The Purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond between social work students and promote humanitarian goals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. The student organization for the Sigma Tau chapter of Phi Alpha began during the 2016-2017 school year. Although it is a newer student organization, the Sigma Tau chapter of Phi Alpha has been inducting UWW social work students into Phi Alpha since April 2011. Motto -
The purpose of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater chapter of Phi Alpha shall be:
• To recognize and promote scholastic achievement among students and faculty involved in the undergraduate social work program and our graduate level social work program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater;
• To recognize, improve and further the goals of social work in the community, state, nation and world;
• To stimulate interest in preparation for a career in social work;
• To encourage continued study and research at the undergraduate level, the graduate level, and in professional practice; and
• To recognize those professional social workers and others whose service, contributions and leadership are held in esteem. Membership
An undergraduate student is eligible for active membership after achieving the following National minimum requirements and meeting local chapter requirements:
• Declared social work as a major.
• Achieved junior status.
• Completed 9 semester hours of core social work major courses.
• Achieved an overall grade point average in the top 35% of social work majors.
• Nomination by the majority of the social work department faculty. Procedure
There is a one time fee for your lifetime membership. Students who meet membership criteria and wish to join the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater chapter, Sigma Tau, will be inducted each fall and spring semester. Phi Alpha honor cords, which can be worn at graduation may also be purchased upon joining the chapter.
