Phi Sigma Iota Foreign Language National Honor Society

Phi Sigma Iota (ΦΣΙ) is an international honor society for students of modern and classical foreign languages and literatures. Founded in 1922 at Allegheny College, Pennsylvania, it was initially established by Dr. Henry Ward Church and other members of the Department of Languages.

Purpose and Objectives

Phi Sigma Iota's primary objectives are to recognize outstanding scholarship and attainment in foreign languages, linguistics, literature, cultures, including the classics, philology, and comparative literature. It also aims to stimulate advanced work and individual research in these fields and promote international amity.

Membership and Eligibility

Membership in Phi Sigma Iota is based on academic achievement in the fields of classics, comparative literature, ESL, foreign language, foreign language education, linguistics, and second language acquisition. Undergraduates must typically be enrolled in a third-year or fourth-year language course and have a B+ average in language classes, with an overall B GPA. Graduate students are eligible after completing one semester of language study with a B+ grade point average. Professional and honorary memberships are also available for candidates who have made significant contributions to the field.

Chapters and Reach

Phi Sigma Iota has over 180 chapters at institutions of higher learning in the U.S. and internationally, having extended its reach beyond the U.S. in 1982 with the establishment of a chapter at Universidad Regiomontana, Monterrey, Mexico.

Benefits and Activities

Membership in Phi Sigma Iota provides several benefits, including a national network of colleagues, participation in a learning community, local and national leadership opportunities, publication opportunities in the Society's magazine The Forum, and eligibility for scholarships. Members also receive a lifetime membership certificate and a gold pin.

History

Phi Sigma Iota became a national society in 1925 with the installation of the Beta chapter at Pennsylvania State University. It merged with Alpha Zeta Pi in 1935, expanding its influence west of the Mississippi River. By 1950, Phi Sigma Iota became a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. Over time, it has expanded its mission to encompass applied linguistics, bilingual education, and other interdisciplinary programs with a significant foreign language component.

Notable Milestones

• 1922: Founded at Allegheny College, Pennsylvania.
• 1925: Became a national society with the establishment of the Beta chapter at Pennsylvania State University.
• 1935: Merged with Alpha Zeta Pi.
• 1950: Joined the Association of College Honor Societies.
• 1982: Became the International Foreign Language Honor Society.
• 2011: Had 173 chapters and expanded to include new interdisciplinary programs.