Sigma Iota Rho | The National Honors Society for International Studies

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About“The purpose of this organization shall be to promote and reward scholarship and service among students and practitioners of international studies, international affairs, and global studies and to foster integrity and creative performance in the conduct of world affairs.” Meeting the Challenge of Education Excellence in International Studies Much has been written about the challenges facing higher education today in terms of its mission to society to develop an educated and engaged citizenry, to the problems of vocational training, the relevance of liberal arts and the humanities in a technologically-based society, as well as the impact the globalization of most of social and economic dynamics has on our jobs, welfare, and prospects for the future. It may be a truism that the demand for individuals who possess skill sets that can be transferred across occupations in the public and private sector is increasing, but it is an empirically valid as evidenced by contemporary corporate hiring practices. To be competitive in today’s world young people must integrate technical skills (writing ability; computer and database management; electronic presentations), analytical skills (the “compare and contrast” skills of English; mathematical or statistical skills; theoretical and applied economics), and facility in a foreign language—all anchored by strong program of study that has both breadth and depth. When we succeed in this—either from a programmatic perspective or when an individual student leaves college in possession of these intellectual and cognitive abilities, we can take pride in our work and accomplishments. But man, being a social being functioning in organizations that demand a means of segregating talent and identifying its best and highest achievers, seeks a means to validate these characteristics. Colleges and universities do this through the credentialization process and the awarding of degrees. In addition, 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. 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. American higher education has faced a particular problem in the organization and administration of interdisciplinary fields and degree programs in general, but in international studies the problems have been exacerbated or magnified by the bureaucratic organization of the university and the historical embeddedness of the traditional disciplines within those structures. There are good reasons for this. The development of our field is rooted in the major international events of the 20th century. International relations primarily developed as a distinct subject in Great Britain and the U.S.—largely for reasons of the position these nations assumed in the major historical events of the twentieth century that have shaped human destiny: both World Wars, the Cold War, the expansion of transnational interactions in trade, finance, education, tourism and the consequent burgeoning interdependence of nations and peoples now referred to by the shorthand of “globalization.” More importantly, the environment of higher education in these countries facilitated the adaptation of new approaches and techniques as democratic traditions permitted the principle of academic freedom to be enunciated and elaborated in them long before it migrated to the Continent and subsequently, around the world. 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. In that way we do not limit ourselves to once-a-year pats on the back during the induction of new members, but internalize the belief that our purpose for studying international affairs is not only to position ourselves to succeed in a globalized society, but to make the world we live in a better place through our contributions in our work and day-to-day life. This work begins in our local chapters on the campuses where Sigma Iota Rho has a presence. In this regard we hope you will “think globally, act locally” now and in the year’s ahead. Frank Plantan, Ph.D. National Director Sigma Iota Rho
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JournalThe SIR journal, The Journal of International Relations, provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students in the field of international studies to publish their work in a nationally distributed scholarly publication. The journal is organized and published by Sigma Iota Rho, the Honor Society for International Studies, and is entirely authored, produced, and published annually by the students membership. Previous submissions have covered topics in politics, economics, history, and area studies. Papers covering topics outside of these guidelines are considered gladly as long as they apply to international relations. The Journal was published by the Epsilon chapter of SIR at the University of Pennsylvania since 1998, and became a national publication in 2004. