Alpha Alpha Alpha: First-Generation Honor Society
The Eta Psi chapter of the Tri-Alpha National Honor Society is inducting its first class on April 22, 2024!
Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, was founded March 24, 2018 at Moravian College (now Moravian University) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Over 100 members of the Alpha Chapter were initiated that day, including undergraduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and honorary members. Following the successful induction, the College took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha so that chapters could be started on other campuses across the country. Tri-Alpha exists as a not-for-profit (501(c)3) organization, for the purposes of supporting the activities of the honors society. The chapter at University Park will be the third Tri-Alpha chapter at Penn State; Penn State Abington and Penn State Lehigh Valley previously installed their chapters, and Penn State Altoona is launching theirs this year as well.
The Eta Psi Chapter hosts an application process each year, launching in November and closing in February. Applicants are reviewed, selected, and notified by March. Selected applicants are invited to an induction ceremony typically held in late April.
Membership Benefits:
Tri-Alpha offers qualifying members access to the following benefits and resources:
- Lifetime membership
- Leadership, career, and academic development opportunities
- A certificate and pin at initiation
- Public recognition of acceptance/induction
- Mentorship connections and networking opportunities
Plus direct and continued access to:
- a community of scholars from a wide variety of academic disciplines and roles, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni
- employers, experienced professionals, and graduate school advice and guidance
- a supportive environment that promotes academic excellence
Membership Types and DUES:
Student Member
Currently enrolled undergraduate students at University Park must have:
- earned at least 42 credits toward a bachelors degree by the end of the fall 2023 semester
- at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA
- a recommendation submitted by current Penn State faculty or staff member
- a brief statement (300-words maximum) explaining why you wish to join Tri-Alpha
Currently enrolled masters or doctoral students at University Park must have:
- earned at least 18 credits toward a masters degree by the end of the fall 2023 semester
- at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA
- a recommendation submitted by current Penn State faculty or staff member
- a brief statement (300-words maximum) explaining why you wish to join Tri-Alpha
One-time (lifetime) individual student member dues: $15.00
Faculty/Staff (Honorary) Member
Current Penn State staff, administration, or faculty members at University Park must:
- be employed in their current role for at least two consecutive semesters (excluding summer) by the end of the Fall 2023 semester (spring and fall).
- have a recommendation from a current first-generation Penn State student at the primary level at which they instruct, advise, or otherwise support (undergraduate or graduate)
- identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success
- provide a brief statement (300 words maximum) explaining why you wish to join Tri-Alpha
One-time (lifetime) individual honorary member dues: $25.00
Alumni Member
Former Penn State students who completed their (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) degree at University Park must have:
- a recommendation submitted by at least one current member of the Penn State community (faculty, staff, students, etc.)
- identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success
One-time (lifetime) individual alumni member dues: $25.00
Application and Recommendation Submission Process
Eligible community members are encouraged to apply through an online application. The online application will be live on this webpage between mid-November and early February. Student and honorary member applicants are asked to attach their required statements to their applications. The application will also provide a space to indicate your recommender and their contact information. Recommendations will be submitted through a separate process after they are indicated on the initial application.
Should you have any questions about your application or the application process, please email the Eta Psi Chapter Advisor, Denise Poole at dmp6115@psu.edu.