About Gamma Theta Upsilon
Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) is an international geography honor society that was founded in 1928 to recognize achievement in the community of student and professional geographers. GTU has student chapters in geography departments throughout the United States, as well as abroad. Membership in GTU requires meeting a standard of academic achievement in geography and a formal initiation. UAF's GTU chapter, Eta Iota, organizes activities for geography students and for the general public throughout the academic year, including field trips and special presentations on geographic topics. All geography students are welcome to participate in these activities, regardless of membership in GTU.
For information about membership and current GTU activities at UAF, contact Chris Van Dyck fncrv@uaf.edu
Eligibility for Membership
Persons seeking membership must be initiated through an established chapter of
Gamma Theta Upsilon. A chapter is also maintained for Alumni after graduation. There
are two classes of membership in GTU:
Regular Member: Initiates must have completed a minimum of 3 geography courses,
have a B average in geography, must rank in the upper 35% of their class and shall have
completed at least 3 semester or 5 quarters of college course work.
Honorary Member: A chapter may extend honorary membership to anyone whom it feels
has, by exploration, research, lecturing, publishing, teaching, or any other way contributed to marked advancement
in any phase of Geography. The fees for Honorary membership are paid by the local chapter.
The Purposes of GTU are:
to further professional interest in Geography by affording a common organization for those interested in the field;
to strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences in addition to those of the classroom and laboratory;
to advance the status of Geography as a cultural and practical discipline for study and investigation;
to encourage student research of high quality, and to promote an outlet for publication;
to create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in the field of Geography.
Why should you join GTU?
Gamma Theta Upsilon membership is earned through superior scholarship; it is an honor, and a professional distinction. Members receive a handsome certificate, suitable for framing. No further membership dues are paid to the national organization after the initiation fee. Many members choose to remain active in GTU after graduation, by joining Omega Omega, the Alumni Chapter of GTU.
Benefits of GTU Membership:
Chapters sponsor speakers, campus-wide programs, field trips and social events and participate in service functions.
Members can participate in numerous extra-curricular activities.
Membership provides a network where you can become better acquainted with other geography students and can meet and talk with geography faculty informally.
Members can improve their expertise in the field of geography by learning things not normally dealt with in the classroom.
Members are eligible to apply for Gamma Theta Upsilon scholarships.
Membership in an academic honor society is evidence of your dedication and competency in your career field. Some employers give hiring preference to honor society members.
The Geographical Bulletin
This scholarly journal is published twice a year by GTU. Articles concerning any area of geographical interest are solicited from students and faculty. Initiates receive two free issues after initiation and may subsequently renew their subscription.
Educational Fund
An Educational Fund was established to support publications, scholarships, and other activities. Five scholarships are awarded annually to Gamma Theta Upsilon members: three to undergraduates; one to a senior entering graduate school; and one to a continuing graduate student.
Visiting Geographical Scientist Program (VGSP)
The Visiting Geographical Scientist Program, funded by GTU and administered by the Association of American Geographers (AAG), provides an opportunity for chapters to host a distinguished geographer on their campus. The visiting geographer will give a lecture on a topic in geography will give a lecture on a topic in geography and meet with faculty, students and administrators.
International Organization
The society is governed under a constitution and by-laws. Nine elected officers, including two student representatives, form the Executive Committee. The annual business meeting, held in at the fall meeting of the National Council for Geographic Education, is open to all GTU members and other interested persons.
Local Chapters
Local Chapters are chartered by Gamma Theta Upsilon at colleges and universities. GTU chapters sponsor a variety of activities that support geographical learning.
Alumni Chapter
The Omega Omega chapter serves alumni of all chapters. After graduation, alumni members are encouraged to join the Omega Omega and receive continuing benefits from active affiliation with the Society.
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