FAQs
What is Alpha Sigma Lambda?
Alpha Sigma Lambda is the premier national honor society for adult learners and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) recognizes the achievements of adult students who maintain academic excellence while balancing other responsibilities in their lives. ASL encourages adult students to complete undergraduate degrees and promotes academic scholarship. ASL formed in 1945, and is the oldest and largest chapter-based honor society for adult students.
The motto of Alpha Sigma Lambda is “First in Scholarship and Leadership.”
What do the Greek letters Alpha Sigma Lambda stand for?
Alpha Sigma Lambda stands for the motto: Alpha signifies “first in,” Sigma signifies “scholarship,” and Lambda signifies “leadership.”
What are the benefits to becoming a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda?
Being a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda distinguishes you from other students and recognizes your hard work and academic excellence. Joining Alpha Sigma Lambda allows you the opportunity to meet other students in the organization. Within the chapter, you can have a chance for student development opportunities though volunteering for various activities and by implementing new activities with other students. Membership in an honor society is a good resume builder, especially if you are active in the chapter.
What activities does the Tau Chapter partake in?
The chapter supports the Tau Chapter Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship at UMGC, which provides financial assistance to high-achieving students in the fall and spring semesters. In addition, members of the Tau Chapter volunteer for different roles around the University, helping to support student engagement and academic support initiatives.
What are the requirements to be eligible for Alpha Sigma Lambda?
Membership is open to undergraduate UMGC students who meet the requirements. To qualify for membership, students must be pursing an undergraduate degree, have completed at least 24 credits at UMGC in courses graded A, B, C, D, or F, and maintained a GPA of 3.7 or higher in all UMGC courses.
How do I apply to become a member?
The Tau Chapter accepts new members twice a year, in the fall and spring semesters. Students who qualify will be invited to join and will be sent an invitation via e-mail in late January or September. There is a membership fee of $35.
Are honor cords and other items available for ASL members?
The Tau Chapter provides honor cords to its members. New members will receive an honor cord in their membership packet, and should hold on to it for Commencement. New members also receive certificates and membership pins.
The National Office has an online store where students can purchase other items, such as sweatshirts and t-shirts.
Does the Tau Chapter maintain contact with members after induction?
The Tau Chapter sends updates and opportunities to members using a google group listserv. There is also a virtual community inside CareerQuest, UMGC's platform for career resources and networking, for Tau Chapter members.
Can alumni still participate in the Tau Chapter?
Alumni can participate in the Tau Chapter as long as they wish. Alumni should make sure they are on the listserv if they wish to continue to receive chapter updates.
Are there opportunities for members to be involved in Alpha Sigma Lambda beyond the chapter level?
Yes, Tau Chapter members can connect with Alpha Sigma Lambda members around the country and world though the honor society's social media communities. You can find the links to join on the web site at https://alsiglam.org/students/#studentresources or on the home page of this Web site.
Are there scholarships for Alpha Sigma Lambda members?
Members can compete for scholarships at both the chapter and national level. The Tau Chapter- Alpha Sigma Lambda scholarship is awarded to Tau Chapter members every year- visit the Scholarship Information section of this Web site for more information on the eligibility guidelines and the application process. In addition, the National Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society awards scholarships. The Chapter Councilor will send out information about the application process for the national scholarships in the spring semester.
Both scholarships are competitive and are awarded based on multiple factors which may include strength of a personal statement, GPA, credits completed, and financial need.