Frequently Asked Questions

No. Once you are inducted, you are a member for life, regardless of future changes to your GPA. 

Tri-Alpha is an honor society. Since a 3.0 is the standard for "good standing" in most graduate programs, a 3.5 threshold ensures that induction remains a distinct academic honor.

For students enrolled in an associate's degree program, they must have completed at lease 15 credits hours, and at least one term at the institution where they are seeking to join the chapter.  

For students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program, they must have completed at least 30 credits and at least one term at the institution where they are seeking to join the chapter.

Every inductee receives a certificate of membership and a Tri-Alpha membership pin. 

You do not need to order pins separately. They are automatically included in the membership fee and sent to your Chapter Advisor based on the number of inductees reported. 

No. Honor cords are an optional purchase ($20 plus shipping) available for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. 

Our cords are navy blue and silver/grey.

Associate’s Degree: A single braided strand.

Bachelor’s Degree (and higher): A double braided strand

Yes, with restrictions. You may change the background color of tablecloths or apparel to match your institutional colors, but the Tri-Alpha logo is trademarked and its shape, elements, and content must remain unaltered. 

Please contact our National Headquarters with any questions: Info@1stgenhonors.org

Yes. You can access copies of our logo here. 

Please contact our National Headquarters with any questions: Info@1stgenhonors.org

Yes. You may be inducted as an alum if you met the first-generation criteria at the time of your graduation. Please contact the Chapter Advisor at your alma mater to coordinate. 

No. For faculty, staff, and alumni, the focus is on their status as first-generation students. Honorary members are selected based on their advocacy and mentorship of first-gen students. 

We accept credit cards, checks, money orders, and ACH/direct deposits. Click here to pay by credit card.

Notes: 

• Please make checks payable to Moravian University and note Tri- Alpha in the memo line.

• A small processing fee applies to credit card transactions.

• Charges will appear on your statement as Moravian University, our banking partner.

Generally, no; the institution must join as a whole. However, if a specific college (e.g., a Law or Medical school) holds a separate national accreditation from the main university, they may apply for an independent chapter. 

Please contact our National Headquarters with any questions: info@1stgenhonors.org