Honor Societies
Canisius University has chapters of a number of national and international honor societies. These societies have established specific academic requirements for students who wish to join the society, and most also have additional requirements that may include service, participation, recommendations, or academic standing guidelines.
Honor Societies Open to Students in Any Major
Alpha Sigma Nu is the honor society of Jesuit institutions of higher education, including all 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, Regis College of the University of Toronto, Campion College in Regina, Saskatchewan, and Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea. Juniors, seniors, and students in graduate and professional schools who rank in the top 15 percent of their classes may be considered for membership. The university’s chapter may nominate no more than four percent of the junior and senior classes for membership. In addition to scholarship, loyalty to the college and the Jesuit ideals of higher education, and service to the college and larger community are the criteria for admission.
Chi Alpha Sigma is the national college athlete honor society.
Di Gamma is the Canisius Honor Society that recognizes those who have rendered outstanding service to Canisius University.
Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, recognizes and encourages superior leadership and exemplary character. It promotes collaboration among members across the five pillars of leadership celebrated by Omicron Delta Kappa : academics and research, athletics, service to campus and community, communications, and creative and performing arts. The GPA requirement to join changes every semester as it is open to only the top 35% of students in their class. Membership is open to both undergrads and graduate students.
Tri-Alpha (Delta Gamma Chapter)- is the honor society for first generation college students. A first generation college student is defined as an individual whose parents/guardians do not hold a college degree.
Major-Specific Honor Societies
Alpha Kappa Delta is an international sociology honor society. It promotes human welfare through the association of a fellowship group interested in developing scientific knowledge that may be applied to the solution of social problems.
Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society
Beta Beta Beta is the national honor society for students majoring in the biological sciences. Students must demonstrate academic achievement as well as be involved in service, scholarship, and social activities to be inducted as a national member.
Beta Gamma Sigma is the premier honor society recognizing business excellence, and only recognizes students in AACSB accredited programs. The Wehle School of Business established its chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma in 1978. Lifetime members of the Society have earned the right to be considered the "Best in Business." Students who graduate in the top 20 percent of their class are eligible for membership.
Kappa Delta Pi is the international honor society in education. Students must intend to continue in the field of education, demonstrate academic achievement, manifest desirable professional qualities, demonstrate leadership attributes, and exemplify a commitment to equity.
Lambda Pi Eta recognizes, fosters and rewards outstanding scholastic achievement in communication studies. Lambda Pi Eta’s ideal is to stimulate interest, promote and encourage professional development, and to provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of communication. This society is the national communication association's honor society.
Phi Alpha Theta is the national history honor society. The local chapter's events include speakers, lectures, an annual induction ceremony and participation in a convention. Prospective members must have taken a minimum of four history courses with a 3.25 GPA and a minimum 3.06 QPA.
Phi Sigma Tau serves as a means of awarding distinction to students who have high scholarship and personal interest in philosophy, as well as popularizing interest in philosophy among the general collegiate population.
Psi Chi is an international honor society in psychology and recognizes students at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Sigma Delta Pi is the national collegiate Hispanic honor society. Membership is available to students who attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language and its cultures in Europe and Americas.
Sigma Iota Rho is the International Studies honor society and encourages a life-long devotion to a better understanding of the world we live in and to continuing support for and engagement in education, service, and occupational activities that reflect the mission of Sigma Iota Rho.
Sigma Tau Delta is an international English honor society that honors undergraduates, graduate students, and scholars in academia, as well as upon professional writers who have recognized accomplishments in linguistic or literary realms of the English language. Members have the opportunity to formulate ethical principles, develop skills in creative and critical writing, and foster a spirit of fellowship.
