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The concept of a national social work honor society came from a group of undergraduate social work students at Michigan State University in 1960. Investigation revealed that local chapters existed at three schools. Those three schools, and a few others, formed a National Honor Society Committee in November, 1960. For more than a year this committee worked on the constitution and other administrative matters. The name Phi Alpha was adopted as the honor society’s formal name along with the golden key as its symbol which was inspired by the original chapter at Florida State University.
The constitution and formal organization was completed in 1962 with six chapters named “charter chapters.” Those chapters were: Florida State University, Michigan State University, Ohio North University, Central State College, University of Dayton and the University of Tennessee. Over 380 chapters are in existence as the addition of new chapters continues.
The department sponsors the Iota Xi chapter of Phi Alpha, the national Social Work Honor Society. Membership is open to students who achieve a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.25 GPA in social work.
Want more information about Phi Alpha? Contact their Advisor, Dr. Tracy Dietz.