Sigma Iota Rho

National Honor Society for International Studies

About SIR

The Washington University SIR chapter is a group of undergraduate students committed to furthering international awareness on campus while fostering an academic, social and professional community for students interested in global issues. Our chapter has presented town hall events on salient issues, organized public service projects, hosted student research conferences and maintained an international human rights film festival. All Global Studies majors and students with related academic interests are welcome to join our chapter. 

Applications for membership in SIR are collected at the beginning of each semester. Spring deadline is February 9 at 11:59pm. If you would like to become a member of SIR this semester, please click on the link, download the form, and submit it by email to washusir@gmail.com. 

New members are required to attend New Member Meetings — check @wustlsir on Instagram for more details.

Spring 2025 MANDATORY NEW MEMBER MEETINGS ARE:

Tuesday 1/28    +    Tuesday 2/4    +    Tuesday 2/11 from 8-9pm in Seigle 208

THE APPLICATION IS DUE VIA EMAIL BY 11:59 PM ON SUNDAY 2/9/25.

Membership & Eligibility

Membership

Each semester, members are required to attend biweekly meetings, volunteer for at least one service opportunity, and attend a set number of SIR-credited events on campus. The Executive Board reserves the right to withhold honors if you do not meet attendance and participation requirements.

Membership in SIR gives you an opportunity to hone your leadership skills as a chapter officer or through event planning. You will receive Eliot Honors at commencement in recognition of your service to SIR and wear honor cords at graduation. In addition, the National Honorary provides other unique opportunities to attend conferences with the UN, World Bank, and other international institutions, travel and research grant opportunities, and a chance for members to submit papers to the Sigma Iota Rho publication, Journal of International Relations.

 

 

 

 

Local Chapter Membership

All students who are interested in international issues are welcome to participate in the Washington University chapter of SIR as local members. We welcome students of all academic backgrounds and extra-curricular pursuits.

National Honorary Membership

Seniors that meet the following requirements are eligible for induction to the National Honor Society:

  • Completed course work in international studies including courses in relevant subject areas of anthropology, economics, modern languages, geography, history, political science, and other related disciplines
  • Attained a junior standing and completed at least twenty-one (21) hours of course work in the Global Studies major, including at least two courses at the 300/400 levels
  • Attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher in all courses
  • Pay a one-time membership fee of $45

Meet our Leadership

President

Abby McGowan

Executive Board

Director of Operations and Finance: Weldon Smith
Director of Administration: Emily Bekesh
Director of Membership: Jaqueline Marquez Salgado
Director of Community Service: Noor Huda
Director of External Relations and Outreach: Michelle Kim

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Additional Websites

SIR has helped me become more closely connected with the IAS program – with faculty and staff, given me awareness of related events held on campus, and allowed me to network with fellow students. Moreover, joining SIR has allowed me to become involved in planning and orchestrating events on campus. My involvement with SIR uniquely supplements my IAS education and provides the forum through which I am able to share and pursue my passions.

― SIR Member Anonymous

Contact

Questions about Washington University's chapter of SIR?

Email WashU SIR