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Contact us: 620-221-3128
[email protected]

ACHS
     
Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences
International Honor Society in Social Sciences
Pi Gamma Mu®
International Honor Society
in Social Sciences
1001 Millington Street, Suite B
Winfield, KS 67156
Phone: (620) 221-3128
EMAIL

Our mission is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service.

About Pi Gamma Mu

Founded in 1924, Pi Gamma Mu is the oldest and preeminent interdisciplinary social science honor society. Pi Gamma Mu is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable organization. Pi Gamma Mu has been certified by the Association of College Honor Societies since 1953. The mission of Pi Gamma Mu is to encourage and promote excellence in the Social Sciences and to uphold and nurture scholarship, leadership, and service. Pi Gamma Mu serves the various social science disciplines which seek to understand and explain human behavior and social relationships as well as their related problems and issues. Currently, there are around 150 active chapters in the United States and overseas.

Pi Gamma Mu's bylaws defines the social sciences to include those disciplines which emphasize the scientific study of human societies and social relationships including but not limited to such disciplines as anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography - human, gerontology, history, history of education, human services, international relations, political science, psychology, social philosophy, sociology, social work, as well as related interdisciplinary programs anchored in the Social Sciences, particularly those that focus on age, environment, ethnicity, gender, race, and regional studies.

Pi Gamma Mu Headlines

2024 Convention Website

2024 Convention WebsiteUse the link to visit the 2024 Pi Gamma Mu Triennial International Convention website! Use the Convention Website to register, see the agenda, location, event venues, and much more. Once the full convention website goes live on August 3, 2024, you will be able to share and network with other attendees, participate in discussion forums, learn more about the speakers, share photos, and much more! Visit the website and start planning your trip to Philadelphia!

 

January 26, 2024 - Speaker Series featuring Dr. Johanna Bishop

On January 26, 2024, the series will feature Dr. Johanna Bishop, faculty chapter sponsor of the Delaware Beta Chapter at Wilmington University, and the Pi Gamma Mu Governor for Delaware. Dr. Bishop will present on the topic of Human Trafficking.

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Friday, October 27, 2023 - Speaker Series featuring James Wojtowicz

On Friday, October 27, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. (ET), James Wojtowicz of Rider University will help Pi Gamma Mu launch the second year of its popular Speaker Series.   Wojtowicz will speak about "Open Public and Freedom of Information Statutes – A Tool in the Social Science Toolbox".  Wojtowicz is the faculty chapter sponsor of the New Jersey Delta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu at Rider University, along with University Dean Brooke Hunter.  Wojtowicz is an Assistant Professor and Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the university.  He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Click Read More for the online meeting details.

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Dr. Laura Rodriguez Kitkowski speaks about Stress and Strategies for Coping with Stress

Dr. Laura Rodriguez-Kitkowski, of South University was the third speaker in its new online Speaker Series. The series spotlights the research interests and expertise of Pi Gamma Mu's chapter faculty sponsors and is free of charge. On Friday, May 12, 2023 Dr. Rodriguez-Kitkowski spoke about Stress and Strategies for Coping with Stress.

Update: View a recording of Dr. Rodriguez-Kitkowski's presentation on Youtube:

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Joshua Weikert to Speak About Politics and Public Policy in Legislatures During Online Event

On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 2 pm ET, the Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series will feature Dr. Joshua Weikert of Immaculata University.  During the live online event, Weikert will speak about the interplay between politics and public policy in legislatures.  Weikert is the second of four Pi Gamma Mu faculty who are showcasing their expertise as they discuss new and important themes in the social sciences during the 2022-23 academic year. 

Update: View a recording of Dr. Weikert's presentation on Youtube:

Updates from Pi Gamma Mu presented by Dr. Suzanne Rupp, Executive Director on January 25, 2023.

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Pi Gamma Mu President Kicks-Off Inaugural Speaker Series

On Friday, November 18, 2022, at 3:00 pm (ET), the Pi Gamma Mu Speaker Series officially launched and highlighted the expertise of Pi Gamma Mu president, Dr. Susan Kinsella, social work scholar and former dean of the College of Education and Social Services at Saint Leo University.  Currently a professor in the online graduate Human Services Administration Program, Dr. Kinsella's lecture focused on Animal Assisted Interventions.  Topics included details about how specially trained animals and trainers can help people and communities, how animals impact human lives, a new bachelor’s degree program and certificate programs at Saint Leo University, a new online book, and what we understand about this growing field of study and practice.  Dr. Kinsella was joined by Dr. Nancy Wood and Dr. Rhondda Waddell, experts in the field and professors at Saint Leo University.  The lecture was followed by a live question and answer session.

