Phi Alpha (fraternity)

Phi Alpha is a general academic honor society and fraternity within the field of social work. It recognizes and promotes scholastic achievement and dedication to the profession.

History:

Phi Alpha Honor Society was founded at West Virginia University in 1962. It grew out of a perceived need to formally acknowledge academic excellence among social work students, mirroring honors societies in other academic disciplines. Chapters are established at accredited social work programs throughout the United States.

Membership:

Eligibility for membership typically requires students to have declared social work as their major, achieved a specific grade point average (GPA), and completed a minimum number of social work course credits. Specific requirements may vary slightly by chapter. Both undergraduate and graduate social work students are eligible for membership.

Purpose and Activities:

The primary goals of Phi Alpha are to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian ideals and principles. Chapters often engage in activities such as:

• Academic support and tutoring for social work students.
• Community service projects.
• Professional development workshops and seminars.
• Social events to foster camaraderie among members.
• Fundraising for charitable causes.
• Guest speaker events with social work professionals.

Organization:

Phi Alpha has a national organization that provides guidance and support to local chapters. The national office typically maintains a directory of chapters and offers resources to assist with chapter management and programming. Chapters are largely autonomous in their day-to-day operations, within the guidelines established by the national organization and their respective educational institutions.