Nature and Purpose of the Organization
Phi Upsilon Omicron is an honor society in family and consumer sciences and related areas which was founded at the University of Minnesota, February 10, 1909. The purposes of this honor society are to recognize and encourage academic excellence, develop qualities of professional and personal leadership, provide opportunities for service to the profession, and encourage professional and personal commitment to advance family and consumer sciences and related areas.
A. Membership
Eligibility for active membership-
An undergraduate student shall be eligible to be a collegiate member of a chapter if the individual:
- exhibits the potential for professional and community leadership;
- demonstrates a spirit of service;
- exemplifies character through personal integrity and professional attitude;
- attends an institution where a chapter is established;
- has completed a minimum of 36 semester hours or the equivalent quarter hours;
- has completed Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) course work in areas including, but not limited to, those recognized by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences;
- ranks not lower than the highest thirty-five per cent of their class in general scholarship or when class rank is unavailable, has a cumulative grade point of at least 3.3; and
- meets the requirements of either a FCS Major or a Non-FCS Related Major as indicated in subsections b or c below.
b. FCS Related Majors. An undergraduate student shall be eligible if the individual is majoring in FCS or one of its related areas and has completed a minimum of at least 6 semester hours or the equivalent quarter hours of FCS course work.
c. Non-FCS Related Majors. An undergraduate student shall be eligible if the individual is not an FCS Major and has completed a minimum of at least 9 semester hours or the equivalent quarter hours of FCS course work.
B. Professional Programs of Work
The professional work of the honor society is carried on through the National Council and by chapters.
Chapter professional projects have included:
- Providing and supporting scholarship funds for local awards.
- Promoting family and consumer sciences and related areas on campuses.
- Serving the community through programs for the handicapped, battered women, and the homeless.
C. National Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards
Through the Phi Upsilon Omicron Educational Foundation, Inc. national scholarships, fellowships and awards are awarded annually. See our brochure for more information.
D. Official Publication of the Honor Society
Since 1916, the honor society has published THE CANDLE semi-annually. CLICK HERE to view a recent issue!
E. Governing Plan of the Honor Society
- National Council – The membership of this council includes the national officers, executive director, alumni councilor, advisor councilor, collegiate chair, the region councilors, finance committee chair, and region collegiate representatives.
- Conclave – This is a biennial meeting which all members of the National Council and delegates from each of the collegiate and alumni chapters attend. All members and guests are invited to attend.
F. New Chapters
The National Expansion Committee works with a college or university to prepare a petition for a charter for consideration and action by the National Council and the chapters in the district where the institution is located. Financial obligations of the new chapter include:
- A one-time chapter installation fee of $300 is payable to Phi Upsilon Omicron upon notification of approval of Petition for the chapter installation. (The installation fee pays for some initiation supplies.)
- Each new member shall pay into the National Treasury a total of $60 at the time of initiation. This includes a subscription to THE CANDLE, an initiation pin, a membership certificate and a member handbook. This completes the initiate’s financial obligation to National during the period as a collegiate chapter member.
- Local honorary initiates pay no initiation fees. The chapter pays for a CANDLE subscription ($15) for each local honorary member.
- Alumni fees to be paid to National yearly are $25, which includes two issues of THE CANDLE.
Melissa Martin, Executive Director
Phi Upsilon Omicron
P.O. Box 50970
Bowling Green, KY 42102-4270
(270) 904-1340
national@phiu.org
