Phi Beta Delta
Overview
The Alpha Pi chapter of Phi Beta Delta at the University of Kansas was founded on April 7, 1992. The University of Kansas chapter strives to recognize students, faculty and staff who have distinguished themselves through their participation in international education. This includes international and American students, both graduate and undergraduate, who have distinguished themselves academically and in their extra-curricular activities at KU. It also includes faculty and staff who have significantly contributed to international education at the university.
What is Phi Beta Delta?
Founded at California State University, Long Beach in 1986, Phi Beta Delta was established as a national organization in 1987 with 38 charter chapters. It is the first national honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. Phi Beta Delta's goals are:
- to recognize the scholarly achievement of international students and scholars, U.S. students who have studied abroad and staff who are involved in international activities;
- to serve as a vehicle for the development of academic-based international programming;
- to provide a network on each campus of faculty, staff and students involved in international endeavors; and
- to extend this network to thousands of members in chapters across the United States and other countries.
The international organization of Phi Beta Delta, under the leadership of the Board of Directors, sets criteria for and approves the formation of new chapters. It provides ongoing support in the development of existing chapters. The Board coordinates an annual conference, which consists of panels and invited papers designed to explore the significant issues of international education and exchange. Society annual dues fund a variety of initiatives, including the society newsletter, The Medallion, an annual scholarly journal, and a program that provides fellowships for faculty and staff and scholarships for students. The society's journal, The Phi Beta Delta International Review, publishes the proceedings of the annual conference and other writings on international issues.