Keeping with the tri-theme this week, we’re diving into Iota Iota Iota, The National Women's Studies Honor Society!

Iota Iota Iota (Triota) was developed in 1985 at MSU Denver as an honor society dedicated to maintaining “feminist values that encourage diversity, egalitarianism, and supportive academic environments.”  The founding members chose the Greek letter, Iota, to represent three Greek goddesses, Inana, Ishtar, and Isis. 

Triota aims to promote interest in Women’s Studies on college campuses and research social issues that affect all women across the globe. In order to maintain feminist values, members of Iota Iota Iota are often encouraged to volunteer, advocate, and be activists in their own community. According to the MSU Denver Triota website, “[Members] have the opportunity to connect with other students and develop skills by working with others while building a lasting community focused on feminist academics. This includes helping our honor society grow and creating a positive impact on the MSU Denver community, which can be through organizing events, presenting at conferences, or partnering with other student organizations/departments.”

While requirements vary from college to college, in order to qualify for Triota membership, interested applicants must be actively taking courses in Women’s Studies and have completed a minimum of 6-9 credit hours. Students must have a minimum of a 3.3 GPA in Women’s Studies and an overall 3.0 GPA. Academics aside, some chapters request applicants complete a minimum number of gender-related community service hours. 

The organization currently has over 108 chapters and you’ll recognize members on graduation day by their lavender honor cords.

Are you a member of Iota Iota Iota/Triota? Let us know in the comments!