Honor Society for International Scholars

AN HONOR SOCIETY DEDICATED TO INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

Phi Beta Delta, first founded at California State University, Long Beach in 1986, was established as a national organization in 1987 with 38 chartered chapters. It is the first national honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. Phi Beta Delta’s goals are:

• to address the need on campus for recognition and visibility of the international experience
• to serve as a vehicle for the development of academic-based international programming
• to provide a network on each campus of faculty, staff and students involved in international endeavors
• to extend this network to thousands of members in chapters across the country.

AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL

The national organization of Phi Beta Delta, under the leadership of the Board of Directors, sets criteria for and approves the formation of new chapters. It provides on-going support in the development of existing chapters. The Board coordinates the Annual National Conference, which consists of panels and symposia designed to explore the significant issues of international education. National annual dues fund a variety of initiatives, including the national newsletter “The Medallion,” an operations manual for chapters, and a program which provides fellowships for faculty/staff and scholarships for students. The Society’s journal The Phi Beta Delta International Review, publishes the proceedings of the national conferences and other writings on international issues. In order to support these endeavors, a fund-raising effort has been launched and a national database is being developed to improve communication at all levels of the organization.

Visit the Phi Beta Delta website.

ON CAMPUS

The Phi Beta Delta chapter serves as a catalyst for recognition of international endeavors on the campus. Elected officers guide the chapter in the initiation of new members and in scheduling events and activities of interest to the membership. Many chapters also produce a newsletter as a way to communicate with their members and to announce events and activities. Examples of successful academic, cross-cultural, and social programs include:

• international films;
• lecture series;
• receptions for visiting scholars;
• awards banquets;
• cross-cultural communication workshops; and
• international coffee hours.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

Individuals who have demonstrated scholarly achievement in the international area are nominated for membership in Phi Beta Delta. There are three categories of members: · international students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement at their U.S. institution; · domestic students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement in the pursuit of academic studies abroad; and · distinguished faculty, staff and visiting scholars involved in international endeavors such as teaching, administering exchange programs, conducting research, or providing services and programs to international students and scholars.