Q: Why Should I join NSCS?

A: The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is an honors organization which recognizes first and second year students for outstanding scholastic ability. If you have been invited to join, you have the opportunity to get involved in a national organization that not only recognizes outstanding students but also provides opportunities for members to develop leadership skills and get involved with your community.

Q: Who Can Join NSCS?

A: NSCS is a first and second year student organization. We recognize that many students arrive at college with AP Credit and these students are eligible to join during the first or second year of their college experience. Once you are a third or fourth year student you are no longer eligible to join. Students who join NSCS, though, are lifetime members and can be active throughout their college experience.

Q: How is NSCS different from other organizations on campus?

A: NSCS recognizes that a college campus provides many opportunities for students to get involved. NSCS is an organization that recognizes students who do well academically during the most difficult period of transitioning from high school to college. Once you are a member, NSCS provides opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

Q: How do you determine eligibility?

A: The Board of Directors for NSCS has established the criteria for membership to be a 3.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. This is a very respectable grade point average during the early career of a college student. While the Board recognizes that exemplary GPAs may vary by major and school, the criteria to be a member of NSCS remain consistent from chapter to chapter.

Q: How many chapters are there?

A: Currently, we have active chapters on over 148 campuses. They include The George Washington University, where we were chartered in 1994, the University of California-Berkeley, Northwestern, Cornell, UCLA, Dartmouth, Boston College, the University of Virginia and Duke. We are currently working to charter on additional campuses to provide more students with the opportunity to be a part of NSCS.

Q: What is the Merit Award?

A: The Merit Award is given annually to one outstanding new member in each chapter. The amount of the Merit Award is $250.00 and selection is based upon the information provided in the new member profile. The Board of Directors for NSCS selects the Merit Award recipient and the new member selected is a person who best embodies the three pillars of the organization.

Q: What is the membership fee used for?

A: The membership fee is used to provide benefits and services to members of the Society. These benefits include funding to the chapter for activities, a personalized diploma and cover for each member, an on-campus Induction program, the Merit Award, and an annual leadership summit. The fee also helps offset NSCS's administrative costs and the salaries of the national staff who work with chapters. The fee is a lifetime membership fee entitling each member to on-going access to NSCS's resources and services. NSCS is a 501 (c) 3, not-for profit, organization and all income is used for the development and operation of the Society.

Q: What happens when I join?

A: Once you join NSCS, you will be sent a confirmation of membership and have the opportunity to verify the correct spelling of your name for your diploma. Returning this information will make you eligible for consideration for the chapter Merit Award. The names of all members are provided to the NSCS chapter officers to facilitate informing you about NSCS activities and services on your campus.

Q: What is the Induction Convocation?

A: The Induction Convocation provides members the opportunity to be formally inducted into the Society. The convocation is planned by the Chapter Officers and is attended by a member of the NSCS National Staff. The induction typically lasts one hour and dress is business casual. The chapter arranges for a keynote speaker from campus or the local community. Refreshments are provided and family and guests are welcome to attend.

Q: What support is available from the NSCS office?

A: The National Society of Collegiate Scholars has a full time staff based in Washington, DC whose function is to support our campus chapters. The staff members have significant experience in Higher Education and are committed to promoting the overall development of students affiliated with NSCS.

Q: What is the NSCS Leadership Summit?

A: Each summer NSCS holds a Summit to plan and prepare for the following year. All members of NSCS are invited and encouraged to attend. During the summit you will have the opportunity to: meet NSCS leaders from other chapters; exchange ideas about successful programs; develop personal leadership and career building skills; participate in a service project in the local community; attend sessions designed to assist you and your chapter in planning for a productive year; hear motivational speakers; and learn about a variety of opportunities you might want to consider for your future.

Q: How Involved Do I Have to Be?

A: NSCS is provides a unique opportunity to get involved in a chapter and make a difference on your campus and in the community. Your level of involvement is the key to maximizing the benefit of being a member. However, experience has shown that NSCS attracts many highly motivated and successful students who want the honor of NSCS membership but do not have the time to participate in regular chapter activities. There is no minimum time commitment to be a member.

Q: How is NSCS governed?

A: The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is overseen by a Board of Directors, consisting of educators, business professionals, the founding president and a student representative. The Board sets the policy direction for the Society and is responsible for overseeing the fiscal and operational efficiency of the association. The Executive Director, who also serves as a member of the Board of Directors, oversees the day-to-day operations.


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