National College Honorary Societies

**In addition to the College of Letters and Science Honors Program, UCSB also hosts chapters of a variety of national honors societies. While not directly tied to Letters and Science, these societies have continually been reinforced by the participation of students from the honors program.**

Alpha Lambda Delta was founded in 1924 at the University of Illinois. Alpha Lambda Delta has over 225 chapters in the United States. Its mission is to encourage superior academic achievement, to promote intelligent living and a high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals in society. UCSB freshman are eligible to join Alpha Lambda Delta if they have maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA and are in the top 20% of their class during their first year or term of higher education. Invitations for membership are mailed to eligible students after spring quarter grades become available. For more information, please visit Alpha Lambda Delta's website at http://www.nationalald.org/.

The Golden Key National Honor Society invites juniors and seniors who are in the top 15% of their class by cumulative GPA. Golden Key promotes academic excellence and service to the community. In the past, activities have included tutoring students, painting the Isla Vista Child Care Center, and adopting high school students to introduce them to the campus. For additional information, you can visit the Golden Key local chapter website at http://.orgs.sa.ucsb.edu/goldenkey/ or the Golden Key website at http://www.goldenkey.org/GKWeb.

Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most eminent honorary society was founded in 1776 to "recognize and encourage scholarship, friendship, and cultural interests." The election of new members takes place annually by a faculty committee in April, based initially on overall UC GPA and thereafter on a program of study emphasizing breadth of intellectual curiosity. Further information is available at www.oiss.ucsb.edu/pbk or contact the chapter recording secretary, Mary Jacob, Director, Office of International Students & Scholars, by contacting 434, 893-2929, jacob-m@sa.ucsb.edu.

The UC Santa Barbara Mortar Board Chapter is a small group of over 50 seniors selected annually from among the top 15% of their class, based upon an application submitted during the junior year. UCSB chapter is one of over 200 chapters that make up Mortar Board, an 85 year-old national honors society that recognizes college seniors for distinguished ability and achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service. Mortar Board provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities, and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Philanthropic activities in previous years have included delivering food and medical supplies to a Mexican orphanage, donating holiday gifts to needy families, working with Isla Vista Elementary School on a literacy project, and participating in AIDS awareness activities. For more information, contact Erin Eve, Membership Chair, at mortarboardsb@gmail.com.

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a national honors organization for first-and second year students which recognizes outstanding academic achievement and encourages members to become involved with community service and leadership development. First-or second-year students with a minimum GPA of 3.40 will be invited to join during spring quarter. Additional information is available at www.nscs.org or you by contacting Amelia Bowen, president, at aebowen@umail.ucsb.edu

The reasons for joining these societies are as diverse as their members. Many students seek to take advantage of the opportunity to serve the school and community. Excellent opportunities are provided for those with initiative, creativity, and concern for others. Whether it is your ambition to lead or simply to see others benefit from your service, check into the national honorary societies here on campus. You'll be amazed to discover that participation is worth significantly more than just another entry on your r‚sum‚.

***For more information concerning eligibility, membership activities, and officers within Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key, and Mortar Board, the office of Student Life's website: www.sa.ucsb.edu/orgs.***