Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question below to expand.+How do I qualify to become a member of Phi Alpha?
Membership in Phi Alpha is open to BASW, MSW and PhD students in the School of Social Work at Michigan State University. An undergraduate student is eligible for active membership when they achieved junior status, achieved a grade point average ranking them in the top 35% of their program, and completed a minimum of 9 credits in the social work core curriculum. A graduate student is eligible for active membership when they have been duly enrolled in the graduate School of Social Work, achieved a grade point average ranking them in the top 35% of their program, and completed a minimum of 9 credits in the social work core curriculum. A doctoral student is eligible for active membership when they have acquired a masters in Social Work or related discipline, have been duly enrolled in the doctoral program in the School of Social Work, achieved a grade point average ranking them in the top 35% of their program, and completed a minimum of 9 credits in the social work core curriculum.
+I am already a member of a different Phi Alpha chapter. Can I transfer my membership to Michigan State University's Beta Chapter?
Yes! You may email your Phi Alpha certificate to phialpha@msu.edu to receive your registration form and your invitation to the Beta Chapter. Please note that you will be required to pay a $10 membership transfer fee. You will also be required to complete two service projects after you join the Phi Alpha’s Beta Chapter.
+I was an undergraduate Phi Alpha member at Michigan State University and I am now a graduate student in the School of Social Work at Michigan State University. Do I have to pay dues again?
No. Once you are inducted as a member of the Phi Alpha Beta Chapter, you are a lifetime member.
+I think I qualify for Phi Alpha. When will I receive my invitation?
Once grades are submitted after fall and spring semester of each year, we will determine which students have met the Phi Alpha eligibility qualifications. Eligible students will receive an invitation within about a month of grade submissions. If you are unsure of your eligibility, you can find the eligibility guidelines here.
+Can I pay for merchandise/membership fee with my credit card?
Yes, the organization will send out information on how to pay for your membership after we have our first meeting.
+Where are the meetings held and am I required to attend?
Phi Alpha meetings location and time are determined by the current membership and posted once determined. Members are strongly encouraged to attend the meetings, but attendance is not required for membership. Meetings typically have a zoom attendance option to encourage accessibility for all students.
+Who needs to complete a service project?
If you are an MSW from MSU you do not have to complete any service project because they carry over. However, if you are transferring your membership from another university, you must complete two service projects. New members must complete two projects as well.
+How many service projects do I have to complete?
Our chapter of Phi Alpha requires new members to perform two volunteer service projects during the upcoming academic year. If a student joins in the spring, one volunteer service project is due that year. The service project can be something students are already doing in their community or they can be Phi Alpha, GRAD SAC, or Students for Social Work sponsored service projects. They must not be related to your employment or field placement.
+Can a person volunteer at the same agency twice or do they have to volunteer at two different places for the service projects?
The events can be through the same agency, but need to be two different events. For example, you cannot attend the soup kitchen twice and count it as two separate events. However, if you are volunteering for two different events like “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” and participated in educational and community outreach for the Sexual Assault Program on campus this would count. Any questions, please email one of the advisors or the Phi Alpha president.
+Is there a form I have to complete after a service project?
Yes. Please complete our Service Project Form when you are ready.
+I have an idea for a service project I want to do; do I need someone to approve it?
No, but If you are unsure if it qualifies, please contact PhiAlpha@msu.edu. A service project is any volunteer activity (no minimum hours) that is not connected to your field experience or job.
+Once I am a Phi Alpha member, do I have to pay annual dues?
No. Once you are inducted as a member of a Phi Alpha chapter, you are a lifetime member.
+I am unable to attend the Phi Alpha Induction Ceremony, now what?
If you are unable to attend the induction ceremony, your membership will not be jeopardized. You must make alternative arrangements to receive your merchandise if you are unable to attend the ceremony.
+Where do I purchase merchandise for graduation?
You can purchase merchandise, such as honor cords, pins, and more, once you become a member. An email will be sent to current members annually to order merchandise. If you have any questions, please contact Raul Vargas at vargasra@msu.edu.
Additional Phi Alpha merchandise such as cords, stoles, plaques, and medallions can be ordered on the Phi Alpha Honor Society's national website.