A National Honor Society for First-Generation College students
Mission
The mission of the Kappa Nu chapter of Tri-Alpha at the University of Missouri is to assist in the professional development of First-Generation students who showcase exceptional academics and involvement on campus.
Benefits
- Opportunities to meet other first-generation scholars and join them in promoting academic excellence by creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all first-generation students
- Outward recognition of personal accomplishments and a symbol of your hard work
- Communicates to future employers, professionals, and graduate schools on your resume that you possess academic ability, leadership potential, and commitment to excellence
- Members receive a certificate and pin signifying membership during the formal induction (November 7th, 2025). Membership is for life.
Undergraduate students qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha if they meet the following criteria:
- Actively enrolled as a full-time (12 or more credit hours) student or half-time (6-11 credit hours) in a program of study leading to a bachelor’s degree;
- Completed at least three full terms of study and at least 30 credit hours;
- Identify as a first-generation student as defined as “Neither parent(s) nor guardian(s) earned a bachelor’s degree or higher prior to the student beginning their program”
- GPA of at least 3.2 in all coursework.
Mizzou Faculty and staff may also be inducted into the Tri-Alpha honor society. To qualify, they must have met the definition of a first-generation student at the time they completed their bachelor’s degree.
Students who meet eligibility criteria will receive invitations to apply for Tri-Alpha at the beginning of September by email.
*The 2025 invitations will go out on Sept 2nd, 2025, and the deadline for applications will be Sept 19th, 2025.
Faculty/staff who meet eligibility requirements for Tri-Alpha are invited to submit their application and pay the membership dues of $25. Please pay by credit card through the national website.
Upon receiving invitations, students should submit an application and pay the membership dues of $15. Membership dues are paid by credit card through the national website. Fee waivers may be available to eligible students.
*”I applied, does that mean I am in?“
Yes! If you received an email from us before about being eligible for Tri-Alpha, you are automatically in once you apply and pay your $15 dues.
*”Will there be any additional time-commitment?“
No, not at this time. We want students to have an opportunity to be part of an Honor society without the need for follow up meetings/extra time-commitments. To get more involved with other first-generation students, join our student org- First-Gen Tigers! Meetings are held bi-weekly (one is focused on resources and the other will be more social!) Join us on MU Engage and Insta: @mizzoufirstgen
SAVE THE DATE: The Induction Ceremony is scheduled for November 7th from 6-7:30 pm in Ellis Auditorium. We will also have a current and new member mixer from 5-6 pm (Location TBD). We invite all students to participate and to invite your friends and family to celebrate with you!
*”Who should I invite? What do I wear?“
You should invite your friends and family! We will be livestreaming it on ZOOM for families to watch from afar. Parents can join in person too! The set up will be like a graduation. We will call your name, you will walk across the stage, and receive a pin and certificate. Dress business casual (think dresses, skirts, etc.) there will be opportunities for photos! Join us for cake and punch after!
The First-Generation Student Champion award will be given annually by the First-Generation Student Success Standing Advisory Board, which honors one first-generation undergraduate student. This award recognizes one exceptional First-generation student who have pursued and met ambitious goals and/or made notable achievements while enrolled at the University of Missouri, demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, and created pathways for or inspired other first-generation students to also excel at the University of Missouri. Students are able to nominate themselves. Recipients will receive official plaques in November.
The First-Generation Faculty/Staff Champion award will be given annually by the First-Generation Student Success Standing Advisory Board, which honors one Faculty/Staff who has shown exceptional commitment to advancing First-generation success on campus. This person does not have to be First-generation themselves but must be a First-gen ally. Faculty/staff are able to nominate themselves. Recipients will receive official plaques in November.
We are seeking nominations for faculty/staff who meet this criteria:
- Commitment to the advancement of first-generation scholars on campus;
- Service, leadership, and volunteerism in first-generation programs, initiatives, and events;
- Advocacy and mentorship to first-generation scholars;
- Making a notable impact through dedication to and support of the university’s first-generation population.
Nomination deadline is September 19th, 2025. Nominate someone here!
*Plaques will be given at the Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony November 7th.
Students can request a fee waiver due to financial circumstances. Mizzou faculty and staff are encouraged to sponsor students. Please email selenameints@missouri.edu for further information.
Contact us!
We hope that you will consider joining Tri-Alpha! Contact the co-advisors with any questions.
Selena Meints