Delaware Valley University to Charter Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society for Students With Disabilities

Delaware Valley University proudly announced its chartering of the Iota Mu chapter of Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society, becoming the 228th institution to join the prestigious organization. Delta Alpha Pi recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements of students with disabilities at higher-education institutions nationwide.

The inaugural induction ceremony for the Iota Mu chapter is scheduled for April 25, 2024. Thirty-three high-achieving students from diverse majors and class years will comprise the first class of inductees.

Kelly Hojnacki, assistant dean of students for accessibility services, and Sarah Masucci, assistant director for accessibility services, will serve as co-advisors for the honor society, providing guidance and support to its members.

“We are very excited for the chapter to begin and look forward to working with the first cohort of inductees to grow the society at DelVal and open new opportunities to our community,” said Hojnacki.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 20% of students in higher education have disabilities, with that number steadily increasing. Delta Alpha Pi aims to provide a supportive community for students with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities, fostering academic excellence and leadership development.

Membership in Delta Alpha Pi is open to all undergraduate and graduate students at DelVal, including transfers. To qualify, undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 24 credits and maintain a GPA of 3.10 or higher, while graduate students must complete a minimum of 18 credits with a GPA of 3.30 or higher, along with having a disability.

Benefits of membership include access to a nationwide network of over 3,200 members, opportunities for scholarships, participation in leadership activities, and more.

“Part of our mission and vision Statements for the Office of Accessibility Services states that we foster an inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment which promotes student growth and the ability to advocate for individualized needs,” Masucci added. “Thriving students maintain a positive perspective as they engage in learning both in and beyond the classroom. Delta Alpha Pi fits directly into this mission as it will help us support an environment for our students to achieve academic success and be more incentivized knowing that their hard work is not going unnoticed.”

Delaware Valley University is committed to promoting an inclusive and accessible learning environment where every student can thrive. The establishment of the Iota Mu chapter of Delta Alpha Pi reinforces this commitment and provides a platform for students with disabilities to excel academically and contribute to the university community.

For more information about Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society at DelVal, visit the office of accessibility services webpage at delval.edu/accessibility-services.

About Delaware Valley University

Delaware Valley University is a private, comprehensive, nonprofit university educating students with a curriculum that emphasizes and requires experiential learning. Located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles north of Philadelphia, the University offers 28 undergraduate majors in business, arts and sciences, and agricultural and environmental sciences; ten master's degrees; and a doctorate in education. Founded in 1896, DelVal has been cited by the National Society for Experiential Education as having the country's top experiential learning program, by Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Northeast, and by College Factual as having one of the top 20 animal science programs in the country.