Tau Sigma

How much does it cost to join Tau Sigma? 

Membership is $35 and is good for a lifetime! A portion of these funds go to the National Office and the remainder stays with our local chapter. The local chapter dues pay for chapter operating expenses (mailings, refreshments, service projects, local scholarships, induction ceremony, etc.)

Is this organization legitimate or is it a scam?

This is one of the most common questions we get. It is definitely not a scam. Tau Sigma at Appalachian was started in 2010. It is recognized by Appalachian’s Center for Student Involvement and Leadership as an official campus organization.

Tau Sigma was incorporated as a non-profit in 1999 with Auburn University being the home of the first chapter. At that time, Auburn University was becoming increasingly aware of the significant number of transfers on campus as well as the university’s inability to adequately serve them. Tau Sigma was born out of Auburn University’s desire to improve its service to and recruiting and retention of transfer students.

Today, over 100 other universities have established or are currently establishing Tau Sigma chapters in their efforts to improve the services that they provide to their transfer student population. Although Tau Sigma is a relatively young organization, many members in all parts of the country have become active at their universities, participating in such activities as on-campus recruiting events for prospective transfer students, transfer student orientation, community service projects, assisting the admissions office with the recruitment of prospective transfers at junior colleges, and participating in intramural sports and socials that allow them opportunities to fellowship with one another and make new friends.

Who can join?

Candidacy for membership in Tau Sigma is granted to those students who have transferred to ASU having completed at least one year at a prior institution and earned at least a 3.5 GPA during their first term based on a full time course load of 12 hours or more.  Membership is extended to students earning their first four-year degree.

What are the advantages of joining Tau Sigma?

Obviously Tau Sigma membership makes a great bullet point on your resume but beyond that, we try to provide leadership opportunities to our members.  You can run for a spot on our executive board, lead a committee or just be an active member with other high achieving students.  We encourage feedback from our members as well.  How do you think we can better support the transfer student population at Appalachian.

Every fall, Tau Sigma national awards scholarships but you need to be an active member to get one.  In fall 2018, they awarded fifty-nine scholarships totaling $100,000 ranging from $500 to $5,000.

What if a member's GPA falls below 3.5?   Does this person lose their membership?

No. While we hope that the members will continue to strive for academic excellence, the member has a lifetime membership that is based only on their first term GPA or standing among the incoming transfers.

If I join Tau Sigma, does it prevent me from joining other honor societies on campus?

No. Membership in Tau Sigma in no way prevents you from joining other honor societies. Each honor society is a little bit different and recognizes the accomplishments of a different population of students. Tau Sigma is the only honor society on campus specifically recognizing the academic achievements of transfer students.