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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
New Student Programs

Tau Sigma at NC State

What is Tau Sigma?

Tau Sigma National Honor Society is the premiere national honor society for transfer students. Tau Sigma’s mission is to “…recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students.” The NC State chapter, Zeta Phi, was founded in Fall 2015. NC State’s Tau Sigma chapter is one of over 175 chapters throughout the US, and among 12 chapters in North Carolina.

Membership Criteria

  • You must transfer as a full-time student to a four-year institution of higher learning from another academic institution with at least one full year’s academic credits satisfied at the prior institution(s).
  • The minimum academic average required for membership is either a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent thereof) or an academic average that places the prospective candidate in the top 20% of all incoming transfer students during the equivalent of their first term (12 credit hours) to be eligible for invitation.
  • Eligibility is limited to the first term of enrollment at the institution to which the student transfers. Academic eligibility shall be obtained on the grades of one full curricular period, (i.e., semester, trimester, quarter, or term).
  • Never lose membership even if your GPA falls below 3.5

Accepting Your Membership

  • Membership in Tau Sigma is by invitation only. Students who meet the membership criteria will be sent an invitation to join the Tau Sigma National Honor Society.
  • Students interested in becoming Tau Sigma members must complete the membership form and register via the online portal as indicated in the invitation’s instructions. There is a $50 one-time membership fee.
  • If students do not respond to the initial invitation for membership, they are unable to join Tau Sigma at a later date.
Accept Your Invitation

Learn More

  • Official Certificate of Membership
  • A chapter Induction ceremony honoring Tau Sigma members’ accomplishments
  • Leadership Opportunities
  • Connection with other transfer students!

Interested in Tau Sigma leadership opportunities? Officer positions are available. Please complete the nomination form to review eligibility and the next steps.

  • President
    • Coordinates general body meetings
    • Organizes leadership and professional development opportunities
    • Plans spring induction ceremony
  • Vice President
    • Takes the lead on external communications 
    • Coordinates organization and event marketing
    • Coordinates Tau Sigma recruitment of new member
  • Secretary
    • Manages organization finances
    • Manages internal chapter communication including meeting minutes
    • Event and social planning
    • Manages Tau Sigma Google calendar

Learn more about these leadership positions

New Student Programs hosted a Tau Sigma Interest Meeting for interested students to learn more about the membership criteria, the benefits of joining, leadership opportunities, available scholarships through the organization, and more! If you were not able to attend this meeting but are excited for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with NC State transfer students and enhance your NC State experience, check out the interest meeting presentation to learn more about NC State’s chapter!

National Tau Sigma

Visit the National Tau Sigma website to learn more about the organization.

Learn More

Scholarships

Each year, Tau Sigma awards more than $100,00 in scholarships to eligible students.

Learn More

Questions?

Emily Purdy
Coordinator, New Student Programs
erpurdy@ncsu.edu
919-515-1234