Tau Chi Alpha

Tau Chi Alpha (TXA) is the Environmental Engineering Honor Society.

The objective of TXA is to advance the environmental engineering profession by identifying and placing a mark of distinction on those environmental engineering students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement and ethical character.

In 1992, the faculty at Manhattan College originated the idea of organizing an honor society to recognize environmental engineering students of high scholastic ability. The first students were inducted into TXA in 1995 and, with the support of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (Academy), TXA secured a certificate of incorporation as a national honor society for environmental engineers from the State of Maryland in 1998. In 2024, to accommodate the significant growth in the fields of environmental engineering and environmental science, the Academy took the lead to update and reorganize the structure of TXA to better serve students in the environmental engineering profession, and to include environmental scientists and closely related disciplines.

Structure and Operation of Tau Chi Alpha

TXA chapters at academic institutions are administered by the TXA National Council whose members are appointed by the Academy Board of Trustees. Each TXA chapter has its own faculty advisor who oversees the activities of the local chapter.

Qualifications and Duties of the Faculty Advisor

The faculty advisor at a TXA chapter must be a BCEE, BCES, or BCEEM, and must be a honorary member of TXA. The faculty advisor is responsible for coordinating and promoting the activities of the chapter and providing recommendations for TXA candidates for induction into the honor society.

Induction as an Honorary Member of TXA

Honorary members must have substantial achievements in environmental engineering, environmental science, or a related discipline. Honorary members can be faculty members, practicing professionals, or other members of the environmental related community. Candidates for Honorary Member must apply to the National Council that includes evidence of outstanding scholarship, leadership, and a dedication to service within the community of environmental engineers, environmental scientists, or a closely related discipline. Appointment as a Honorary Member is made by the Board of Trustees of the Academy based on a recommendation from the National Council.

Requirements for Student Induction into TXA

The TXA Honor Society is open to students in environmental engineering, environmental science, and closely related disciplines. Inductees must meet the following requirements:

Junior, senior, or graduate student in an academic curriculum or program approved by the National Council
GPA ≥ 3.5 for undergraduates, or GPA ≥ 3.8 for graduate students
Be of good moral character
Be a Student Member of AAEES
Participates in student organization(s) related to environmental-related professions

Procedure for Inducting Students into TXA

A candidate must fill out an application form and provide three letters of recommendation from faculty members. The application package is forwarded with endorsement by the Faculty Advisor to the National Council. There is an application fee to cover the cost of the membership certificate, TXA lapel pin, and lifetime membership dues. The current application fee is $100. Inductions will occur towards the end of the fall and spring semester of each academic year, and deadlines for applications are October 1 and March 1 for fall and spring, respectively. Upon approval by the National Council, a candidate is admitted to membership in TXA.

Benefits of TXA Membership

Recognition of outstanding academic achievement in environmental engineering or closely related field, and lifetime membership in a prestigious honor society (TXA). For AAEES members, the TXA honor will be included in their Who’s Who profile.

How to Petition to Start a Chapter of Tau Chi Alpha

To start or reactivate a TXA chapter, the faculty advisor fills out and submits the Petition Form to the National Council. Once approved, the chapter may begin activities and propose candidates for induction into TXA.