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Academic honor societies came into being to build a visible community of scholars and students with a shared interest in promoting their field of study and to the recognition of the very best among those in that community that exhibit excellence in academic achievement, service to the community, and promotion and advancement of the field of study in question. UVM is proud to establish a Sigma Iota Rho chapter to acknowledge these students in our own community.

Founded in 1984, Sigma Iota Rho serves this purpose for the community of students and scholars in what is variously described as international studies, international affairs, global studies, or international relations.

Why Join?

Membership in Sigma Iota Rho is intended not only to enhance the credentials of its members, though public recognition of the best and the brightest students in international studies is one of our main purposes, but is meant to encourage a life-long devotion to a better understanding of the world we live in and to continuing support for and engagement in education, service, and occupational activities that reflect the mission of Sigma Iota Rho.

Membership Criteria

The specific criteria at UVM, coinciding with the academic criteria put forth by SIR, is senior standing with a major in one of our Global and Regional Studies areas, a minimum 3.4 GPA in their major and a 3.3 cumulative GPA overall. A one-time membership fee of $45 is required to join. Upon initiation, new members will receive a certificate of membership, Sigma Iota Rho pin, graduation cord, and a copy of the SIR publication, Journal of International Relations. SIR members will have access to internship and career databases, alumni relations and membership in one the world's most preeminent international relations honor societies.