Tri Alpha
National First-Generation Honor Society

Applications for second induction class for the Nu Zeta chapter of Tri-Alpha at UMD are now closed. Thank you for applying.

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.

Celebrating first-generation achievement! Join us in recognizing UMD's Tri-Alpha Honor Society and its newest inductees. Congratulations, Terps!

Membership

   Benefits

• 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

   Undergraduate Students

• 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.

   Graduate Students

• 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.

   Faculty and Staff

• 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.

   Alumni

• 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
You will receive a certificate and pin signifying lifetime membership.

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

Follow us

Instagram: @umdtrialpha
Linktree: linktr.ee/umdtrialpha

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.