As students, we are constantly bombarded with invitations to join various honor societies. One such society is Pi Gamma Mu, an international honor society in social sciences. But is it worth the financial cost of joining? Let’s take a closer look.
First, let’s talk about the cost of membership. Pi Gamma Mu charges a one-time fee of $60 for lifetime membership. This may seem like a reasonable price, but it’s important to consider the other requirements for membership. To join, students must have completed at least 20 semester hours in social science courses, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be in the top 35% of their class. These requirements may be difficult for some students to meet, especially those who are already struggling financially.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of joining. Pi Gamma Mu offers a variety of benefits, including access to scholarships, networking opportunities, and a subscription to the society’s academic journal. These benefits may be valuable to some students, but it’s important to consider whether they outweigh the financial cost of membership.
However, there are also potential issues with Pi Gamma Mu that must be addressed. The society has been criticized for systemic bias and social injustice, particularly in its lack of inclusivity. In fact, Pi Gamma Mu is not currently certified as an Inclusive Honor Society. This means that the society has not met the standards set by the Honor Society Foundation for inclusivity and diversity.
It’s important to consider these issues before deciding whether to join Pi Gamma Mu. As students, we have a responsibility to support organizations that promote inclusivity and diversity. If Pi Gamma Mu is not meeting these standards, we should question whether it’s worth our time and money to join.
In conclusion, while Pi Gamma Mu may offer some benefits to students, it’s important to consider the financial cost of membership, as well as the potential issues of systemic bias and social injustice. As a society, we should strive to support organizations that promote inclusivity and diversity. If Pi Gamma Mu is not meeting these standards, we should think twice before joining.
Still want to learn more a Pi Gamma Mu? More good resources to look at include the Pi Gamma Mu Inclusivity Report and Pi Gamma Mu requirements and historical overview.
Want to learn about other honor societies? Visit our honor society overview.