Honorary and Field of Study Societies

Honorary and Field of Study Societies

Yes, they look good on resumes and yes, some require more involvement than others but are they worth joining?  That depends.

These societies and organizations are different than student life organizations...you already know how I feel about the student life office at CSU.  Whereas student life organizations are overseen by the student life office and include social, fraternal and other student administered groups, honorary and major societies are larger institutions administered outside the university.

Honorary societies recognize you for your academic achievement and invite you to join.  I was the Chapter President of Golden Key International Honour Society at CSU.  This institution recognized students in the top 15% of students as determined by G.P.A. worldwide.  I used to jokingly state about Golden key that, "It's like heaven, there is only one way in and that is by invitation only".  Like Golden Key, most honorary societies will invite you to join once your grades have been established.  If you meet their minimum grade requirement and are either in their field of study or, if they accept all majors, you pay a fee and are 'inducted' into the society.

These societies exist as a recognition for academic success and are supported by any fees that you pay to join.  All societies that I am aware of charge some sort of fee.  Be sure to ask about the fee structure and how often it is paid.  You should not have to pay more than a one time joining fee (usually under $80 in my experience).  Any organization that wants you to continue to pay year after year is probably not worth your time.  Many of these organizations give "scholarships" to students.  Some monies for these scholarships come from the home office of the organization other monies come from the chapter (on campus) funds.  Golden Key gives away a million dollars a year in scholarships, other organizations give a couple of hundred bucks.  Check with your academic advisor and the department secretary about these organizations.  The student life office may not have any or correct information about these organizations.

Unlike fraternal organizations, joining honorary and societies other than fraternal organizations is not a popularity contest.  There is no voting you in or out, there isn't (or shouldn't be) any pledging period or actions necessary on your part other than simply joining.  Involvement in any of the organization's planned activities is appreciated and shows your involvement but is generally not required.

Other major or field of study societies exist.  Check with your department's secretary about any professional societies to join.  Sometimes, since this type of organization is not an 'active' campus organization, they are actually administered by the department that your major is through.  Many times these are administered by the secretaries themselves.  Rule of thumb:  ALWAYS ASK THE SECRETARY!

Note the proper name of the organization and the date which you joined.  You will want to list these on the your Curriculum Vitae and/or resume.  They look good to graduate school administrators and potential employers.  Try to hold a position in the organization if you can, but be sure that you will have the time to fulfill your responsibilities to the group.  If you can't maintain your grades and be an active member, then be a "parking lot brother / sister".  That is, be a member but be under active.  Studies come first, ALWAYS!

Recommendations:

* Don't join an organizations that requires you to pay a fee more than once
* Do some Internet research about your organization
* Attend their next meeting if it is open to the public
* Ask the secretary
* Ask your academic advisor
* Be sure that you will not be REQUIRED to attend meetings or be overly active in the organization
* Hold an officer position if you can (President, Vice President, Historian, etcetera)

***In an effort to keep the University off my back.....Please note that the information I present here may be outdated or inaccurate. My opinions and suggestions are just that, My opinions and My suggestions. I recommend verifying any and all information contained here on your own. There, now I should be okay.


Hope this helps. Keep the questions coming!


Allan