THE CHAPTER OF SIGMA

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is Delta Epsilon Sigma?

Delta Epsilon Sigma is a national scholastic honor society for all students of Catholic colleges and universities. There are more than 100 chapters throughout the United States. The Alpha Sigma Chapter was founded at St. Thomas in 1941 to recognize and promote academic excellence among students, faculty and alumni.

What are the membership requirements?

In order to eligible for membership, undergraduate students must have achieved junior class standing. Junior candidates must have 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 (and if transfer credits, the St. Thomas GPA must also be at least 3.75with at least 12 credits taken at St. Thomas for a grade).

Senior candidates must have 92 credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 (and if transfer credits, the St. Thomas GPA must also be at least 3.50 with at least 12 credits taken at St. Thomas for a letter grade).

How much does it cost to be a member?

There is a one-time membership fee of $70.00 for induction into the organization. The national organization receives $55.00 and the remainder is contributed to the Alpha Sigma Chapter. There are no further monetary requirements or service requirements, and membership in the society is for a lifetime.

What are the benefits of joining?

 No restriction on course loads (although regular tuition and fees are charged for all credits), which is a privilege that becomes effective in the semester following a student's induction to DES.

 St. Thomas DES members are guests of the university at induction ceremonies and banquets, as well as at special academic functions.

 DES graduating seniors are presented with a silver cord to wear at commencement as a of their membership. An -mail is sent to graduating DES members prior to May commencement announcing the date and time to pick up the cords. The cords are usually distributed on Study Day during the week of finals.

 All members will receive the Delta Epsilon Sigma Journal published by the national society, which offers opportunities for publication of student works.

 An undergraduate writing competition is held annually by the national society with the chance to win one of four $500.00 first prizes and $250.00 second prize awards in categories of creative poetry, creative prose, informal essay, and research work.

 The Fitzgerald Scholarships of $1,200.00 each are awarded each year to 24 students across the nation. Twelve scholarships go to junior members, applicable toward senior year tuition, and 12 fellowships are awarded to graduating members, applicable toward the first year of graduate studies.

Revised: June 2018