New members of the French Honor Society Pi Delta Phi will be initiated on April 6.
Key details
- What: Pi Delta Phi, Eta Rho Chapter, initiation ceremony
- When: 5 – 7:30 p.m., April 6
- Where: Plaster Student Union, Room 317, AB
- How: Free and open to the public
More information
Chapter advisor Dr. Antoinette Barffour provided additional details about the society.
What’s the significance of the French Honor Society?
Missouri State has been a member of Pi Delta Phi since 1973.
The society represents the highest academic honor in the field of French and the oldest academic honor society for a modern foreign language in the US. It was officially endorsed by the American Association of Teachers of French at the time of its establishment.
It’s main objectives are:
- to recognize outstanding scholarship in French language and literatures
- increase the knowledge and appreciation of Americans for the cultural contributions of the French-speaking world
- encourage and stimulate French and francophone cultural activities.
What are some of the benefits?
It recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence and helps students be disciplined and dedicated in their French studies.
The society’s programs allow members to meet French speakers of different francophone countries (some of whom are diplomats, business officials and other professionals), which is valuable for networking.
Members also receive benefits such as scholarships, study abroad opportunities, research and travel grants.
Due to the nationally recognized status of the Society, being a member helps enrich resumé for positions in the field and other career opportunities
What are the requirements for membership?
The upcoming initiation ceremony is for students who have met the following requirements:
For undergrads
- At least sophomore status
- Completed at least 1 course of upper-division French (i.e. beyond the intermediate-level courses)
- 3.0 GPA in French and overall
For graduate students
- Completed 2 graduate courses in French
- 3.5 GPA in graduate coursework
What types of activities will members take part in?
At the initiation, some of the students may recite poems, prose or perform a scene from play. Invited guests form French-speaking countries will give speeches.
Outside of the ceremony, activities include being part of French cultural activities (movies, traditional dances, singing, theatre performances), writing competitions and being part of French tutoring sections to receive and to get help.
How will Pi Delta Phi interact with the public?
Our first public target is for students to be members, but the society aims to promote cultures of the French-speaking countries. Hence we want to reach out to community members (campus and off-campus) who support French language and cultures of the French-speaking world to be part of Pi Delta Phi.