Irving Bacheller Society Constitution
CONSTITUTION OF THE IRVING BACHELLER SOCIETY
Alpha Mu Beta Chapter of SIGMA TAU DELTA
The International English Honor Society
The Irving Bacheller Society takes its name from a member of the St. Lawrence University class of 1882, the popular journalist and author of Eben Holden, the first bestseller of the twentieth century. It is an honorary organization comprised of students who have exhibited enthusiasm for, and demonstrated proficiency in, the study of literature in English.
Eligibility for membership is determined by the following requirements: students who have completed at least four English courses must have a 3.5 grade point average in English; students who have completed at least six English courses must have at least a 3.25 grade point average in English. Overall cumulative GPA in each case must be in the top 35% of the class but not lower than a 3.0.
Seniors applying for membership with only four courses must have taken at least one course at the 300-400 level.
Applications from seniors will only be considered in the FALL of their graduation year.
Transfer students who have completed four English courses at St. Lawrence and elsewhere are eligible for admission to the Irving Bacheller Society. Such students must have completed at least two of those English courses at St. Lawrence, one of which must be at the 300-400 level, and the grades in their St. Lawrence English courses must be at least 3.5. Transfer students who have completed six English courses at St. Lawrence and elsewhere are also eligible for admission. Such students must have completed at least three of those English courses at St. Lawrence, at least one of which must be at the 300-400 level, and the grades in their St. Lawrence courses must be at least 3.25. A transfer student’s grade point average must meet the same criteria as all other applicants.
To maintain good standing, IBS members are required to participate in at least two service activities per semester. Eligible activities must be approved by the IBS president. In addition, members in good standing can miss no more than two IBS meetings per semester. Members who fail to maintain good standing will be referred to the faculty advisor for possible revocation of membership.
Members may also maintain good standing through professional development in literature and/or writing. Examples of appropriate development activities include submission of an abstract to the annual Sigma Tau Delta international convention; submission to one of Sigma Tau Delta’s journals; or career counseling offered through the office of Career Services. Each semester, in lieu of attendance at a regularly scheduled meeting of IBS, juniors may substitute a maximum of one professional development activity; seniors may substitute a maximum of two. Professional development activities in addition to those listed above must be approved by the faculty advisor.
If you have any questions regarding the requirements, please contact the English department office, Richardson 102, (315) 229-5125, or Dr. Ann Hubert, faculty advisor, as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Successful applicants will be notified by email as soon as possible.
DUES FOR MEMBERSHIP ARE $45.00
(dues will be deducted from your student account.
THE INDUCTION CEREMONY IS GENERALLY HELD IN APRIL.