Sigma Gamma Epsilon (SGE)
Purpose
and Objective
The Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon
was established to recognize scholarship and professionalism in the Earth
Sciences. It has for its objectives the scholastic, scientific, and
professional advancement of its members and the extension of relations of friendship
and assistance among colleges and universities which are devoted to the
advancement of the Earth Sciences.
The Society was founded on March 30,
1915, at The University of Kansas. Nearly 200 chapters throughout the United
States have been installed since 1915. Government of the Society is by student
members and the ultimate legislative authority is vested in a National
Convention held every two years. It is composed of one student delegate from
each chapter and the seven national officers who are faculty members.
How
Can I Join?
Any person in any branch of the
Earth Sciences who has completed at least 10 semester hours or 15 quarter hours
in Earth Science courses and has maintained a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. (on a 4.0
system) in all Earth Science courses together with an overall G.P.A. of 2.67 in
all college courses is qualified for membership. If you qualify and wish to
apply, you need only inform any officer of your chapter who will propose you
for membership at a regular meeting. A majority vote is required by the chapter
members on your application to approve it. The vote is taken to assure that in
the eyes of the members you have demonstrated your interest in the profession
by participation in your department's activities.
Why
Should I Join?
Membership in Sigma Gamma Epsilon
and the listing of it on one’s résumé (or the wearing of a member's key or pin)
tells a prospective employer or a colleague that you are at least a
"B" average student and that in the eyes of your peers you are professionally
motivated. Members serve their departments in a number of ways such as
organizing field trips, tutoring, arranging displays, etc. Many chapters have
money-raising activities to obtain funds to use for scholarships and awards or
to purchase items needed for student use or to assist the department in other
ways. Membership also includes subscription to a professional journal, The
Compass. Members of Sigma Gamma Epsilon are encouraged to submit articles
to this highly respected journal, as it provides the opportunity to share your
research with the society. As an associated society of the Geological Society
of America, Sigma Gamma Epsilon members are entitled to GSA-member rates for
registration at national and regional meetings and for purchase of GSA
publications.
Fees
and Dues
A one-time initiation fee of $40.00
is charged. Once you are initiated you are always a member of the Society;
however, while you are a student you pay annual National Dues of $15.00, plus
any local chapter dues. A portion of these annual dues supports the publication
of The Compass, the official journal of the Society. The Compass
contains student papers and articles by practicing earth scientists in addition
to news and notes about the Society. After leaving school, you may become an
Active Alumni Member by a payment of $15.00 per year to the National Office, or
a single fee of $175.00 for a lifetime membership.