Tri-Alpha Honor Society

With chapters across the US, Tri-Alpha (or Alpha Alpha Alpha) honors first-generation students for high achievement throughout their college career and fosters a peer network to support success after graduation. For eligible RISD community members interested in joining the Nu Tau chapter of Tri-Alpha, see below for membership requirements and details.

Membership requirements for current students

Enrolled students are eligible to join Tri-Alpha if you:

  • are first-generation
  • carry a 3.2 or higher GPA after your first year

Eligible students will be invited via email to join Tri-Alpha, with no fee to join. Once inducted into Tri-Alpha honors society, you will be a member for life, regardless of any future changes to your GPA.

You may also participate in the induction ceremony, where you will receive a pin and certificate. As you approach your final semester, you will also receive an honor cord to add to your commencement regalia. 

Membership for alumni, faculty, and staff

If you are an alumni, faculty, or staff member at RISD who was first-generation and recieved a bachelor's degree, you may also join Tri-Alpha. There is a fee of $25 for alumni, faculty and staff to join. Once you join, you will be able to participate in the induction ceremony where you will receive a certificate and pin. 

If you are interested in purchasing an honor cord, the cost is $20.

Contact us

If you have any questions about Tri-Alpha, please contact chapter advisors Richard Song (rsong01@risd.edu) or Sadie Fielding (mfieldin@risd.edu).