[3] Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) was established on January 1, 1985, with the chartering of the Alpha chapter at Ohio University.

[1] Thomas J. Sweeney, professor emeritus of counselor education at Ohio University, was the founding president and the association’s first executive director.

[6] The wreath within CSI's logo was chosen to encircle the Greek letters ΧΣΙ as a symbol of honor earned and promise for continued commitment to high ideals.

To be eligible for membership, students must complete at least one semester of full-time graduate coursework in a counselor education degree program, earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 system, and be recommended for membership by the chapter as promising for endorsement as a professional counselor whose ethical judgment and behavior will be exemplary.

[9] Source:[10] CSI publishes the Exemplar, a quarterly magazine for members, and the Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy.

Active members of the society can volunteer to chair or serve on CSI committees and review panels for grants and awards, all of which receive charges from the Executive Council.