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Dear fellow Sigma Iota Rho members, It is our pleasure to extend an invitation to all chapters to take part in the 2010 edition of the Journal of International Relations. The Journal of International Relations is organized and printed here at the University of Pennsylvania by the Epsilon chapter of Sigma Iota Rho. It is entirely authored, edited, produced, funded, and published annually by students of international relations. The journal focuses on politics, history, economics, and area studies, but any topic relevant to international relations or current events is appropriate. Our vision is to create a national network uniting all SIR chapters through journal publication. We ask that your local chapter solicit submissions; we accept articles written specifically for the journal as well as papers that were written as part of coursework. We are also looking for advanced students with good writing or editing experience to offer to serve as Associate Editors to help determine which articles ultimately get published. We plan to distribute the journal to all chapters nationwide during the spring term of 2009. Unfortunately, we are working on a very tight timeframe. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 15, 2010; therefore, it is important to start the process as soon as possible. In the past, the most successful means for soliciting submissions has been the use of department listservs (e.g. Political Science department, History department) and advertising with flyers on campus. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the National Director, Dr. Frank Plantan (fplantan@sas.upenn.edu or 215.898.0452) or myself (balisrj@sas.upenn.edu). Sincerely, Becca Balis Editor-in-Chief, Journal of International Relations Sigma Iota Rho, Epsilon Chapter, 2008-2009 University of Pennsylvania
ChaptersAll Current Active Chapters As of June 18, 2010 1 Alpha American University 2 Beta South Carolina, University of 3 Gamma Wisconsin-Oshkosh, University of 4 Delta Wyoming, University of 5 Epsilon Pennsylvania, University of 6 Zeta Denver, University of 7 Eta North Carolina State University 8 Theta Rhodes College 9 Iota Juniata College 10 Kappa Citadel, The 11 Lambda Michigan State University 12 Mu Indiana State University 13 Nu California State University 14 Xi Mount Holyoke 15 Omicron San Francisco State University 16 Pi South Florida, University of 17 Rho West Virginia University 18 Sigma Delaware, University of 19 Tau Michigan, University of 20 Upsilon Lehigh University 21 Phi Charleston, College of 22 Chi Bradley University 23 Psi Dayton, University of 24 Omega Brigham Young University 25 Alpha Alpha Kenyon College 26 Alpha Beta Missouri-St. Louis, University of 27 Alpha Gamma Miami University in Ohio 28 Alpha Delta New Hampshire, University of 29 Alpha Epsilon Baylor University 30 Alpha Zeta Texas State University 31 Alpha Eta Colorado, Boulder,University of 32 Alpha Theta Ohio Wesleyan University 33 Alpha Iota George Washington University 34 Alpha Kappa Wells College 35 Alpha Lambda Trinity University 36 Alpha Mu Baldwin-Wallace College 37 Alpha Nu Wheeling Jesuit University 38 Alpha Xi Nebraska at Omaha, University of 39 Alpha Omicron James Madison University 40 Alpha Pi Pepperdine University 41 Alpha Rho Stonehill College 42 Alpha Sigma Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of 43 Alpha Tau Dickinson College 44 Alpha Upsilon Loyola University-Chicago 45 Alpha Phi St. Thomas, University of 46 Alpha Chi Syracuse University 47 Alpha Psi Virginia Politechnical Institute 48 Alpha Omega Virginia Commonwealth University 49 Beta Alpha Fairfield University 50 Beta Beta SUNY-Geneseo 51 Beta Gamma Nazareth College 52 Beta Delta Georgia State University 53 Beta Epsilon Montevallo, University of 54 Beta Zeta Old Dominion University 55 Beta Eta Manhattan College 56 Beta Theta Kansas State University 57 Beta Iota Elon University 58 Beta Kappa Seton Hall University 59 Beta Lambda Georgia Institute of Technology 60 Beta Mu Fordham University 61 Beta Nu Slippery Rock University 62 Beta Xi Huron College 63 Beta Omicron Lynchburg College 64 Beta Pi Brenau University 65 Beta Rho Florida International University 66 Beta Sigma Lake Forrest College 67 Beta Tau Alabama at Birmingham, University of 68 Beta Upsilon Lafayette College 69 Beta Phi Moravian College 70 Beta Chi Tufts University 71 Beta Psi Samford University 72 Beta Omega Shippensburg University 73 Gamma Alpha Morehouse College 74 Gamma Beta Washington at St. Louis, University of 75 Gamma Gamma California, Irvine, University of 76 Gamma Delta New Jersey, The College of 77 Gamma Epsilon Bridgeport, University of 78 Gamma Zeta Adelphi University 79 Gamma Eta Mount Union College 80 Gamma Theta Georgia, University of 81 Gamma Iota South alabama, University of 82 Gamma Kappa Seattle University 83 Gamma Lamda DePauw University 84 Gamma Mu North Texas, University of 85 Gamma Nu Endicott College 86 Gamma Xi Spring Hill College 87 Gamma Omicron SUNY-Fredonia 88 Gamma Pi Lycoming College 89 Gamma Rho Vermont, University of 90 Gamma Sigma Ohio State University 91 Gamma Tau Sweet Briar College 92 Gamma Upsilon Ramapo College 93 Gamma Phi Millersville University 94 Gamma Chi Johns Hopkins University 95 Gamma Psi Arkansas at Little Rock, University of 96 Gamma Omega American Public University System 97 Delta Alpha Bucknell University 98 Delta Beta Redlands, University of 99 Delta Gamma Utah, University of 100 Delta Delta Iona College 101 Epsilon Mu Roger Williams University