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Pi Gamma Mu Philippine Alpha Chapter Induction

Enjoy this video of the 2022 Virtual Induction Ceremony of the Pi Gamma Mu Philippine Alpha Chapter at the University of the Philippines!

 

SAVE THE DATE!

The Pi Gamma Mu Convention Committee is thrilled to announce that the 2024 Pi Gamma Mu Triennial International Convention will be held on Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Plan to join us in the City of Brotherly Love in 2024 to be a part of Pi Gamma Mu's centennial celebration! 

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2024 Triennial International Convention Update

The Pi Gamma Mu Convention Committee is thrilled to announce that the 2024 Pi Gamma Mu  Triennial International Convention will be held in the fall of 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Plan to join us in the City of Brotherly Love in 2024 to be a part of Pi Gamma Mu's centennial celebration!  

Events will include student research paper presentations, student and chapter poster sessions, an event celebrating Pi Gamma Mu's centennial year, student elections to the Board of Trustees, the very popular Leadership Development Program (space is limited), keynote speakers, roundtable discussion groups, and much more.  Current student members, alumni members, and faculty sponsors of Pi Gamma Mu are encouraged to attend.  Stay tuned for details!
 

Recap of the 2021 Virtual Triennial International Convention - Social Scientists Leading the Way

The 2021 Triennial International Convention - "Social Scientists Leading the Way" was held online on November 3-6, 2021. The Convention featured student paper and poster presentations, a Leadership Development Program, and several impressive speakers including United States Senator Chuck Grassley (of Iowa), United States Congresswoman Diana DeGette (of Colorado), and Dr. Judith Rodin, philanthropist and leader in higher education. 

Dr. Judith Rodin speaks to students during the 2021 Awards Ceremony.  She was awarded the Pi Gamma Mu Outstanding Alumni Award during the event.

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Pi Gamma Mu's Statement Against Racial Injustice and All Forms of Discrimination

As social scientists, we are deeply saddened by the horrific and blatant injustices many Americans have been experiencing, especially the unacceptable incidents of police brutality against Black people. While our words cannot take away the pain, we want our members to know that we stand unified and condemn all forms of discrimination.

We especially stand behind our friends in the Black community in these paramount endeavors for social change and public safety measures that would require all people to be treated with dignity and respect.

Diversity is an integral part of Pi Gamma Mu's fabric and is the essence of our Society. As an interdisciplinary honor society, we value and appreciate different social science disciplines and celebrate their individual contributions to academia and the greater community.

We hope that all of our members will become part of the dialogue looking to find new ways to mend these serious and devastating societal inequalities and injustices - so that we may emerge stronger and change society for the better.
 

2020 Triennial International Convention Rescheduled for 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the postponement of the 2020 Triennial International Convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Convention has been rescheduled for November 4-6, 2021 in Washington, DC.  Student research papers will still be accepted.  Up to the top ten papers will be considered for publication in our journal and presentation at our 2021 Convention.

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COVID-19 Update for Chapters

As colleges and universities around the globe continue to respond to rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Pi Gamma Mu wishes to offer its support to its members, chapters, and chapter sponsors. Click Read more > to read the update.

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Online Membership Registration and Payments Now Available

Advisers, in response to the increased need for online solutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pi Gamma Mu is now accepting online payments for memberships. Your students will now be able to pay their $50 lifetime membership fee online, directly to our office, using any credit card accepted by PayPal.

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Why join an ACHS-certified honor society?

Certified Member Seal
Look for the ACHS Certified Member seal

Membership in a certified, credible honor society provides prospective employers with instant verification of exemplary performance and achievement, distinguishing members from competing job applicants at a glance. In fact, the US Government's Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers incoming federal employees a two level pay grade increase for "Superior Academic Achievement" which can be obtained through membership in ACHS-certified honor societies.

Why does ACHS certification matter?

Students, parents, and all campus faculty should beware of predatory organizations that call themselves honor societies without requiring high academic standards for membership. These organizations often charge exorbitant initiation and membership fees. They exist primarily to make a profit, rather than to create opportunities for the students they purport to serve. Some have found ways around privacy laws and invite students via email from a national (non-campus) office, without input from a campus academic advisor to verify that the student would qualify as a high achiever.

2018-19 Chapter Honor Rolls Announced

Each year, the Pi Gamma Mu International Board of Trustees recognizes Pi Gamma Mu's most active chapters by placing them on the annual Roll of Distinction (the highest award for chapters) and Roll of Merit. Visit the Chapter Honor Rolls page to see the 2018-19 Rolls.

