Purpose

Inductees, we are here to applaud the successful transition that you have made.  

Tau Sigma is a society for students that have transferred from one institution (or institutions) to another, and have made high academic achievement during their first term.  The purpose of the organization, as stated in the constitution is: “To recognize the academic achievement of students transferring to the University of Maryland from another academic institution and to encourage and promote the students’ involvement at the University of Maryland.”

Criteria

Membership in Tau Sigma is by invitation only. To qualify, a student

• Must be enrolled as a full-time student

• Must transfer to the university with at least one full year's worth of academic credits

• Must finish their first term after transferring with a 3.5 GPA OR in the top 20% of all incoming transfers during that term. 

History

Tau Sigma was incorporated as a non-profit in 1999 with Auburn University being the home of the first chapter. At that time, Auburn University was becoming increasingly aware of the significant numbers of transfers on campus as well as the university’s inability to adequately serve them. Tau Sigma was born out of Auburn University’s desire to improve the recruitment and retention of transfer students.

Today, there are over 100 chapters at universities nationwide, each of which strives to improve the services provided to transfer students. Each chapter has become an active part of their universities, participating in events such as on-campus recruiting events for prospective transfer students, transfer student orientation, community service projects, and participating in intramural sports and socials that allow students engage with their communities in meaningful ways.

Objectives

• Address the current lack of recognition of outstanding academic achievement of transfer students

• Provide motivation for the academic excellence of all incoming transfer students

• Enhance the reputation of all transfer students

• Provide a common bond among transfer students

• Promote the involvement of transfer students in the college or university to which they transfer

• Form a group of students who can help the college or university address and meet the needs of incoming transfer students

Ideas and Standards 

You, who are now presented with membership to Tau Sigma, have met the requirements and are dedicated to our purposes.  We will now share with you the symbols of our society:

You have now been told the meaning of our organization.  If you are willing to accept membership in Tau Sigma, please state the following:

Your induction into Tau Sigma National Honor Society at the University of Maryland has been recorded on this day, in the Spring of 2025. Congratulations!