Sigma Iota Rho, Gamma Kappa Chapter

Sigma Iota Rho (SIR) is the International Studies Honor Society. The Gamma Kappa Chapter of Sigma Iota Rho, officially established at Seattle University on February 15, 2008, as the 82^nd chapter of the Honor Society for International Studies and the first SIR chapter in the Pacific Northwest.

The purpose of Sigma Iota Rho 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.  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.  

• Bi-weekly dinner and movie nights for all International Studies majors. These dinners are specific to a particular culture and often involve the language clubs on campus and are held in conjunction with the International Studies Club.
• Sponsorship of events that help create global thinking by bringing leaders to campus who are involved in the international community.
• Volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit refugee assistance programs.  

Benefits of SIR Membership:  

• Graduation regalia: honor cord or stole and pin
• Certificate attesting membership status
• Opportunity to attend conferences at the United Nations, World Bank and more
• Opportunity to receive research and travel grant funding
• Copy of the latest issue of the nationally distributed Journal of International Relations
• Opportunity to be published in the nationally distributed and completely student run Journal of International Relations Free subscription to the Internationalist magazine
• Access to professional networks
• Along with the tangible list of benefits surely come such things as life-long relationships, personal growth, development and realization of the leadership potential, opportunities to deepen one's understanding of international affairs, and have fun! 

Eligibility of SIR Membership:  

SIR welcomes new members on a continuous basis.  Undergraduate members are the driving force behind the success of the chapter.  It is their energy and commitments that help fulfill the mission of Sigma Iota Rho.  In order to qualify for undergraduate membership, students must meet the following criteria:  

1. 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;
2. Have attained a junior standing and completed at least 21 hours of course work toward the International Studies major or minor, including at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level;
3. Have attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher in all courses, and a GPA of at least 3.4 in International Studies courses; Must maintain full-time student status of at least 12 hours to be a voting member or hold an office.

How to Apply for SIR Membership:  

If you are interested in and eligible for SIR membership, please fill out the application form, and return the signed form, along with an unofficial copy of your transcript, to Dr. Robert Andolina, Casey 311.     

After your application is approved, a one-time membership fee of $40.00 will be required by the National Headquarters to officially induct your SIR membership (further instruction will be included in the application approval letter). Eligible seniors will need to submit the application and the one-time membership due by April 30 for the official induction (including the honor cord and pin for the commencement ceremony in June).   

For more information, please visit SIR website.  If you are interested in becoming a member or serving a leadership role, or if you have any question regarding SIR, please contact Dr. Robert Andolina.