Recognizing Honor and Leadership Societies

Policy Statement

This policy is intended to provide information regarding the recognition of Honor and Leadership Societies by the University.

Reason for Policy

To establish a standardized process for Adelphi University to evaluate and incorporate new honor and leadership societies. Given the significant number of societies that actively solicit student membership, it is essential that the University affiliate only with those societies that provide demonstrable benefits to students. This process helps safeguard student participation by directing them toward organizations that enhance academic achievement, leadership development, and professional advancement, while upholding the University’s commitment to excellence and integrity.

Who Is Governed by this Policy

Faculty, Staff and Students

Policy

• Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to bring new honor and leadership societies to the attention of the University. Committees of University administrators and faculty will determine if they are suitable for endorsement by the institution. This policy defines the process for vetting these groups.
• All approved societies and their campus advisor must be added to the list of Adelphi recognized honor societies so this remains current.

Definitions

This policy does not have definitions associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy.

Procedures

• For societies that are grounded in a discipline or primarily academic in nature, a new society will be vetted by the faculty member in the academic discipline of the society, the Dean overseeing the discipline, the Dean of the Honors College, and the Provost. This group will consult with the Association of College Honor Societies that vets honors societies and recognizes those it deems promote “the values of higher education; fosters excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and research; and adheres to the standards of honor society excellence.”
• For societies that are grounded in Student Affairs co-curricula programs, services and leadership, a new society will be vetted by the Assistant Vice President and Vice President of Student affairs. This group will consult with the Association of College Honor Societies that vets honors societies and recognizes those it deems promote “the values of higher education; fosters excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and research; and adheres to the standards of honor society excellence.”

Forms

This policy does not have forms associated with it at this time. Upon periodic policy review this area will be evaluated to determine if additional information is needed to supplement the policy. Applications from faculty, staff, and students should comply with the ACHS Eligibility Requirements.

Related Information

ACHS Eligibility Requirements

The Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) recognizes certified member societies that uphold academic excellence and promote leadership among students. These societies offer membership to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their coursework and related activities.

General Classification

These societies accept students from any major, provided they meet established academic criteria. Membership eligibility is primarily based on scholarship. Students in the top 20% of their class or with a GPA of at least 3.5 for scholarship-focused memberships. Students in the top 35% or with a GPA of at least 3.3 for those who also demonstrate leadership.

Specialized Classification

These societies focus on specific fields of study and have similar GPA requirements (top 35% or GPA of at least 3.3). Membership categories are the same as in the general classification.

To be a certified member society, an organization must:

• Be recognized as a 501(c) charitable organization.
• Establish criteria for membership based on academic and other achievements.
• Maintain democratic governance and non-discrimination policies.
• Regularly report on membership and governance changes.

Certified member societies must continuously meet ACHS requirements and support its mission.

Certified societies can establish collegiate chapters at accredited institutions, maintaining active status based on institutional support and accreditation. They may also create alumni chapters based on various groupings.

Document History

• Last Reviewed Date: December 22, 2025
• Last Revised Date: December 22, 2025
• Policy Origination Date: October 27, 2025

Who Approved This Policy

Executive Leadership