With second semester already in full swing, students who did well academically first semester are being awarded with invitations to honor programs and societies.

Phi Eta Sigma is the nation’s largest freshmen honor society, founded at the University in 1923. Freshmen who received a grade point average of 3.5 or above are invited to join.

“Students pay their dues once and are guaranteed lifetime membership in the society,” said Kay Boyle, president of Phi Eta Sigma and junior in LAS.

“Active members of the group participate in tutoring and volunteer programs across the University,” Boyle said.

She also noted that although active membership in the society is not mandatory, those who actively participate receive honor cords at graduation.

Phi Beta Kappa is another honor society on campus that is comprised of members with the highest level of scholarship in liberal arts.

“In order to be eligible for the society, seniors must be within the top seven percent of their graduating class from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,” said Robert Fossum, president of Phi Beta Kappa.

“Not only do seniors have to meet the academic requirements, they also must be invited into the society,” Fossum said.

Fossum also said that seniors are not invited into the group until two or three days before graduation.

In addition to joining honor societies at the University, eligible students can choose to join honor programs.

The James Scholar Program is an honor program for the whole University that was founded to recognize exceptional undergraduate students within each college.

The top 15 percent of entering freshmen are invited to join the program. Continuing or transfer students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

“We have to do extra work in one class each semester, by either doing a project or a research paper,” said Katie Vivoda, freshman in education and James Scholar.

Though members of certain honor programs and societies may have to participate in extra projects or volunteer programs, many agree that participation in the organizations produce long-term benefits.

“Being a member of Phi Eta Sigma offers great leadership opportunities to active members,” Boyle said.

Jessie Neyt, freshman in LAS, said she was happy that she recently received an invitation for Phi Eta Sigma membership.

“It’s flattering. It makes me proud of getting good grades,” Neyt said.

Fossum agreed that being a member of Phi Beta Kappa could benefit a member’s career life.

“It’s a great thing to list on a r‚sum‚. Companies will appreciate the hard work the person put forth in college,” Fossum said.

Whether a student chooses to become part of an honor society or an honors program at the University, or perhaps both, will be up to the student. Current members appreciate the advantages of being honored on campus.

“It’s definitely something to be proud of,” Vivoda said. “Despite the hard work, it’s definitely worth it.”