The Order of the Open Book is a national academic honor society within Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority formed to recognize and promote academic achievement and scholarly excellence while fostering the high ideals of Alpha Sigma Tau.

History

In 1995, the Order of the Open Book was developed by National Academics Coordinator Christy Cutbill McCormick, Sigma, and was approved by the National Council. It was updated and implemented in 2007 by National Academics Coordinator Shannon Snyder Burton, Gamma Xi, to further the academic mission of the Sorority.

Eligibility

• Active sisters, alumnae and new members are eligible for membership based upon grade point average (quality point average), active membership and good standing in Alpha Sigma Tau.
• A new member is eligible for membership in the Order of the Open Book if she is in her new member period during her senior year.
• To qualify for membership, a sister must apply with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale):
  • at the start of her junior year, OR
  • during her junior and senior years, OR
  • in the second year of her graduate program.
  • A new member in her senior year is eligible for membership.
• Members must maintain academic, financial and social good standing status in the Sorority. Members must maintain distinguished behavior throughout the rest of their undergraduate and/or graduate attendance.
• Once a member has graduated, membership cannot be revoked.

Benefits

• Upon graduation, membership is for a lifetime.
• New honorees to the Order of the Open Book will be recognized at National Convention.
• Names of new honorees shall be published in THE ANCHOR and the ALPHA SIG-NAL and should be included in their chapters' newsletters.
• Press releases announcing acceptance will be sent to the new honorees' local and college newspapers.
• Members will receive letters of commendation from the National Academics Coordinator. Copies of the letters will be sent to the members' university/college administrators, parents and chapters.
• Members will receive certificates signed by the National President and National Academics Coordinator.
• Each member is eligible to purchase an Order of the Open Book dangle upon membership.
• Each member is eligible to purchase an Order of the Open Book honor stole to wear with her graduation regalia. See below for more information.

Graduation Stole

This bright emerald satin stole drapes around the back of the neck to contrasting brilliant gold. The tabs on each side come to a point at approximately waist length. The right side is delicately embroidered with the Greek letters in emerald while the left side is embroidered with an image of an open book in emerald and white.

The official Alpha Sigma Tau Order of the Open Book honor stole is only available through Kalamazoo Regalia. Orders may be placed online here. As this stole is reserved for honorary members, approval from the National Headquarters is required before orders can be fulfilled.