Phi Alpha Theta
International History Honor Society
Gamma Psi Chapter
New Phi Alpha Theta Inductees
The Phi Alpha Theta induction ceremony, held April 9, 2009, welcomed new members (left to right, holding certificates) Kelsey Matson, Brooke Didier, Ryan Orwick, Sarah Ottersen, Achille Davisson, and Ryan Sparks. Advisor Joel Tishken stands at the back. See larger photo.
Introduction
Phi Alpha Theta is composed of chapters in properly accredited colleges and universities. All students in these institutions who have completed the required number of history courses and are maintaining high standards in their college or university studies are eligible for membership (see below).
Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society whose purpose is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. It seeks to bring students, teachers, and writers of history together both intellectually and socially, and it encourages and assists historical research and publication by its members in a variety of ways.
Membership
Gamma Psi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta at Washington State University is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who meet the following criteria:
- Completion of at least 2 semesters at WSU
- WSU grade point average of at least 3.0
- Completion of 12 semester credits of history (6 of which must be from WSU)
- History grade point average of at least 3.1 at WSU
- Payment of a lifetime membership fee (set by the national organization, currently $50)
Those who are already members of Phi Alpha Theta are warmly welcomed to participate in Gamma Psi chapter activities. Membership in Phi Alpha Theta is for life, so you need not join (or pay) a second time.
Applications for membership are solicited near the beginning of fall and spring semesters. Look for posters on the Phi Alpha Theta bulletin board in the 3rd-floor corridor of Wilson-Short Hall. Announcements will also be made in various history classes by the instructors.
Phi Alpha Theta members are eligible to wear honor cords at commencement ceremonies (honor cords must be purchased).
Gamma Psi Chapter Activities
- Election of officers (early in the fall semester)
- Initiation of new members
- Attendance and giving papers at the regional and national Phi Alpha Theta conferences
- Organizing public lectures on history
Officers (2009–2010)
- President:Ryan Sparks
- Vice President:Brooke Naomi
- Secretary-Treasurer:Kelsey Matson
- Graduate Representative:Johanna Lash
More Information
If you want to know more about Phi Alpha Theta, contact Dwayne Dehlbom or faculty advisor Joel Tishken (office: Wilson-Short 341), or see one of the officers listed above.
But what if you don't qualify for Phi Alpha Theta? Or what do you do if you qualify and want something more informal, more enjoyable, more social? Well, step this way, do we have something for you!
Introducing the History Club, a social organization that specializes in events and activities with a historical (no matter how far-fetched) theme. It's the next best thing to the History Channel! Go on, check it out. It's only a click away!
What's Happening
See the Phi Alpha Theta bulletin board on the 3rd floor of Wilson-Short Hall for a current schedule of activities. The board is in the main corridor, just to the right of the history department office.