Honors societies are selective organizations that invite students to become members based on high levels of achievement. They offer a variety of opportunities for their members. Prominent among these are recognition for leadership experiences, scholarship competitions, and service activities. The University of Iowa Honors Program has a long historic association with the honor society Phi Eta Sigma, to which students are initiated as freshmen.

This honors society started in 1923 to celebrate outstanding scholarship by freshmen for the purpose of promoting excellence in scholarship, mind, body, and character by beginning college students of superlative promise. The University of Iowa established the forty-ninth chapter of Phi Eta Sigma in 1945. There are now more than three hundred fifty chapters in institutions of higher learning nationwide. Learn more about the benefits and eligibility of the organization. 

Phi Eta Sigma emphasizes honor for students of high distinction. Here at the University of Iowa, it has long supported a Dunlap Collegiate Scholarship each year for a third-year member of great achievement in Honors at Iowa. Also in collaboration with the University of Iowa Honors Program, the Iowa Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma presents the John Briggs Award each May to its graduating senior with the top grade point average as well as the annual Briggs Phi Eta Sigma scholarship.