JoinClick on Membership type for description and criteria: Adjunct Membership (proposed) Undegraduate Membership Graduate Student Membership Faculty Membership Honorary Membership Adjunct membership (proposed) Adjunct membership is proposed in response to the need to recognize the outstanding contribution and interest of some sophomore students in our chapters. Unlike other types of memberships that are lifetime, adjunct membership is limited to sophomore and junior students only. Adjunct members do not qualify to run for an office. In order to be considered for adjunct membership, students must meet the following criteria: . Have completed course work in international studies including courses in relevant subject areas of anthropology, economics, foreign languages, geography, history, political science, and other related disciplines. . Have attained a sophomore standing and completed at least twelve (12) hours of course work towards International Relations major or minor. . Have demonstrated interest in Sigma Iota Rho through active participation in the Chapter activities. . Plan to attain full membership upon qualification. (b) Undergraduate membership Undergraduate members are the driving force behind the success of the chapter. It is their energy and commitment combined with the experience of the faculty advisor that help fulfill the mission of Sigma Iota Rho. In order to qualify for undergraduate membership, students must meet the following criteria: . have completed course work in international studies including courses in relevant subject areas of anthropology, economics, foreign languages, geography, history, political science, and other related disciplines; . have attained a junior standing and completed at least twenty-one (21) hours of course work toward the International Relations major or minor, including at least two courses at the 300 or 400 levels; . have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher in all courses, and a grade point average of at least 3.3 in international relations courses; . must maintain full-time student status of at least twelve (12) hours to be a voting member or hold an office. (c) Graduate student membership With their experience and undergraduate work completed, graduate student members are a much added benefit to Sigma Iota Rho Chapters. In order to qualify for graduate membership, students must meet the following criteria: • are in a graduate program which focuses on international studies including courses in relevant subject areas of anthropology, economics, foreign languages, geography, history, political science, and other related disciplines; • have completed one semester of graduate level work in the aforementioned area. • have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher in all courses, and a grade point average of at least 3.3 in international relations courses; • must maintain full-time student status to be a voting member or hold an office. (d) Faculty membership Faculty membership is an important guiding and directional force in the life of the SIR chapter. Any interested member of the faculty involved in the teaching of courses giving credit in International Relations may be elected to faculty membership by the local chapter, subject to approval by the national office. Faculty members shall possess all the privileges of membership except for voting and holding office in local chapter. (e) Honorary membership Any person of recognized ability and achievement in the field of international relations, or who made an outstanding contribution to Sigma Iota Rho may be elected to become an honorary member. No more than two such members may be elected in any one academic year. Honorary members shall possess all the privileges of active membership except that of being an officer or council member of the corporation.
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Members
FAQWhat does Sigma Iota Rho stand for? Sigma stands for “synesis,” meaning prudence, iota for “ideodoi,” meaning ideals, and “rho” for “rhomi,” meaning power, the three basic qualities necessary in the study of international affairs. What is the history of Sigma Iota Rho ? Please refer to the History of SIR. Who is the President of Sigma Iota Rho ? Dr. Frank Plantan, Co-Director of the University of Pennsylvania ‘s International Relations Program is the President of Sigma Iota Rho. Please see Dr. Plantan’s biography. What is the individual membership fee? National dues are $40 per member. This one time fee is to be paid to the National Office in an institutional check from the Chapter’s University on behalf of all initiated members. Who do I make the check out to? As stated, the individual member should not send his or her check directly to the National Office, but rather the check should come from the chapter’s school in the form of an institutional check along with the other new members of the chapter. It should be made out to “The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania ” and mailed to: Sigma Iota Rho National Headquarters 255 South 36th Street 635 Williams Hall Philadelphia , PA 19104-6305 How do I get the membership packet to my chapter from the National Office in time for the