) is paid.
2. No national chapter dues or assessments of any kind.
3. No installation fee for new chapters or responsibility for expenses of installing officers.
4. Initiation fee includes subscription to journal BIOSCIENCE for one year.
5. The chapter is free to set whatever dues or fees it wishes provided the by-laws are drawn up and administered by democratic process.

Chapter Activities

1. Selection of outstanding students, both undergraduate and graduate, as well as faculty to honor them for better than average work in the various biological sciences and related fields.
2. Brings into association the more advanced and capable students in the many fields of biological sciences, pure and applied as well as related areas.
3. Programs vary with chapters -- examples:
   • Formal lecture series by campus staff and visiting research workers.
   • Informal workshops both on a seminar basis and laboratory visits.
   • Visits and demonstrations in laboratories of allied sciences both on and off campus to offer opportunities otherwise unavailable to most members.
   • Field trips as desired by interest of members.
   • Sponsor and aid various scientific endeavors on the campus; departmental exhibits or museums; high school science shows, field trip demonstrations.
   • Social activities that may be desired by members.

Publications

Membership in the Phi Sigma Society brings members an automatic subscription to BIOSCIENCE, which is published monthly, without cost for one year. A subscription for subsequent years is billed directly to member by American Institute of Biological Sciences.

National Awards

1. National organization cooperates with Administration of each school that maintains an active chapter in presenting engraved award certificates to outstanding students in any of the regular biological sciences or related fields. Certificate bears the signature of school president and the school seal. These awards are not limited to Phi Sigma members. Chapters and departments may nominate candidates but selection made by faculty committee. A number of chapters supplement these award certificates with monetary awards.

2. Travel grants are available for student members of Phi Sigma who present their research at scientific meetings.  A detailed description of this program, including eligibility criteria deadline and the application form, are available at the following URL: http://www.eiu.edu/~phisigma/Programs/index.html

Keys

Small key charm provided with membership certificate. Gold and/or silver keys desirable but not obligatory.

Chapter Properties

1. Embossed charter with names of all charter members.
2. Five-colored copy of the society shield.
3. Large gold colored replica of society key.
4. Official initiation ritual of the society.
5. "Chapter Manual".

Beta Eta's Chapter Officers

May 1, 2006 - April 30, 2007

President, Melissa Goodpaster	good7573@uidaho.edu
Vice-President, Matthew Thompson	thom3389@uidaho.edu
Secretary, vacant
Treasurer, Conni Carson	cars2049@uidaho.edu

Whom To Contact

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