Pi Tau Sigma
Hawaii Sigma Pi Chapter
University of Hawaii at Manoa
About
Hawaii Sigma Pi Chapter
Pi Tau Sigma Preamble:
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“In order to establish a closer bond of fellowship which will result in mutual benefit to those men and women in the study and in the profession of mechanical engineering, who by their academic or practical achievements, manifest a real interest and marked ability in their chosen work, this constitution of the International Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Society was established.”
What is Pi Tau Sigma?
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Pi Tau Sigma is the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineering Fraternity and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. The mission of Pi Tau Sigma is to "strive to create better engineers through commitment to academic excellence and dedication to service." Therefore, pledges of Pi Tau Sigma are selected based on engineering ability, scholarship service, leadership, and Integrity. After being initiated into Pi Tau Sigma, members hold core values of Integrity, Service, and Leadership. By maintaining Integrity, we have sound character and moral conduct. By serving others, we serve the mechanical engineering profession and community. By taking leadership, we professionally take the initiative by being an example. A total of 182 colligate chapters ran throughout the United States. Chapters are located at universities in almost every state in the United States. The concept of Pi Tau Sigma was initiated simultaneously at the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin in 1915. A year later, in 1916, these two schools officially formed Pi Tau Sigma. Purdue University and the University of Minnesota were chartered in 1922 and have expanded to the 159 established chapters. The Hawai'i Sigma Pi Chapter was chartered in January 1969 as the 89th currently active chapter in the nation.
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Please visit https://pitausigma.org/ for more information about the International Honor Society.
Pledging
Selection:
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PI TAU SIGMA members are chosen on a basis of sound engineering ability, scholarship (upper 25%), personality, and probable future success in their chosen field of Mechanical Engineering. There are three grades of membership:
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Honorary: Honorary members are technical graduates actively engaged in engineering work; or members of mechanical engineering faculties.
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Graduate: Graduate membership is conferred upon persons who would have been eligible had Pi Tau Sigma been established earlier in schools not having chapters, or upon those continuing graduate study.
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Active: Active members are selected from the junior and senior mechanical engineering classes at their respective schools whose mechanical engineering curriculum must be accredited by ABET.
​Source: International PTS Website
Requirements
First Semester Senior & Second Semester Junior Standing: 78+ Credits (4 or More Upper Division Classes Taken)
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​​Minimum GPA: 3.25/4.0
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First Semester Junior Standing: 62-78 Credits (Less Than 4 Upper Division Classes Taken)
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Minimum GPA: 3.5/4.0
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Transfer Students:
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Complete 16 graded credits towards the degree requirement in the university they transferred too.
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Have a minimum of 30 graded credits (transferred + taken in the department) towards the degree requirement.
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*Note: You must have taken or currently be enrolled in ME 311. If you are currently taking ME 311, the minimum GPA required is a 3.7.
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ME Lower Division Courses: ME 213, EE 160, EE 211, ME270/CEE 270, ME 271/CEE 271, PHYS 274
ME Upper Division Courses: ME 311, ME 322, ME 331, ME 341, ME 360, ME 371/CEE 370, ME 374, ME 375, MATH 307
The Pledge Process:
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Pledge Orientation
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Provide Tutoring Once per week
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Social/Community Service Events
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Refinement of Pi Tau Sigma Key
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COE Graduating Senior Poster
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Pledge Week and Day
The Crest and Key Meaning
The Greek characters on the emblem of Pi Tau Sigma represent the words PAR-A-STA-TA TEC-NA-KOO SCO-POO, the literal translation being: Be Faithful, Skillful, and Strong. These words are the symbols of the ideals for which we strive. On each emblem, there are also representations of a flaming torch, signifying intelligence; a steel H-section, signifying dependability; and a Carnot cycle, signifying efficiency. Above the shield is the crest, which consists of a golden hand holding a black lozenge, representing, according to heraldic lore, the maintenance of one’s acts in accordance with honesty. In the center of the shield is a scroll, in white, symbolic of learning. Across the scroll are the letters PI TAU SIGMA, expressing our hope that the good name and reputation of every member will remain unblemished throughout his or her career. Here on a background of azure which signifies loyalty and truth, is a castle, symbolic of reliability. The lightning represents the ability to conduct business quickly and successfully. A crowned hammer on a background of murrey represents the respect with which our profession is regarded. Murrey is the color of warm friendship. The figures are in gold, signifying generosity and elevation of mind.