Sigma Xi is a national honor society of scientists and engineers who are elected
to the society because of their research achievements or potential.
>>> All NOMINATIONS are due by the end of the day on MONDAY APRIL 2nd. <<<
>>> Send nominations to Bruce Thompson by email or on paper <<<
Nominators should fill out and return the enclosed nomination form and enclose a
letter describing the qualifications of the nominee in relation to the criteria
listed below. Students must be nominated by a faculty member. Faculty can self
nominate. If the nominator is not a current member of Sigma Xi, please
coordinate with a current full member to sign the form. The membership committee
will evaluate the nominations and report back to the nominator. If so desired,
the nomination can remain confidential.
The national criteria for associate membership is:
"Research aptitude specified for election... [in pure or applied science]
must be evidenced by independent investigation ordinarily resulting in a written
report... membership is offered to encourage young investigators with promise to
continue careers in research. In making the nomination, ... the nominator ... must attest to the nominee's potential for future promotion to Member."
For students, the local committee has interpreted this to mean:
1. Evidence of scholarship: either
a.) authorship/co-authorship of a publication in a recognized scientific journal, or
b.) Presentation of a paper at a recognized scientific conference (e.g., ECSC,
regional or national discipline meetings, NCUR, Sigma Xi conference)
2. Clear intention of going further in a research environment, e.g. graduate school or industrial lab.
3. For seniors: at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and a science & math GPA of at least 3.3. For non-seniors: an overall GPA of 3.3 and a science GPA of 3.5. Faculty nominators should report these GPAs in the nomination letter.
Exceptions to the criteria noted above will be considered. In such case, the
membership committee expects the nominating faculty member to present a strong
case on the student's behalf.
The initiation BANQUET for new members will be held on WEDNESDAY, MAY 2th at
6PM in Klingenstein Lounge. Nominators of successful nominees should plan to attend and be prepared to say a few words about the accomplishments of the new member.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Bruce Thompson, Sigma Xi Steering Committee
