Tri Alpha
National First-Generation Honor Society
Tri-Alpha, also known as Alpha Alpha Alpha, is a national honor society for first-generation college students. The Nu Zeta Chapter at the University of Maryland fosters a culture of academic excellence while empowering first-generation students through leadership development, community engagement, and meaningful opportunities for growth.
All first-generation undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni of UMD, are eligible to join the Tri-Alpha Honor Society. Inductions will take place each fall, celebrating the achievements of our first-gen community.
*As this is our inaugural year (2025), our first induction will take place during the fall 2025 semester.
Membership
- Lifetime Membership & Recognition
A one-time, affordable initiation fee grants lifelong membership, along with a certificate and pin signifying your achievement. - Academic Distinction
Membership highlights your dedication to academic excellence and distinguishes you to employers, graduate schools, and professionals. - Networking & Community
Connect with first-generation scholars across all academic disciplines to foster a supportive and empowering environment. - Mentorship Opportunities
Gain guidance from faculty, staff, alumni, and senior first-gen students, while also mentoring younger first-generation students. - Leadership Development
Take on local chapter leadership roles and build valuable experience for your future. - Professional Growth
Enhance your resume, expand your network, and access opportunities that support your academic and career success.
Qualifications
- Must be a first-generation college student (neither parent, step-parent, nor legal guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution within the United States).
- Must have completed at least 30 credits toward a bachelor’s degree
- Must have an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Part-time undergraduate students are also eligible for membership.
- Must be a first-generation college student.
- Must have completed at least 9 graduate credits and be in good academic standing.
- Must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their graduate program.
- Part-time graduate students are also eligible for membership.
- Must have been a first-generation college student at the time of earning their bachelor’s degree.
- Must be willing to serve as a mentor for first-generation students.
- Each year, Tri-Alpha at UMD may induct up to 3 alumni who were first-generation students when they attended UMD.
- Inducted alumni should serve as role models for current first-generation students, demonstrating what is possible beyond college.
- Alumni members may be asked to mentor first-generation students, sharing their experiences and offering guidance to support their academic and professional journeys.
cost
Undergraduate Membership - $25
Graduate Membership - $35
Faculty/Staff/Alumni Membership - $50
Optional Purchase of Tri-Alpha honor medal - $10
You will receive a certificate and pin signifying membership, which is for life.
Contact us
Contact our chapter advisors for more details:
Yanira Pacheco Ortiz, Coordinator of First-Generation Student Initiatives, Dean of Students Office, Division of Student Affairs
Chantelle Smith, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Inclusive Communities, Honors College
Application coming soon!
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed to confirm eligibility. If approved, you will receive an acceptance email and information on how to submit your membership payment. Join us in celebrating the excellence of first-generation Terps and become part of a lifelong network of scholars and mentors!
Tri-Alpha was founded on March 24, 2018, at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with the induction of 100 members of the Alpha Chapter. Moravian College then took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha as a not-for-profit organization so colleges and universities across the country could start their own chapters of the society.