Group of Pace University students walking around the Pleasantville campus.

Tri-Alpha

Our Tri-Alpha chapter recognizes academic achievement, creates enthusiasm for scholarship, promotes leadership, and provides a support network for first-gen students.

What is Tri-Alpha?

Alpha Alpha Alpha (or Tri-Alpha) is a national honors society for First Generation students that supports and recognizes their academic achievements. The organization offers members a certificate and pin, which symbolize their lifelong commitment to high scholarship.

Why should I join?

Being a Tri-Alpha member provides students the chance to connect with fellow first-generation scholars, fostering academic excellence and support within the community. It serves as a recognition of academic excellence to potential employers, professionals, and graduate schools. Additionally, members can mentor younger first-generation students and receive mentoring from more senior first-generation students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni who were first-generation students themselves.

Who is eligible to join?

To qualify for Tri-Alpha induction, undergraduate students must have earned a minimum of 30 credit/semester hours toward their degree, maintaining a GPA of at least 3.2 and be considered first-generation students. First-generation graduate students need a minimum of one term of study (9 or more credits) with a GPA of at least 3.5.

Can you lose your membership?

No. Even if your grade point average falls below the membership criteria, your membership status will not be revoked as you are automatically a lifetime member.

How do I join?

Reach out to Pace’s Tri-Alpha Advisor Sara Hukkanen at shukkanen@pace.edu

Certificate program

The Student Affairs office offers numerous workshops throughout the academic year, geared towards skills building for first-generation students. To earn a certificate of completion for the First-Gen Certificate Program, you will need to attend four workshops and four first-gen social events throughout the academic year. All workshops and social events get listed on First-Gen Program SetterSync page. You will also need to maintain good standing with the University as per Pace’s Guiding Principles of Conduct.

Benefits of the certificate program

  • Building a network with other first gen students
  • Aid personal development
  • helping students build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the college community.
  • Provides information about available resources on campus, ensuring that students are aware of and can access services like counseling, health services, and career counseling.

Request membership to the Certificate Program by signing up through the First-Gen Program SetterSync page or by emailing plvfirstgen@pace.edu