The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of dozens of campus events and in this time of social distancing, virtual events have become the safest option.

Induction into the Nu of Massachusetts Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa normally occurs the same day as commencement, but the chapter officers, consisting of Jim Staros; biochemistry and molecular biology, Sheldon Goldman; political science, Kirby Deater-Deckerd; psychological and brain sciences and Joe Bartolomeo; English, created a video that was sent to this years inductees. The video is a condensed version of the traditional induction ceremony, using the same language, with each chapter officer dressed in full academic regalia.

I think that I speak for all of the officers that we regret would couldnt do this in person, says Staros, chapter president. Were all faced with this, in regards to commencement and all of the senior ceremonies. I think what all of us are trying to do is to try and give students a quality of an experience as we can, in regards to sheltering in place.

Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the nations oldest and most prestigious honor society and open to students in the arts and sciences (the Colleges of Humanities and Fine Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Natural Sciences). In order to be considered, a junior must have a 3.95 GPA. For seniors, the GPA requirement is 3.85.

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Induction into the Nu of Massachusetts Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa to be Celebrated Virtually - UMass News and Media Relations