A new booklet is now available listing the honor societies and academic honors at the University.

The Directory of Honor Societies and Academic Distinctions, the first of its kind at UConn, was developed by Sharon Kipetz, dean of students, and Cyrus Zirakzadeh, director of the honors program, to promote awareness of the honor societies and academic honors. These include the Dean's List, cum laude distinctions, Degree with Distinction, the Honors Scholars Program, and the University Scholar's Program.

"Academic distinctions and honor societies are very useful because hard-working students often do not have the time to realize how successful they are," says Zirakzadeh. "These societies nurture confidence in students by recognizing their hard work and creativity." He adds that they also reward academic excellence among students and encourage superior scholarship.

The directory gives the history of the various honor society chapters in different schools and colleges, membership and admission criteria and the on-campus faculty advisor representing the society.

Many of the societies recognize academic excellence in students, but after the initiation ceremony that formally admits them into the society, students are not required to be active. There are some societies, however, that encourage continued participation and community servic.

"Admission into some societies, such as Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Beta, is primarily a celebration of academic excellence," says Zirakzadeh. "Other societies, such as Golden Key and Mortar Board, recognize academic excellence and also encourage community service."

Admission into most of these societies is either by invitation or nomination, although some societies allow eligible students to apply directly.

Kipetz says the directory will be reprinted in the summer and will be available on the Web next fall.

To obtain a copy or make corrections to the directory, contact the Dean of Students Office, Department of Student Affairs, Wilbur Cross Building, Room 221, 233 Glenbrook Road, U-62, Storrs, CT 06269. Phone: (860) 486-3426.

Usha R. Palaniswami