The purposes of Sigma Theta Tau International are:
1	Recognize superior
achievement. 
2	Recognize the development of
 leadership qualities.
3	Foster high professional
 standards. 
4	Encourage creative work. 
5	Strengthen commitment to the 
	Ideals and purposes of the
               profession.

                                 Endorsement for 
 .	 
 Membership 

Definition: An endorsement is a letter or statement supporting an individual for membership* in the chapter.  Individuals are encouraged to submit one endorsement in order for an application to be considered by the Chapter Eligibility Committee.  Nursing students should include one letter or statement of support from a nursing faculty member.  The one endorsement is to be from an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International. 
This endorsement enables the candidate to be considered for membership.  The Eligibility Committee of the chapter invites your letter or statement of endorsement supporting the following individual for membership:
     ____________________________  is applying for membership in the___________________________________ Chapter(Name)
On the basis of this individual’s achievement and my knowledge of the purposes of Sigma Theta Tau International, I heartily endorse this individual for membership in the chapter. 
This candidate exhibits the following characteristics: 
___ Potential for leadership 
 	____Superior achievement 
               ____Academic and/or professional integrity 

Signature________________________________ Date ______________________ 
Chapter Membership _________________________________________________ 
Position  ___________________________________________________________ 
Relationship to Applicant   _____________________________________________ 
Comments (if desired):
 ___________________________________________________________________ 
 ___________________________________________________________________ 
*UNDERGRADUATE CRITERIA: Each undergraduate candidate for membership is required to meet the criteria for the undergraduate category of membership.  Undergraduate students are required to have completed ½ of the nursing curriculum, have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale, rank in the upper 35% of the graduating class, and meet the expectation of academic integrity. 
*GRADUATE CRITERIA: Each graduate (master’s or doctoral) candidate for membership is required to meet the criteria for the graduate category of membership.  Graduate students are required to have completed ¼ of the required graduate curriculum, have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale or its equivalent, and meet the expectation of academic integrity. 
* NURSE LEADER CRITERIA: A nurse leader is eligible for membership if the leader is a registered nurse, legally recognized to practice in his/her country with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field, and has demonstrated achievement in nursing. 
© 2003 Sigma Theta Tau International                                                                                                                                                                                  rev 2008