The purposes of Eta Sigma Phi are to develop and promote interest in classical study among the students of colleges and universities; to promote closer fraternal relationship among students who are interested in classical study, and to stimulate interest in classical study, and in the history, art, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. Members are elected by local chapters which have been chartered by the society. Most members are undergraduates but chapters can also initiate graduate students, faculty, and honorees. There are 182 chapters of Eta Sigma Phi throughout the United States.
Benefits of membership include:
• a membership card and certificate
• subscription to Nuntius, the biannual newsletter of the society
• an annual national convention including a certamen and banquet
• the opportunity to give academic presentations before an audience of peers and scholars
• annual sight translation exams in Latin and Greek
• honors cords and sashes for graduation
• bronze and silver medals of achievement
• eligibility for summer travel scholarships to Greece, Rome or southern Italy
• eligibility for a Latin teacher training scholarship.