Eta Sigma Phi

The Department of Classics participates in the Eta Sigma Phi (National Classics) Honor Society. We are the Gamma Sigma Chapter. The chapter maintains both a website and an Instagram page. It also functions as the home for undergraduate Classics community at UT Austin. The chapter has an office in Waggener 105 and email address at texasetasigmaphi@gmail.com.

What is Eta Sigma Phi?

The purposes of the Society, in the words of the national organization’s Constitution, are "to develop and promote interest in classical study among the students of colleges and universities; to promote closer fraternal relationship among students who are interested in classical study, including inter-campus relationship; to engage generally in an effort to stimulate interest in classical study, and in the history, art, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome." Our chapter functions as a community for undergraduates interested in the ancient world.

What do we actually do?

Eta Sigma Phi hosts academic and social events for the UT Classics department. The academic events range from informal talks by graduate students and faculty both in and outside of the Classics department to our very own end of the year Undergraduate Research Symposium. We also host monthly dinners with faculty where students have the chance to interact with their professors in an informal, non-academic setting. Once a semester, Eta Sigma Phi holds a used book drive. The officers of Eta Sigma Phi offer tutoring in Latin, Ancient Greek, classical civilization, and ancient history for anyone as well as a tour of the Latin inscriptions on campus (Iter Latinum).

Along with these more regular events, we try to help build a sense of community through movie-nights, bowling at the Union, and any other event that members are interested in!

Who can participate?

Absolutely anyone, regardless of major, year, or academic focus is welcome to participate in our chapter’s events. 

If you want to become an official member of Eta Sigma Phi, the national organization requires that you:

1. complete at least one semester of any C C or AHC courses with a grade of A or higher, or any one semester of LAT and/or GK with a B or higher, and
2. pay a one-time $30 lifetime fee or $10 annually to the chapter.

What are the benefits of membership?

Lifelong membership in the only national classical honors society! Members are eligible to attend the national Eta Sigma Phi convention and graduate with honors chords. Members can also serve as officers for the chapter.

How do I join?

Come to any Eta Sigma Phi event, visit our office in Waggener 105, send us a message on Instagram, email us (texasetasigmaphi@gmail.com), or contact an officer.

Where can you find us?

Our office is Waggener 105, where you can normally find at least one officer throughout the day. Here, you can ask someone in person about Eta Sigma Phi, learn about any events, get tutoring, and access the small resource library we keep up. Anyone is welcome and we can’t wait for you to stop by!