Honor Societies
Southern Utah University currently has many active honor societies on campus. The students involved in these societies are not only great leaders academically, but are also civically minded and provide valuable service to both the campus and community. As a campus we are proud to be able to offer these opportunities to students and are appreciative of the great work the students do in representing the campus through these opportunities.
SUU Honor Societies - Campus-Wide
Description
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honors organization that recognizes and elevates high achievers. NSCS provides career and graduate school connections, leadership and service opportunities and offers nearly half a million dollars in scholarships annually. NSCS members are deeply committed to scholarship, leadership and service and as a result, are impacting their campus and local communities every day.
The organization founded in 1994 on the campus of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. NSCS is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and has student chapters at 300 campuses across the country.
Eligibility Requirements
To be invited: You must be a first or second year college student in the top 10 percent of your class with a GPA of 3.4 or above.
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The NSLS is the largest leadership honor society in the United States. Our NSLS chapter at Southern Utah University was started in 2007. Our local chapter is part of the national organization with 700+ chapters and over 1.4 million members.
Students are selected based on exemplary academic achievement. There are now over 3,000 members who have access to:
- More than $400,000 in scholarships.
- An exclusive NSLS job board.
- A personalized letter of recommendation.
The NSLS leadership program teaches the interpersonal skills that employers seek to give you an edge in the job market. Hear directly from current members as they share how their experience has changed their life.
If you become a member, some of the other benefits are:
- Learn from exceptional leaders like former President Barack Obama during exclusive Speaker Broadcasts.
- Meet new friends and make lifelong connections (on-campus and virtually).
- Overcome challenges with success coaches shortcutting your way to success.
- Access to private networking events.
Visit the NSLS website to learn more about and accept your nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Some of the common questions we receive are listed below. If you have any other questions, visit nsls.org to chat with a team member or email help@nsls.org.
What do I have to do to become inducted?
Our five-step program takes approximately 12 hours over the course of the semester at your pace.
Is this recognized on campus?
We are a University Sponsored Organization (USO). As of 2026, there are over 3,000 in our chapter, and there are more than 1.4 million members nationwide.
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Description
Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, recognizes versatile student leaders for achievement in the following five areas:
- Scholarship
- Athletics
- Campus/Community Service, Campus Government, and Social/Religious Activities
- Journalism, Speech & Mass Media
- Creative & Performing Arts
Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa requires individuals to advance the Honor Society's five point program for college campuses which includes: (1) Inculcating the purposes of ODK into campus life; (2) Providing intellectual leadership for campus movements; (3) Coordinating constructive movements; (4) Preserving worthwhile campus traditions and customs; and (5) Improving the general welfare of the SUU student body.
ODK Members have hosted campus-wide forums for students and exceptional community leaders to interact and exchange ideas, raised funds for a local non-profit by running a 186-mile relay, and coordinating an essay contest to engage SUU students with the University's rich history. Students interested in joining ODK should anticipate being actively involved with the organization's programs, activities, and events.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, students must be a junior, senior or graduate student and possess a cumulative GPA placing them in the top 35 percent of their college or school. Candidates must also demonstrate an exceptional record of involvement and leadership in at least one of the five areas listed above. Candidates are invited to join ODK after applying for membership. If selected for membership, students must pay a one-time membership fee of $85.00.
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Description
Phi Kappa Phi's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."
Eligibility Requirements
Top 8% of Juniors and top 10% of Seniors and Graduate Students. Students join the society by receiving an invitation from SUU and National Headquarters
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College/School Societies
Description
Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International."
Eligibility Requirements
Juniors and Seniors ranking in the top 10 percent and graduate students ranking in the top 20 percent of AACSB accredited programs are invited during the first part of the calendar year to join this highly prestigious honor society.
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Departmental Societies
Description
Alpha Eta Nu, Southern Utah University's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, is an active part of many activities on SUU's campus. Along with service projects and activities within the school, we also strive to utilize our talents and abilities to make a difference throughout our community.
Eligibility Requirements
Student membership open to undergraduate students who are majoring or minoring in English and a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements in freshman English. The candidate shall have a minimum of a B or equivalent average in English and in general scholarship, shall rank at least in the highest thirty-five percent of his/her class, and shall have completed at least three semesters of college course work.
Contact
Description
Alpha Iota Sigma was founded in 2012 and is a new honor society for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in interdisciplinary academic programs at their University or College. The mission of Alpha Iota Sigma is to recognize and advance the academic scholarship and achievements of interdisciplinary students.
Contact
- General - whitneymendoza@suu.edu
- Undergraduate AIE Faculty Advisor - Whitney Mendoza, whitneymendoza@suu.edu
- Graduate AIE Faculty Advisor - David Hatch, davidahatch@suu.edu
Description
AKD seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be an officially declared sociology major, at least a junior (third year) ranking in the top 35% of their class or a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Required 3.0 GPA in sociology courses taken at the host institution prior to initiation, and must have completed at least four regular courses in sociology.
