Twenty-eight undergraduate and two graduate students were inducted into the Sigma chapter of the prestigious Alpha Phi Sigma honor society on March 27 at the Marshall Student Center. In addition, the organization inducted an honorary member — Corporal Michael McNamara, a detective in the Tampa Police Department.
Co-advisor Colby Valentine welcomes students and families.
The induction ceremony featured a welcome address by Colby Valentine, PhD, co-advisor of the honor society and associate professor of instruction in the Department of Criminology; a presentation of the organization's ideals by the Alpha Phi Sigma board members; and a recitation of the oath led by Amber Oderinde, co-advisor and assistant instructor in the Department of Criminology.
Alpha Phi Sigma undergraduate students must have declared a major or minor in a criminal justice or related field, completed at least four criminial justice courses and 45 credit hours, and maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 and a minimum GPA of 3.2 in criminal justice coursework to become a member. Students enrolled in a graduate-level criminal justice program must have completed nine credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.4.
The purpose of the honor society is to promote analytical thinking, rigorous scholarship, and lifelong learning; remain informed about advances in scientific research; elevate the ethical standards of the criminal justice professions; and reinforce in the public mind the importance and necessity of education and professional training.