Student Transitions

Office of Student Transitions
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5263 USA
(269) 387-2167

Tau Sigma

WMU Chapter Information

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Tau Sigma is a national honor society dedicated to "recognizing and promoting the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. On April 30, 2014, the Lee Honors College established the Zeta Chi chapter of Tau Sigma on the campus of Western Michigan University. WMU is the fourth chapter of Tau Sigma in the State of Michigan and the 145th chapter in the United States. The first group of 30 students, each signing the charter, were inducted into the society on November 21, 2014, along with honorary member, WMU President, Dr. John Dunn. In the March of 2016, WMU held its second induction ceremony taking in 135 new student members, as well as four honorary members.

On March 24, 2017, Zeta Chi Chapter inducted 85 new members with a average GPA of 3.85 and 21 members who had a perfect 4.0 in their first semester at WMU. We also had two honorary members, Laura Darrah and Paul Hildenbrand, associate director of residence life and manager of recruitment and outreach respectively who both work at WMU.

Transfer students, during the first semester or session of attendance at WMU, completing a full course load of 12 hours or more for a fall or spring semester or 6 hours or more during either summer session with a 3.5 or higher will be invited to become a member of Tau Sigma. The induction ceremony will be held in the spring semester of every year.

 

Member Benefits

Tau Sigma membership allows students the opportunity to develop new friendships, become more engaged on campus, and develop leadership skills. In addition, members are able to apply for national scholarships as low as $500 and up to $2500 in value. The national organization also hosts a leadership conference each fall with up to three students from each chapter being invited to attend.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

It is an honors society and recognition of your accomplishment as a transfer student. You have the option to purchase honor cords to wear at the time of graduation. You will automatically receive a certificate, ink pen, and lapel pin for your membership into the society.

At the time you accept your nomination, you will be able to purchase honor cords and shirts, etc.  The chapter advisor will also have a limited supply of items on hand in addition to a website URL to request additional items.

Currently, the organization is listed as a student organization. There is no current E-board; however, they have tried to have one meeting a month where they discussed possible programs, etc. for the membership, along with one activity a month. Meetings are not required and most members choose not attend and by most probably 99%. Most students join Tau Sigma just for the honor of being a member. As a member, you will be recognized at the time of graduation in the graduation bulletin, and of course if you purchase honor cords, you will be able to wear them too.

Again, membership is based on your first semester GPA, so you will not be kicked out of the society.

Nominations for membership occur once a year, usually in early February. Follow the directions as noted in both the email and/or personal letter as you need to use a particular code to accept your nomination.

No you do not need to attend; however, we hope you consider doing so if there is a scheduled ceremony. You may bring as many guests with you as you like.  The ceremony will not occur unless there is a planning committee made up of current membership.

Yes, You may bring guests to the initiation ceremony if one is scheduled.  These ceremonies cannot occur without a membership planning committee.

Items ordered at the time of accepting your nomination will be sent directly to you.  You may also be able to pick up certain items from your chapter advisor.

More Information

For more information about Tau Sigma, please visit the national website.

You may also contact Steve Miller, chapter adviser, at (269) 387-2167 or via email at steve.miller@wmich.edu .