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First-Gen Honor Society

Contact

Uma Mahalingam

D-210

Assistant Director of the First-Generation Student Center

p: 201-684-7439
e: mahalinu@ramapo.edu

Alpha Alpha Alpha

Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) is a national honor society for first-generation college students that supports and recognizes their academic achievements.

Undergraduate Student Eligibility Requirements

Undergraduate students qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha if they meet the following criteria:

  • Identify as a first-generation college student, which is defined at Ramapo College of New Jersey as a student where neither parent(s) nor legal guardian(s) have completed a bachelor’s degree in the U.S.
  • Completed 1 semester at Ramapo.
  • Earned at least 30 credit/semester hours towards a baccalaureate degree.
  • Achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2/4.0 scale.

Graduate Student Eligibility Requirements

Graduate students qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha if they meet the following criteria:

  • Identify as a first-generation college student, which is defined at Ramapo College of New Jersey as a student where neither parent(s) nor legal guardian(s) have completed a bachelor’s degree in the U.S.
  • Completed 1 full-time term of study (normally 9 graduate credits) at Ramapo.
  • Maintained an overall GPA in graduate courses of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Benefits

Benefits include…

  • Obtaining lifetime membership, certificate, and pin.
  • Receiving recognition of personal accomplishment and an incentive for continued high scholarship.
  • Meeting other first-generation scholars and build a community across academic schools.
  • Building a better resume for jobs, internships, co-ops, and graduate/professional schools.
  • Partaking in mentorship and networking opportunities.
  • Participating in leadership development.
  • Engaging in honor society programming. and service opportunities.

The First-Generation Student Center inducted its first class of 93 members into Tri-Alpha’s Zeta Nu Chapter on April 10, 2023.


The First-Generation Student Center inducted its second class of 54 members into Tri-Alpha’s Zeta Nu Chapter on November 13, 2023 during First-Generation College Celebration Month.

Tri-Alpha Advisors

Uma Mahalingam
Ast Dir First - Gen Student Cent
E-mail: mahalinu@ramapo.edu
Phone: (201) 684-7439
Office: D 210

Colleen Martinez
Asst Prof of Social Work
E-mail: cmarti13@ramapo.edu
Phone: (201) 684-7849
Office: G-262