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MSU Alpha Alpha Chapter was founded on May 19, 1989 and since then it has been open to individuals who have demonstrated scholarly achievement and have participated in international activities or programs. 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, either in exchange programs or through participation in/or comparable experiences where academic relevance can be demonstrated; and faculty and staff who have been actively involved in recognized international endeavors such as teaching, administering exchange programs, conducting research, or providing services and programs to international students and scholars.

Because of your scholastic achievement at Michigan State University and your involvement in international educational exchange activities, we are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to become a member of Phi Beta Delta, Honor Society for International Scholars. The objectives of Phi Beta Delta and the membership criteria are listed below.

The Objectives of Phi Beta Delta

To recognize achievement in international educational interchange.

To increase the recognition, credibility, and importance of the international experience.

To develop a network/cadre of individuals (students, faculty, and staff) involved in the international experience.

To create a catalyst for academic-based programming that is supportive of international educational interchange on and off campus.

To connect individuals on this campus with others throughout the United States and other countries by (a) recognizing the importance of these achievements in higher education and (b) formally organizing an association similar to other national honor societies.

Membership Criteria

Phi Beta Delta is the first honor society in the United States dedicated to recognizing individuals who have demonstrated scholarly achievement in the area of international education and exchange. Currently, the society has more than 160 chapters at colleges and universities in the U.S. and overseas, and its membership includes faculty and staff, international students and U.S. students.

A. Students

Prior to their induction into chapter membership, all students must have earned a minimum of 12 semester credits either at Michigan State University or at another higher-education institution in the United States.

The minimum grade-point average (GPA) based on credits earned at MSU is as follows: undergraduates - 3.3, graduate students - 3.7.

U.S. students also must either have studied or conducted research abroad or had a comparable international academic experience abroad and/or have been actively involved in promoting international understanding on the MSU campus or in other academic settings.

International students who meet the scholastic achievement criteria are invited to become members of Phi Beta Delta on the basis of their enrollment at Michigan State University to pursue academic studies outside their home countries.

B. Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff need to have been actively involved in recognized international endeavors such as teaching, conducting research, participating in overseas projects, administering exchange programs, or providing services to international students and scholars.

Individuals with special qualifications varying from those specified above may also be considered for membership on a case-by-case basis.

The Alpha Alpha Chapter was established at Michigan State University on May 19, 1989. Since then, a total of over 3,000 U.S. students, international students, faculty and staff combined have become members of the MSU chapter.

We will hold our annual induction ceremony during International Education Week on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 from 6:30-8:00 pm on the 3rd floor of the International Center, with a reception immediately following. Check-in will open at 6:00 pm, the ceremonly will begin promptly at 6:30 pm.
It is our pleasure to announce that Dean Satish Udpa, College of Engineering, will be our keynote speaker.
Please RSVP by Thursday, November 1, 2007 at pbd@msu.edu to let us know if you will be attending the event.
PBD will host the International Coffee Hour on Friday, October 12 from 4:00-6:00 pm in the International Center Food Court. Please join us to find out more about PBD and to talk to current members.
We encourage new PBD members to send us 1-2 pictures from their study abroad experience or their home country to be featured in our annual slide show. The slide-show will run before the ceremony and during reception. Please email the pictures as an attachment to pbd@msu.edu.

The total first-year cost of membership is $60.00 which includes local and national fees and dues, a PBD gold medallion, membership certificate, and a subscription to the national newsletter The Medallion. Please make your check payable to Phi Beta Delta and return it with the student membership, c/o Office for International Students and Scholars, Michigan State University, 103 International Center, East Lansing, MI 48824-1035.

Both your payment and student membership form must be received no later than Monday, October 22, 2007 (NOTE: extended deadline) in order for us to prepare your certificate and finalize arrangements for the induction ceremony. Please send the materials to the address listed on the bottom of the membership application form or drop them off.

This is an opportunity to become involved in an established international honor society and to share your experiences and interests with internationally oriented fellow students and faculty. We look forward to your joining this society and participating in its activities. Please let us know if you would like to be considered for an office (Student President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Director of Communications, Director of Events) or Governing Board position. If you are interested or if you have any other questions concerning Phi Beta Delta, please contact a Governing Board Member of the Alpha Alpha Chapter.

Board Members 2008-09