Phi Alpha Theta is an international organization that devotes itself to the promotion of historical study. It accomplishes this through the facilitation of research, publication, teaching and other relevant activities. Phi Alpha Theta differs from other such history clubs in that its members have distinguished themselves academically.
As a whole, Phi Alpha Theta is made up of a number of chapters located at various accredited colleges and universities around the globe. Virginia Wesleyan College's chapter is Omega Pi. Its only requirements for membership are that the student in question take at least four history courses at Virginia Wesleyan College, and maintain a 3.0 or better grade point average within the top two thirds of his or her coursework. Even if you don't qualify, you are still eligible to become a "friend" of Phi Alpha Theta. This means that you can still be involved in the activities without formal membership. If you are interested in becoming a member or friend of the Omega Pi chapter, contact Dr. Clayton J. Drees (our chapter's faculty advisor). All students are encouraged to apply for membership.
Omega Pi sponsors various field trips, film viewings (more affectionately known as "movie nights"), lectures, and social events throughout the academic year. Perhaps most imporantly, Omega Pi (and Virginia Wesleyan) participats in Phi Alpha Theta's regional conferences. Phi Alpha Theta's existence is meant to provide historians and aspiring historians with an opportunity to gather and address their common interests in an academic setting.