Contact
Matthew Eddy
President: Sadie Egbert
Description
Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of Undergraduate and Graduate students of Criminal Justice, as well as Juris Doctorate students.
The Goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honor and promote academic excellence; community service; educational leadership and unity.
Eligibility Requirements
Declared Criminal Justice major or minor students enrolled in a baccalaureate program, must have completed three full time semesters (or equivalent), minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 with a minimum GPA of 3.2 in courses in CJ related fields and rank in the top 35% of their class.
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Phi Alpha is the certified National Honor Society for Social Work, the society recognizes academic achievement in social work. Participation builds bonds among students and connections with the school and community. The SUU chapter membership promotes support, community and belonging. The chapter engages in a social work related service project each academic year. The service project is decided upon and organized by the cabinet members and faculty advisor.
Eligibility Requirements
Students who have been accepted to the Social Work program and have completed at least 9 credits of social work course work, and rank in the top 35% of their class are invited to join. Membership is a lifetime invitation, and provides access to grants and scholarships for MSW and doctorate programs, research opportunities, and networking.
Contact: Kathy Ruiz (kathyruiz@suu.edu)
Phi Alpha national website: https://phialpha.org/
Description
Kappa Omicron Nu is a National Honor Society created to recognize excellence. The purpose of the society is to empower leaders through scholarship, research and leadership. SUU's chapter focuses on the objectives while simultaneously creating friendships among its members. We strive for academic achievement and service in the community.
Eligibility Requirements
Undergraduate students who have a declared major in family and consumer sciences or one of the specializations in the human sciences, have completed 45 semester hours or equivalent, and rank in the top 25% of their class in the unit are invited to become members.
Contact
President: Kyler Kirkland
Description
The purposes of this society shall be to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration, to promote the advancement of education and practice in the art and science of public affairs and administration, and to foster integrity, professionalism and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Pi Alpha Alpha is a global honor society open to students and alumni from Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Public Affairs programs around the world. Our local chapter fee is $10, and all MPA and MPA-Bridge students are encouraged to join. Students must complete 18 credit hours toward an MPA degree and earn a 3.7 GPA to join the international organization ($75 for a lifetime membership), which also includes a certificate, commemorative pin, and cords to wear at graduation. Any student who meets the criteria may join by completing an application form and paying the appropriate fees to the SUU Cashier.
Contact
President: Marci Nelson
Description
Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, is the only honor society for college students of political science and government in the United States.
The objectives of Pi Sigma Alpha are: to stimulate productive scholarship and intelligent interest in the subject of government; to seek to promote a better understanding of government among its members; to promote worthwhile curricular and extracurricular activities related to political science; to advance and diffuse knowledge and interest in political science; to organize and conduct seminars, conferences, research, discussion groups, and publications in the subject of political science.
Eligibility Requirements
Contact advisor for current requirements.
Contact
President: Ellie Ables
Advisor: Dr. Subhomita Ghosh Roy
President: Gavin Stapley
Description
Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in psychology. Here at our chapter at SUU, our goal is to get our members more prepared for graduate school and to also get psychology students more involved in their major and their department. Psi Chi brings in guest speakers, organizes a trip to the RMPA Conference, fundraisers, and sets up different activities for psychology students.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must be at least a sophomore, enrolled as a major or minor in psychology, have completed at least 9 semester hours of psychology courses, and have an overall GPA that is in the top 35% of psychology majors with at least 3.00 GPA.
Contact
President
Brooke Hathaway
National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society
Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica
Description
Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, was established on November 14, 1919, at the University of California, Berkeley. Our goal is to promote a deeper understanding of the Spanish language and cultures and honor those college students who attain excellence in their studies. Members are eligible to compete for scholarships, research grants, and other awards at the national level. Sigma Delta Pi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
Membership Requirements
- Students must have completed 3 years of study of college-level Spanish (18 semester credit hours) or the equivalent thereof, including at least 3 semester hours of a course in literature or culture with a grade of B or better. Special exam credit may count as part of the 18 credit hour requirement.
- Students must have a minimal grade point average of 3.3 in all Spanish courses taken.
- Students must have a minimal grade point average of 3.2 in all university courses taken.
- Pay the one-time membership fee of $40. Payments should be made in the SUU Cashier’s Office using the following information: Code (Index/LANGEX) | Account (5589). Please don’t make a payment until you have received a confirmation that your application has been approved. Receipts should be given to Prof. Portaro before the initiation ceremony.
- You must attend the initiation ceremony
- If you meet these requirements, please fill out the application and return it to Professor Iliana Portaro (Office: GC 009D | Mailbox in GC 108)
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Description
The Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon was established to recognize scholarship and professionalism in the Earth Sciences. The society objectives include the scholastic, scientific, and professional advancement of its members. SGE was founded on March 30, 1915, at the University of Kansas.
Eligibility Requirements
Any person in any branch of the Earth Sciences who has completed at least 10 semester hours in Earth Science courses and has maintained a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in all Earth Science courses together with an overall G.P.A. of 2.67 in all college courses is qualified for membership.
Contact
Faculty: Grant Shimer