Purposes
The purposes of Pi Theta Epsilon (PTE), as stated in the society's Constitution, are to:
- Recognize and encourage scholastic excellence of occupational therapy students
- Contribute to the advancement of the field of occupational therapy through scholarly activities, such as research development, continuing education, and information exchange between student and alumni members; and
- Provide a vehicle for students enrolled in accredited programs in Occupational Therapy to exchange information and to collaborate regarding scholarly activities.
History
Pi Theta Epsilon began at the University of New Hampshire in the fall of 1958. Occupational therapy students believed there should be a specific honor society that would recognize and encourage scholarship and service among occupational therapy students. In 1987, the American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association (ASCOTA), now the Association of Student Delegates (ASD), surveyed existing chapters about standards to establish and maintain a national honor society. Respondents voted strongly in favor of achieving recognition by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) which required adoption of unified selection criteria, a unified constitution by all chapters, a minimum of 10 Chapters, and a uniform set of election criteria. At the time, 27 chapters existed across the country.In 1988, ASCOTA approached the Board of Directors of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation for sponsorship and assistance in achieving recognition as a national honor society. This request was accepted, as sponsorship of Pi Theta Epsilon was viewed by the foundation as consistent with its charter and its efforts to support the development of scholars and leaders to support advancement of occupational therapy. An advisory committee was established and an operating budget was provided to support Pi Theta Epsilon activities through 1994. Work was undertaken to increase the number of chapters; register a logo, and become recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). By March 1995, progress toward each of these goals had been achieved, and there were 43 operational chapters in the United States. The first national elections for officers for were held in 1989 and a quarterly newsletter, The Scroll & Pen, was produced. In 2008, the AOTF Bylaws were amended to include the PTE president as a voting member of the foundation Board of Directors. There are currently over 80 active chapters.
Trademark/Logo of the Society
On November 23, 1993, the Pi Theta Epsilon Service Mark (logo) (shown upper right) was published in the Trademarks Official Gazette. A Certificate of Registration was issued soon thereafter. This logo is depicted on the official pin that can be worn only by Pi Theta Epsilon members.
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