Department Seeks Members for New Campus Chapter of Language Honor Society

The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures (LLC) is pleased to announce the establishment of Seton Hall University’s Omicron Zeta Chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma (AMG), the National Collegiate Foreign Language Honor Society.

With more than 300 chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, AMG is the first and largest honor society of its kind in the country. Its guiding mission is to recognize students’ exceptional achievements in all foreign languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). “Alpha Mu Gamma” derives from the Greek “Amphi Mouse Glosson,” or “For the Muse of Languages.” The motto is “Search with eyes aloft,” (“Alte vestiga oculis," from Virgil’s "Aeneid," Book VI — “Hypselois ophthalmois theoreite” in Greek).

In addition to being acknowledged for excellence in foreign language and sign language studies, members of Alpha Mu Gamma qualify for exclusive scholarships. Additional benefits include being able to highlight membership on one’s professional credentials — a signal of academic excellence — as well as connecting with others who share interest and talents in foreign languages and cultures. Members also receive graduation regalia so they can proudly represent their accomplishments at commencement. Membership is for life.

“The LLC is proud to introduce this new form of recognition for our students. Proficiency in additional languages is too often underestimated, yet it provides profound personal enrichment and significant professional advantages in an increasingly interconnected world. An honor society such as Alpha Mu Gamma offers a meaningful platform for our department and the University to celebrate our students’ achievements while affirming the enduring value and transformative impact of foreign language study,” said Youssef Yacoubi, Ph.D., professor of Arabic and Middle East Studies and Omicron Zeta Chapter advisor for Alpha Mu Gamma.

Eligibility for Alpha Mu Gamma is determined by specific grade and GPA requirements: Membership is open to undergraduate students who possess two final course grades of “A” in two college-level courses (each at least 3 semester units) of the same foreign language or ASL. Students who are natives of a non-English speaking country may possess two final course grades of “A” in college-level English or English as a Second Language (ESL). All candidates must also have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of “B” in college-level work.

Global Learning Center Director, Jessica Wilson, commented, “As an ESL instructor, I’m especially pleased that AMG includes international students who are strengthening their English proficiency while completing their degrees. I also appreciate the Society’s recognition of sign languages as distinct from spoken languages and significant both academically and personally. It’s deeply rewarding to have helped bring this opportunity to our department, the University and above all, our students.”

Faculty members who wish to nominate a student for Alpha Mu Gamma are encouraged to contact Professor Yacoubi. Students may also self-nominate and should reach out to Professor Yacoubi to confirm their eligibility. Initiation and award ceremonies will be held toward the end of each spring semester, beginning Spring 2026.

For more information about other language- and culture-related honor societies at Seton Hall, visit the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

The Global Learning Center is a campus academic support center for language students within the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

Categories: Arts and Culture