Chapters > New chapter

New chapter

To start a Chapter

First, check our list of Chapters. If your institution is not listed, you will need:

1. A letter from a full-time faculty member in your department, stating their commitment to serve as Faculty Advisor for a minimum of 3 years. The letter should also include an endorsement from the Chair of your Department.
2. A petition for establishment of a new Chapter of Phi Sigma, including a description of your Graduate Program(s). If your Department does not offer graduate degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.), a detailed description of the opportunities for, and extent of, undergraduate involvement in research is required. If research is a required component of your undergraduate curriculum, also include a description of your undergraduate program(s).
3. A list, including:

• Names of faculty members who became members of Phi Sigma at other institutions. Include their Chapter and Year of initiation, if available.
• Names of faculty members who will be initiated into your first Initiation Class.
• Names of at least 15 students who are eligible for membership and who will be initiated into your first Initiation Class.

Your letter, petition, and list should be sent to the President of Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, c/o the National Office. A copy of your letter and petition will be sent to all Active Chapters for voting. Please allow 90 days from date of receipt for approval.

If approved, you will be contacted and required to submit Membership Forms and fees ($50 U.S. per initiate). A framed Charter and engraved Gavel will be created and sent to the Faculty Advisor for your Initiation Ceremony. In addition, embossed, five-color membership certificates will be created by Goose Creek Publishing for all of your initiates, and your initiates also will receive a Phi Sigma key (pin) and choice of honor cords or stoles for graduation. Please allow an additional six weeks for the production of your Charter, Certificates, and Gavel.

To reactivate an Inactive Chapter of Phi Sigma, you will need:

1. A letter from a full-time faculty member in your department, stating their commitment to serve as Faculty Advisor for a minimum of 3 years. The letter should also include an endorsement from the Chair of your Department.
2. A list, including:

• Names of faculty members who became members of Phi Sigma at your institution or at other institutions. Include their Chapter and Year of initiation, if available.
• Names of faculty members who will be initiated into your first Initiation Class.
• Names of at least 15 students who are eligible for membership and who will be initiated into your first Initiation Class.

Your letter and list should be sent to the President of Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, c/o the National Office. If approved, you will be contacted and required to submit Membership Forms and fees ($50 U.S. per initiate). A framed Charter and engraved Gavel (only if originals are no longer available at your institution) will be created and sent to the Faculty Advisor for your Initiation Ceremony. In addition, embossed, 5-color membership certificates will be created by Goose Creek Publishing for all of your initiates, and your initiates also will receive a Phi Sigma key (pin) and a choice of honor cords or stoles for graduation.