by Nikole Gianopoulos
The Gamma Zeta Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) hosted an initiation ceremony at the University of West Georgia for its newest members. Eligibility for membership is exclusive and is only extended to those students who meet minimum requirements, such as having a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better on a scale of 4.0 and according to the CIS bylaws “are deemed promising for endorsement as a professional counselor whose ethical judgment and behavior will be exemplary.”
These students were recognized by and are now affiliated with one of the largest counseling organizations in the world.
“Induction into Chi Sigma Iota is an honor and distinguishes its members as outstanding counseling students,” said Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and College Student Affairs Dr. Julia Whisenhunt.
“There are several benefits of membership, which include recognition for academic achievement and the pursuit of professional excellence; professional development opportunities; leadership development opportunities; and eligibility for special awards and scholarships.”
The Gamma Zeta Chapter offers a number of service-oriented and professional development opportunities for chapter members, active students in the professional counseling programs, UWG faculty and staff, and affiliate professionals in the community. Each semester, the chapter conducts at least one service drive and offers at least two professional development workshops for professional counselors. In addition, the chapter engages in community service, offers numerous social and wellness events, and generally contributes to the development of a sense of community among the professional counseling students.
CSI is an international counseling academic and professional honor society representing and recognizing counselors-in-training, counselor educators, and professional counselors. The society currently has over 96,000 initiated members, which makes CSI one of the largest single member organizations of professional counselors in the world. Gamma Zeta is one of the 369 CSI chapters worldwide and was originally founded in 1998 by professor of counseling and associate dean for professional programs in the College of Education Dr. Rebecca Stanard.
For more information about CSI, please visit www.csi-net.org.
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