BETA BETA BETA

Tri-Beta is the National Honor Society in Biology, with active chapters at most major universities and colleges. Our chapter here at UNCG is the Beta Gamma Chapter. Membership in this society is considered a distinct privilege. It also serves to provide a group of peers who are committed to excellence in Biology. Members wear honor cords with their cap and gown at graduation to mark their exceptional work in the Biological Sciences.

Tri-Beta membership does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, or race. Any Biology major, second major, or minor may be invited to join Tri-Beta, as long as you meet the following criteria:

  • You must have at least junior standing (60 credit hours), with an overall GPA of 3.2.
  • You must have completed at least 14 credit hours in Biology, at least 8 of which must be at UNCG, with a GPA in Biology courses of at least 3.2.

National Organization Link

A one-time membership fee of $48.00 is required, payable on the day of induction into the society. Of this amount, $45.00 goes to the national office to support scholarships and operating expenses, such as the Bios newsletter. The remaining money is used for worthy projects of the student members' choice. Fund-raising is often done to increase the money given. For example, the chapter raised funds to help with the rebuilding of the Pennsyvania Primate Center which had burned.

All members are strongly encouraged to participate in at least two activities per year. Activities are decided upon by the members of Tri-Beta, and in the past have included:

  • Coffee Break Hour: Tri-beta sponsors Coffee Breaks to welcome new Biology faculty to the department.
  • Peabody Park improvement: We have plant trees, and have periodic "Adopt-a-Park" type of trash pick-ups at least twice a year.
  • Social events, such as trips to the NC Zoological Park in Ashboro, movie nights, and camping trips.
  • Participating in marches, rallies, or workdays as decided by the members. (For example, we have taken part in the Winter Walk for AIDS for the past 6 years, part of an effort that raises funds for AIDS education and support groups.)
  • All members are expected to attend the induction of new members, which are held in the evenings, twice per year, for approximately one hour.
  • The Departmental Graduation ceremony is planned and partially funded by Tri-Beta each May. The incoming president participates in the ceremony itself.

Beta Beta Beta Advisors for the Beta Gamma Chapter are Dr. Rob Cannon (Rm. 441 Eberhart, ph# 256-0071), Ms. Robin Maxwell (Rm. 307 Eberhart, ph# 256-0066), and Dr. John Tomkeil (Rm. 333 Eberhart, ph# 334-4980).

Current members and officers of Tri-beta for the 2011-2012 academic year at UNCG. Check here to see who's already in the group - you will undoubtably recognize people who sit beside you in class every day!

This page created and maintained by Robin Maxwell
Biology Department, UNCG
e-mail address: Robin_Maxwell@uncg.edu