SGE - The Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon

The Society of Sigma Gamma Epsilon is a national honorary society for the earth sciences. The Society was established to recognize scholarship and professionalism in the Earth Sciences.  It has for its objectives the scholastic, 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.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

    The Society was established to recognize scholarship and professionalism in the Earth Sciences.  It has for its objectives the scholastic, 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.

HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT

    The Society was founded on March 30, 1915, at The University of Kansas.  Nearly 150 chapters throughout the United States have been installed since 1915.  Epsilon Eta Chapter at Radford University was chartered in 1983.  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 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours in Earth Science courses and has maintained a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 (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, see the Chair of the Department of Geology who will propose you for membership.  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 or a listing of it on a resume (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 may 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 or awards or to purchase items needed for student use which the department cannot afford.  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 $20 dollars is charged.  This initiation fee is placed in a fund used to defray the costs of the National Convention.  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, plus any local chapter dues.  a portion of these annual dues pays for the publication of the four issues of The Compass contains student papers and articles by practicing earth scientist in addition to news and notes about the Society.  No page or plate charges are assessed students who publish in The Compass.  After leaving school, you may become an Active Alumni Member and continue to receive The Compass by payment of $15 per year to the National Office, or a single fee of $175 for a life membership including a Compass subscription.

Last updated:  10/26/2007; K. Knight, webmaster, klknight@radford.edu