Starting a Chapter and Inducting Members/Officers
Q: How do I select ALPHA IOTA SIGMA student inductees?
A: ALPHA IOTA SIGMA student inductees are chosen via faculty recommendation letters (minimum of 2) including at least one from a faculty member teaching in the interdisciplinary studies curriculum. ALPHA IOTA SIGMA student inductees are also selected for their exemplary GPA.
Q: What are the national requirements for student membership?
A: Student members must be currently enrolled in a member college or university, be majoring in an interdisciplinary program as noted in the chapter application, hold a GPA of 3.3 or higher if their local chapter requires it, and present to the National Council two letters of recommendation with at least one from a faculty member teaching in the interdisciplinary studies curriculum. Local chapters may have additional requirements.
Q: How do I conduct the ALPHA IOTA SIGMA initiation ceremony?
A: ALPHA IOTA SIGMA chapters are urged to plan the initiation ceremony in keeping with their program and university policies.
Q: How do I select ALPHA IOTA SIGMA chapter officers and what are their duties?
A: The Faculty Sponsor and her/his program should set the criteria for chapter officer elections. The national council has established three chapter officer roles - President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer.
The President will call meetings, preside at meetings, appoint committees, and provide general supervision of the affairs of the society in consultation with the Faculty Sponsor.
The Vice-President will assist the President and assume the responsibilities of the President in case of his/her absence.
The Secretary/Treasurer will collect all dues and assessments of members; to pay bills sanctioned by the society; to keep an account of all receipts and expenditures (with the assistance of the Vice-President); to keep and read minutes of meetings; and to report on the activities and financial status of the chapter at each regular meeting and at the yearly meeting of the National Council. Additional duties may be assigned by the local chapter’s Faculty Sponsor as necessary.
Chapter Functions/Responsibilities
Q: What type of activities can/should my ALPHA IOTA SIGMA chapter accomplish?
A: ALPHA IOTA SIGMA chapters are urged to plan research, service, and recognition events in keeping with their program and university policies. A highlight for students is the ALPHA IOTA SIGMA commencement honor cord. Faculty Sponsors should work with the National Council to secure the appropriate cords for their student members well before each commencement ceremony.
Q: What is required of an ALPHA IOTA SIGMA chapter?
A: Each local chapter must include a Faculty Sponsor and student chapter officers of President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer. Each chapter must adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws, maintain institutional membership in ALPHA IOTA SIGMA, and send at least one representative to the yearly ALPHA IOTA SIGMA Conference to participate in the annual meeting of the National Council. Each chapter must have at least one regular meeting of the chapter each term. All fees – chapter induction, member induction, annual membership fee, and local membership feel (if required) – must be paid.
Q: What costs are involved?
A: There is a one-time chapter installation fee of $50 payable within two weeks of Chapter Installation, a member induction fee of $30 per member payable within two weeks of induction, and an annual chapter fee of $30 payable annually – due October 31 each year.
Q: Can I use a departmental credit card to pay for my ALPHA IOTA SIGMA order?
A Yes, credit card payments can be made directly online at (LINK)
Q: How do ALPHA IOTA SIGMA members participate in the annual Association for Interdisciplinary Studies conference?
A: Each chapter is required to send at least one representative to the annual conference of the Association for Interdisciplinary Studies conference and to the annual meeting of the National Council held during the conference. Chapters are encouraged to register as many chapter members as possible for this rich opportunity for interdisciplinary research, connection, and collaboration. Local chapters are responsible for all fees related to member participation in the annual conference.
Q: Does ALPHA IOTA SIGMA offer any awards?
A: Please attend the 2013 National Council meeting for discussion about this wonderful opportunity. Feel free to suggest additional agenda items by contacting National Council faculty co-coordinators Michelle Buchberger or Julie Borkin.
Q. Have a question or suggestion not covered here?
A: Contact Faculty Co-Coordinators Michelle Buchberger or Julie Borkin
michelle.buchberger@franklin.edu or borkin@oakland.edu