Society of Physics Students& Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society

The Society of Physics Students at Gustavus Adolphus College is a very active chapter and helps students connect with one another and with faculty. The chapter plans and hosts activities approximately twice per week during the school year in four broad areas with examples given below. The physics events calendar also has a list of recent and upcoming events.

Activities:

  • Research talks
    • External speakers
    • Alumni
    • Student research
  • Social activities
    • Frisbee, soccer, wallyball, etc.
    • Movies, board games, etc.
    • Field trips, picnics, etc.
  • Servce to the community
    • Elementary school physics shows
    • Adopt-a-highway, Habitat for Humanity, etc
    • College / environmental sustainability
  • Career development
    • Journal club
    • Internship and graduate school workshops
    • Alumni networking

Student officers for 2022-2023:

  • President: 
  • Vice President: 
  • Treasurer:
  • Communications: 
  • Senior Representatives: 
  • Junior Representatives: 
  • Sophomore Representatives:
  • First Year Representative: (Elected in January)

Sigma Pi Sigma (ΣΠΣ)

Sigma Pi Sigma (ΣΠΣ), the national physics honor society, was founded in 1921 and started at Gustavus in 2004. It is a member honor society of the Association of College Honor Societies. Election to Sigma Pi Sigma grants lifetime membership. Nomination and election are by the faculty, based on a combination of student achievement in course work and research, and participation in department and SPS activities. Sigma Pi Sigma is a member of the American Institute of Physics and “exists to honor outstanding scholarship in physics; to encourage interest in physics among students at all levels; to promote an attitude of service of its members towards their fellow students, colleagues, and the public; to provide a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics.” The Gustavus physics department inducts several seniors each spring at a banquet ceremony. The criteria for induction are:

  • Physics GPA greater than 3.0
  • Nomination by two professors
  • Involvement in more than 25% of SPS activities
  • Satisfied one or more paths:
    • Academic: Physics GPA greater than 3.33 and three electives beyond major
    • Research: Two semesters research on campus and a paper/presentation
    • Departmental: Four semesters student employment