induction? In order to assure timely delivery, please contact us at least four weeks before the ceremony. In order to process your request, the national office requires the following materials: Date of the ceremony List of inductees (email and paper form) Inductees’ contact information (Name/Address/Email/Phone) Inductees’ GPA in major Single institutional check made out to the TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (no personal checks will be accepted) When ready to send in, please email information to national@sigmaiotarho.org As a new member, what do I receive? Upon initiation, new members will recieve a certificate of membership, Sigma Iota Rho pin, graduation cord, and a copy of the SIR publication, Journal of International Relations. Furthermore, 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. How long does it take to get membership certificates from the national office? If the previous steps are followed, it should take approximately 2 weeks to recieve the packet. How do I order merchandise? Please see our Merchandise Section. Does Sigma Iota Rho accept credit cards as a method of payment for purchasing merchandise? As of now, SIR does not accept credit card payments when purchasing merchandise. However, checks and/or money orders will be accepted. My chapter doesn’t have a copy of the chapter handbook. How can I acquire a replacement? Please call the National Office at 215-898-0452 or email national@sigmaiotarho.org What if I can’t find the answer to my question on this page? Please contact the National Office at 215-898-0452 or email national@sigmaiotarho.org
ResourcesSIR – ATHGO International Partnership (application embedded in document) Information regarding SIR’s new partnership with ATHGO International which enables members the opportunity to attend conferences at the UN, World Bank, and more. SIR Travel and Research Grant Application Information regarding the recent effort to financially assist members interested in researching subjects relevant to SIR’s mission. Research Guide A collection of links that will help a person interested in international studies navigate through news and research. The guide includes links to major research sources, academic journals, international agencies, and news sources. Job Search Links A publically available collection of links to help SIR members find gainful and exciting employment after graduation. New Chapter Kit (password protected) A MS Word document that includes the lates active chapter directory, a letterhead, high resolution image of the crest, and a memo on induction procedures. Chapter Handbook (password protected) A PDF document that covers some major topics relevant to SIR chapters. The handbook contains advice relating to roles and structure, membership selection, induction, and event planning among others. Internship Link (password protected) A collection of internships and contacts in both private and public sectors. Developed for Sigma Iota Rho members to help them land that perfect summer internship! Active Chapter Directory (password protected) A database of all current active chapters and their faculty advisors. Obtaining a password If you are a SIR member, you can obtain the password from the faculty advisor at your school or by contacting the National Office at national@sigmaiotarho.org.
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ContactNational Staff Dr. Frank Plantan President/ National Director fplantan@sas.upenn.edu Donna Shuler Administrative Director dshuler@sas.upenn.edu Lindsey Ayuk-Takor National Liaison Officer Please send all email inquiries to: national@sigmaiotarho.org Mailing Address Sigma Iota Rho c/o International Relations Program 635 Williams Hall 255 S. 36 Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6305 Telephone: 215.898.0452 Facsimile: 215.573.3207

Opportunities

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SIR Travel and Research Opportunities

SIR Travel and Research Grant Application
Information regarding the recent effort to financially assist members interested in researching subjects relevant to SIR’s mission.

SIR Partnership with ATHGO International

Sigma Iota Rho has entered into a partnership with ATHGO International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit NGO based in the United States whose mission is to train, motivate, and inspire future generations of international professionals to become decision-makers and diplomats with skills and vision to cope with the rapid changes and challenges of the 21st century.

Through SIR you can earn an opportunity to attend symposiums at the World Bank, United Nations and more. You will hear from and interact with diplomats, foreign policy specialists and staff, in addition to meeting students with similar interests from all over the world.

Moreover, students will have the opportunity to propose, draft and present resolutions which seek to harness global issues which will be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly.

SIR will be both fully and partially sponsoring students throughout the year to attend the conferences.

"Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way." ~Daniele Vare

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