Honor Societies and Academic Distinctions at the University of Connecticut

Honor societies have a rich tradition of scholarship and service to the University of Connecticut community. They allow students to interact with one another and form relationships with faculty and staff.

Activities may include induction ceremonies, service projects, professional development seminars, and meetings regarding the graduate school application process.

Each of these organizations have special entrance requirements, and many require a minimum grade point average or class rank.

If you are contacted and would like more information please confirm the organization is an official UConn Student Organization by looking them up on the Student Activities page, or research the local and national chapters on their websites.

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Dear Students,

From time to time, you may be invited to join an “honor society.” (Your parents may even receive an invitation at home, suggesting that they pay your membership fee.) The question is how to determine whether a particular organization is recognized by the academic community across the country.

When I am asked about any particular such organization by students or parents, I refer them to the web page of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS),http://www.achsnatl.org/, to determine whether ACHS has granted membership to that organization –certifying that the organization meets the high standards of ACHS. You can click on the “members” link near the top of the ACHS page to list all member honor societies—along with the web links to most of their national offices.

Many honors college and honors programs colleagues across the nation make similar recommendations to their students as a way to assist them in determining which “honor societies” to join—not as a foolproof approach, but as a excellent way to learn more about a particular such organization they have been invited to join.

Best regards,

Dr. Lynne Goodstein
Associate Vice-Provost and Director, Honors Program

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