Delta Tau Alpha Overview, Requirements and History

Chi Epsilon is a national honor society that recognizes excellence in civil engineering. Founded in 1922 at the University of Illinois, the society has since expanded to over 140 chapters across the United States. Chi Epsilon’s mission is to promote and maintain the status of civil engineering as an ideal profession, and to encourage and recognize high scholarship and character among civil engineering students.

To be eligible for membership in Chi Epsilon, students must meet certain academic requirements. They must be in the top third of their class, have completed at least three semesters of coursework, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, they must demonstrate good character and leadership potential.

Chi Epsilon has a long and storied history, with many notable events and achievements. Here is a timeline of some of the major events in the society’s history:

– 1922: Chi Epsilon is founded at the University of Illinois.
– 1923: The first national convention is held in Chicago, Illinois.
– 1925: The first issue of the Chi Epsilon News is published.
– 1930: The first scholarship is awarded to a Chi Epsilon member.
– 1941: The first female member is initiated into Chi Epsilon.
– 1950: The first international chapter is established in Canada.
– 1960: The first chapter is established at a historically black college or university (HBCU).
– 1970: The first chapter is established at a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI).
– 1980: The first chapter is established at a tribal college or university (TCU).
– 1990: The first chapter is established at a women’s college.
– 2000: The first chapter is established at a community college.
– 2010: The society celebrates its 90th anniversary.

While Chi Epsilon has achieved many milestones over the years, it is not without its flaws. Like many organizations in the engineering field, Chi Epsilon has historically perpetuated social injustice and systemic bias. For example, the society did not admit women until 1941, and it was not until much later that chapters were established at HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and women’s colleges. This lack of diversity and inclusion has undoubtedly had an impact on the profession of civil engineering, as well as on the students who have been excluded from Chi Epsilon and other similar organizations.

In recent years, Chi Epsilon has taken steps to address these issues and promote diversity and inclusion within the society. For example, the organization has established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which is tasked with developing strategies to increase diversity and promote equity within the society. Additionally, Chi Epsilon has partnered with other organizations, such as the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, to promote diversity and inclusion in the engineering field as a whole.

In conclusion, Chi Epsilon is a national honor society that recognizes excellence in civil engineering. While the society has achieved many milestones over the years, it has also perpetuated social injustice and systemic bias. However, Chi Epsilon is taking steps to address these issues and promote diversity and inclusion within the society and the engineering profession as a whole.