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2018-19 Top 10 Chapters by Membership Announced

In 2019, the Pi Gamma Mu International Board of Trustees decided to recognize Pi Gamma Mu's Top 10 Chapters by Membership for the first time.  Visit the Top 10 Chapters by Membership page to see the list. 

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Pi Gamma Mu stoles now available

For the first time in Pi Gamma Mu history, the Society is offering Pi Gamma Mu stoles for sale via our merchandise page!  Show off your affiliation with Pi Gamma Mu during commencement by wearing this custom stole. This white satin graduation stole is 76 inches in total length and has royal blue embroidery. On the left side are the Greek Letters and Society name and on the right is the Society's key. Only members of Pi Gamma Mu may wear this graduation regalia. $24. 

Buy a Pi Gamma Mu stole and honor cords and save $5!

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National Service Project

The 2018-2019 academic year marks the third consecutive year that chapters throughout Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in the Social Sciences have come together to participate in a society-wide service project to serve their respective communities. This spring participating chapters will collect donations for a charity in their community in support of the homeless.

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Recap of the 2017 Triennial International Convention
Kansas City, MO - November 2-4, 2017
"Leadership, Scholarship, and Service"

The 2017 Pi Gamma Mu Triennial International Convention was one of the most dynamic to date with a spectacular program including student paper presentations, a new Leadership Development Program including special workshops and a decision-making simulation at the Truman Presidential Library, a Chapter Development Showcase including poster presentations by some of Pi Gamma Mu's most active chapters, a keynote address, a welcome reception, an awards banquet, roundtable and panel discussions, student elections, and more!

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Pi Gamma Mu Adopts Updated Constitution and Bylaws at 2017 Triennial International Convention

Following a lengthy development and review process that spanned several years, Pi Gamma Mu adopted an updated Constitution and Bylaws at its 2017 Triennial International Convention in Kansas City, MO in November. Several face-to-face meetings of the Board of Trustees and dozens of telephone meetings resulted in the new documents that will help guide the Society into the future. Chapters voted to approve the changes by returning ballots they received in the mail.

Review the Constitution and Bylaws on our website.

Pi Gamma Mu Constitution

Pi Gamma Mu Bylaws

 

Seeking New Chapters

Pi Gamma Mu is seeking to charter new chapters at colleges and universities around the globe. Call 620-221-3128 or email [email protected] to learn more. There is no cost to the university to host a chapter of the society and there are many benefits of membership. Members are eligible to apply for one of eleven annual scholarships, present research papers at international and regional conventions, submit articles for publication in our peer-reviewed professional journal, and those interested in federal jobs have the possibility for advancement in government service rating. Pi Gamma Mu is interdisciplinary in nature, allowing chapter sponsors and members to expand their professional networks by working collaboratively with society members from various fields of study. Each chapter is eligible to apply for up to $300 in lectureship grants annually. Each chapter must have one or more faculty sponsors at the university. Contact us to learn more today!

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The International Social Science Review Expands to Three Issues Per Year

The International Social Science Review (ISSR) will be published not twice—but thrice!— beginning in 2017. We have been receiving such a high volume of quality research papers that the Board of Trustees of Pi Gamma Mu has authorized a third issue of the journal annually. So please keep an eye out for a Spring, Fall, and Winter issue! 

Pi Gamma Mu's commitment to scholarship in the social sciences is manifested most tangibly through the publication of our peer-reviewed journal. Each edition of the ISSR contains several peer-reviewed articles and book reviews, which are written by scholars and carefully polished for publication by the book-review editor and the editor-in-chief, Dr. Candice Quinn. In order to help increase the accessibility of the journal, it was transitioned from a print version to an online format in 2014. No subscription is required and the journal often contains articles and book reviews written by Pi Gamma Mu members and faculty chapter sponsors. More information about the journal is available on the International Social Science Review page. Explore the journal online at https://issr.ungjournals.org or type "International Social Science Review" into any search engine.

 

Chapter Heritage Award

Time was when groups and organizations elected historians to keep track of and record their activities and achievements. HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF YOUR PI GAMMA MU CHAPTER? Some chapters have traditions that span the whole 85 years of the organization's existence while others have only been recently chartered. But whether yours is an older chapter or a recent one, preserving and recording for posterity that history and those traditions is important.

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Chapter Reactivation

Pi Gammu Mu has started a nationwide drive to reactivate lapsed or inactive chapters. To reactivate your chapter, simply click here and fill out this simple online form to start the process. There is no charge for this service and we will immediately begin processing your chapter's reactivation.

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