Tri-Alpha Honor Society
Advisors
- Katherine Lawlor: Staff Advisor and Founder
- Arely Mata: Staff Advisor
- Galilea Flores-Lopez: Staff Advisor
- Chelsea Hutton: Graduate Advisor
National Website
Tri-Alpha Honor Society
Mission
The Tri-Alpha chapter promotes academic excellence and provides opportunities for growth, leadership development, and community service for first-generation college students.
All first-generation college students, graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni of NAU are eligible to join the Tri-Alpha Honor Society.
Benefits
- The opportunity to meet other first-generation scholars and join them in promoting academic excellence and creating a supportive environment for first-generation college students
- Leadership opportunities with the Tri-Alpha chapter at Northern Arizona University
- Employers, professionals, and graduate schools identify you as a person of superior academic ability and commitment
- An outward recognition of personal accomplishment and an incentive for continued scholarship
- A certificate and pin signifying lifetime membership
Application
We are accepting applications for the fall 2023 class! The application deadline is October 6, 2023. Anyone who misses the deadline will have to wait until the spring 2024 class.
Induction ceremony
The Induction ceremony for new members will be in November 2023. The date, time, and hybrid location will be sent out in an email to all Tri-Alpha Honor Society members.
Executive Board
We are now a student organization at Northern Arizona University. To learn more about the Executive Board, please visit our Executive Board webpage.
Tri-Alpha Honor Society frequently asked questions
How do I become a member of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society? Accordion Closed
To become a Tri-Alpha Honor Society member, follow these steps:
- Submit an application.
- If you are invited to become a member, then you will need to pay the membership dues.
- Do your best to attend the induction ceremony.
- Even if you have completed the first two steps, individuals officially become members during the next induction ceremony.
When is the application cycle open? Accordion Closed
The application remains open all year through a Qualtrics form. The fall membership review cycle is from March through an October deadline each year. The spring membership review cycle is from November through an early March deadline each year.
When are decisions about membership made? Accordion Closed
Membership decisions are made after final grades are posted for the most recent semester. We attempt to review applications in two to four weeks; however, it could take us more time if we are training new advisors and officers.
Can any first-generation college student attend Tri-Alpha Honor Society events even if they’re not a member? Accordion Closed
Yes, our events are open to all of the first-generation college community members at NAU. General meetings are for members only to discuss how the honor society will operate.
Are there any additional costs? Accordion Closed
A graduation cord for the Tri-Alpha Honor Society is $20. Members will need to complete participation requirements to be eligible for a free Tri-Alpha graduation cord.
What types of events do you offer? Accordion Closed
The Tri-Alpha Honor Society offers these types of events for members:
- social events
- general meetings to discuss and vote on decisions for the chapter
- fundraisers
- workshop recommendations
- a one-time mentoring connection with the staff advisor
- a list of volunteer opportunities
Are there any exceptions to the eligibility requirements? Accordion Closed
No. The chapter advisors and officers follow the eligibility requirements set by the national organization. If you do not meet the membership requirements, you will have to wait for a future semester until you meet the membership eligibility.
Can I apply after the deadline? Accordion Closed
We will no longer be able to accept applications after the posted deadline. If you have missed the recent application deadline, we encourage you to apply at a later time.
Will I be asked to leave if I cannot commit to the participation recommendations? Accordion Closed
All members are encouraged to participate in activities offered each semester. The only reason we would dismiss a member is if they violate university conduct standards. A Tri-Alpha member can also choose to resign from the organization.
Does a faculty or staff member of Northern Arizona University have to be an alumnus of the university to join? Accordion Closed
No, faculty and staff members at NAU can join if they are a first-generation college graduate at their respective university and have shown prior involvement with helping first-generation college students at the university.
Is Tri-Alpha a student organization at NAU? Accordion Closed
Yes, the Tri-Alpha Honor Society is a student organization at Northern Arizona University. We were approved to become a student organization in April 2022. Our chapter originally began as an initiative under the Office of First-Generation Programs in July 2020. Being a recognized student organization means we are primarily a student-led group with guidance provided by our advisors and members. Only undergraduate and graduate students can vote on decisions proposed by the student organization. Faculty, staff, and alumni members can participate in any event offered and earn a graduation cord if they are involved.