Sigma Phi Omega, Gamma Chi Chapter

The Sacramento State Gerontology Program is a member of the only national honor and professional society in gerontology, Sigma Phi Omega. Since 1980, the Sigma Phi Omega National Honor and Professional Society has recognized the excellence of those who study gerontology/aging, as well as professionals in the field of aging service. The purpose of the program’s Gamma Chi chapter is to promote scholarship, professionalism, friendship and services to older persons, and to recognize extraordinary achievements in gerontology, aging studies, and related fields. Eligible Sacramento State and American River College students will be invited to membership each year shortly before our Annual Induction Ceremony in the Spring. Interested community members should contact our office.

Sacramento State Student Requirements: Undergraduate Gerontology Major or Minor students must have an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher and be enrolled in the second term (or later) of declared gerontology studies. Graduate students must have completed at least 6 units of graduate level Gerontology courses, and must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.

American River College Student Requirements: Students must have completed at least 20 units and have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Membership Fees: $25.00 initial fee for students. $40.00 for community members. Renewable annually.

Benefits

Privileges of Membership in Sigma Phi Omega include:

• Acknowledgement of your academic and professional excellence.
• Opportunities to meet, network and socialize with others in the aging field.
• Gain professional support in your career.
• Apply for certain scholarships.
• Invitation to attend local and national conferences, lectures and special events.
• Receive a subscription to the national newsletter.
• Receive a certificate and lapel pin.
• Buy special graduation attire.

Online Gerontology Resources

• Sacramento County Aging Resources
• Gerontology Resource Guide
• Administration on Aging General aging information in 8 languages.
• Age Work Career Center For employers and job seekers in the aging field.
• Alzheimer's Association - Greater Sacramento Chapter Information, support and Alzheimer's research.
• Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center Information about causes, symptoms and treatments.
• Alzheimer's Society Information about dementia.
• AARP Information and opportunities for people over 50.
• American Health Assistance Foundation - Alzheimer's Research Risk factors, symptoms and prevention of Alzheimer's.
• American Society on Aging Community resources for the aging population.
• Assisted Living Directory - California Directory of Assisted Living facilities in California.
• Assisted Living Directory - Sacramento Directory of Assisted Living facilities in Sacramento.
• Association for Gerontology in Higher Education Colleges and universities promote education, training and research courses in aging.
• California Association for Adult Day Health Services (CAADS) Non-profit organization promoting adult day services instead of institutionalized care.
• California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) Guide to long term care services and resources.
• California Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (CAHSA) Aging advocacy and job opportunities.
• California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) Home care association with legislative information.
• California Council of the Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's education and advocacy.
• California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics Information about education and legislation relating to sick and well elders.
• California Health Care Foundation Resources including health plans, health policy, Medicare, financing and propositions.
• California Nursing Home Search Information on selecting a nursing home and interactive nursing home look-up by city.
• Community Services Planning Council (CSPC) A catalyst to ensure that all residents have access to the amenities and services that make the Sacramento Region the most livable community in California.
• Congress of California Seniors This website is one of the many ways CCS keeps California seniors, their families and their communities informed about important issues.
• Elder Link Free senior referrals and care information.
• Elder Living Source Search options and information regarding Elder Living Facilities.
• Family Caregiver Alliance Resource for caregivers including research, advice and public policy. Available in English, Spanish and Chinese.
• GeroWeb Online encyclopedia for aging related topics including volunteer groups, death and dying, retirement, social groups, minorities, etc.
• Gerontology Society of America Scientific information about aging.
• Health Care Finance Administration Government Center for Medicare and Medicaid services.
• Kaiser Family Foundation Updated health care information.
• Modern HealthCare Journal A magazine that discusses health care including such topics as: patient care, legal affairs, technology, surveys and the top 100 hospitals.
• National Council on Aging Information on aging, advocacy, research and jobs.
• National Institute on Health An agency part of the Department of Health and Human Services. A medical research center devoted to healthy living.
• Needy Meds Comprehensive medication information.
• Retirement Housing Foundation Search for retirement housing in the U.S..
• Sacramento Network of Care Community resource for the elderly and people with disabilities, including their caregivers and service providers.
• Social Security Administration Information about Social Security and its benefits.
• White House National White House webpage.

Advisory Council Roster

Advisory Council members meet annually to discuss the Gerontology Program, its future, and its role in the community.

The Council aids in raising awareness of the Gerontology Program in the Sacramento area, helps to strengthen the Program, and provides important community connections for our graduates.

If your contact information needs to be updated, or if you are interested in becoming a member of the Council, please contact us.