NSCS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why should I join NSCS? NSCS is an honors organization recognizing first- and second-year students for outstanding academic achievement. As a member, you have the opportunity to join a national organization that not only recognizes outstanding students, but also provides opportunities for members to develop leadership skills and get involved with their communities. Who can join NSCS? NSCS was originally founded with the intent to give first and second year students an opportunity to grow in leadership development and increase their involvement in the community. However, it has come to encompass the entire collegiate experience with some members even remaining active post graduation. Only students who rank in the top 20th percentile of their class and have a minimum GPA of 3.4 are invited to join. Other requirements include completing between 9 and 59 credits at the institution where the student is nominated. This credit requirement does not include transfer or AP credit and members who hold junior or senior status at MSU for either of these reasons are still eligible to join. How do you determine eligibility? 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. How is NSCS different from other organizations on campus? 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. How many chapters are there? Currently, we have chapters at 218 colleges and universities nationwide, in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. They include The George Washington University, where we were chartered in 1994, Princeton, UCLA, UC-Berkeley, the University of Virginia, Howard University, the United States Naval Academy, Rice, Brigham Young, and Dartmouth. For a complete listing click here. What is the Merit Award?? The Merit Award is a $1,000 monetary award granted to 50 new members each year. Award recipients are selected based on how they exemplify Society’s mission to honor and inspire academic excellence and engaged citizenship for a lifetime. Recipients are announced at campus Induction Convocations in the fall. All new members are welcome to apply at nscs.org. The deadline to apply is July 1. What is the membership fee used for? The membership fee of $75 is used to provide benefits and services to members. These benefits include funding to the chapter for activities; a personalized diploma; an on-campus induction ceremony; networking and career resources; scholarships (including the Merit Award); and leadership development (an annual leadership summit and opportunities to serve in national and campus leadership positions). The fee also helps offset NSCS’ administrative costs. The fee is for lifetime membership, entitling members to on-going access to NSCS’ resources and services. Benefits and opportunities are also available through our alumni program. NSCS is a 501 (c) 3, not-for profit organization and all income is used for the development and operation of the Society. What happens when I join? Once you join NSCS, you will receive a confirmation of your membership, a membership diploma, information about benefits, and a press release to share with local media. The names of all members are provided to your NSCS chapter officers to facilitate informing you about NSCS activities and services on your campus. What is the induction convocation? The Induction Convocation provides members the opportunity to be formally inducted into the Society and receive their membership pins. The ceremony is an opportunity to learn more about NSCS and meet chapter leadership. The induction is also attended by a member of the 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. Members are highly encouraged to attend the induction. Although members are not required to go to the induction to be part of this organization or participate in chapter activities, involvement is the key to a more fulfilling NSCS experience. The ceremony is also a great opportunity for members to be publicly recognized for their accomplishments. Family and guests are welcome to attend. What support is available from the NSCS office? 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. What is the NSCS Leadership Summit? The Leadership Summit is held each summer, locations vary each year.  The Summit offers more than just tips on how to run a better society. Each Summit includes a group service event and social gatherings.  The 2006 NSCS Leadership Summit will be July 27-30 in Louisville, Kentucky. NSCS members, officers, and advisors are encouraged to attend. Summit participants 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 Hear motivational speakers Gain experience by making a presentation to other NSCS members Have fun How involved do I have to be? NSCS 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.