Xi Sigma Pi Rating, Reviews and Requirements

What are the requirements to be in Xi Sigma Pi?

Qualified individuals have obtained a minimum of 74 semester hours of scholastic work (110 quarter-system hours), are ranking in the upper 25% of their class, have an average grade point equivalent of "B" or higher, and have completed 10 semester hours (15 quarter-system hours) in forestry or forestry related natural resource management classes.

What is the history of Xi Sigma Pi?

Initially founded as a local chapter at the University of Washington on November 24th, 1908, the Society of Xi Sigma Pi has grown to a national organization with 43 active chapters.  At the advent of its growth, Beta and Gamma chapters were added at Michigan State and the University of Maine in 1916.  

What are the key benefits of being a member of Xi Sigma Pi? 

The objectives of Xi Sigma Pi are to secure and maintain a high standard of scholarship in forestry and natural resource education, to work for the improvement of the forestry profession, and to promote a fraternal spirit among those engaged in activities related to the forest.

Professional Development

Election to membership requires creditable interest and activity in course curriculum, as well as promise of attaining high professional achievement.   

Personal Integrity

Academic excellence and holistic professionalism are founded on traits of honesty, amiability, morality, dependability, industry, leadership, and cooperation.  Candidates are expected to showcase these qualities.

Based on the information, here is our review:

Our first observation is: that this is the only honor society dedicated to forestry, making it a very niche society with a small number of members and even smaller number of alumni. This is not inherently negative, because this also provides less competition for job networking. 

Our second observation was: that this society requires members to be in the upper 25% of their class, which is slightly higher than other societies, which typically set their requirements for members to be in the upper 35% of their class. 

Our third observation was: that Xi Sigma Pi is currently governed through biennial conventions held in conjunction with the Society of American Foresters.