The University of Guelph-Humber’s chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, an international criminal justice honour society, inducted more than 15 new members into its fold recently.
The inductees, all students of the UofGH’s Justice Studies program, are now part of a global fraternity established in 1942 whose mandate is to identify justice-related problems and seek solutions for them.
Dalton Beseau, a second-year Justice Studies student who became the president of UofGH chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma for the 2018/2019 academic year, said his interest in becoming a lawyer had solidified even more since he became involved with the group.
“Arguably, this is one of the largest societies at Guelph-Humber and for Justice Studies students specifically, it provides a sense of belonging,” said Beseau. “I firmly believe in order to be successful as a lawyer I have to be able to lead by example while maintaining a heightened efficacy of humbleness and teamwork. I hope through my experience as the president of Alpha Phi Sigma, I will be able to enhance these skillsets to be a well-rounded leader.”
Alpha Phi Sigma has over 360 chapters across North America including two in Canada. The society honours its members with a lifetime membership. It works to bring like-minded people from the law enforcement and legal perspectives together.
More than just networking
At a ceremony held on UofGH campus to welcome new members to Alpha Phi Sigma, outgoing student executives shared highlights of their tenure as well as the events they hosted. Following that, Dr. Glenn Hanna, the Assistant Program Head of Justice Studies and Faculty Advisor welcomed new members. Each new entrant received an honour stole and certificate.
The goals of Alpha Phi Sigma are to honour and promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership, and unity, explained Hanna.
There was a feeling of pride and honour among the students when they donned black robes and bright yellow stoles.
Each year, the Alpha Phi Sigma members at UofGH host several events. Last year, the society held symposia with invited speakers discussing mental health issues in the justice system and experiences with wrongful convictions.
This year, Beseau says he and others will be organizing several conferences including a restorative justice symposium where they will invite experts to speak about their lived experience.
Membership criteria
Students must have a cumulative average of 75 per cent, have completed 7.5 credits and be able to pass an interview in order to gain acceptance into the society.
Members meet bi-weekly to discuss current and relevant criminal justice matters and talk about upcoming events. Being a member means students are connected to several other groups such as Amnesty International, Innocence Canada and the Princeton Review.
“The upcoming year for our Alpha Phi Sigma Chapter will arguably be the best one yet,” Beseau said. “We have a great team as well as plenty of fun-filled and engaging events which will hopefully spark an enhanced interest in social justice related issues within and beyond the UofGH community.”
