Alpha Kappa Mu Rating, Reviews and Requirements. Is it worth it?
REQUIREMENTS
The membership of Alpha Kappa Mu shall be open to men and women who meet the requirements for eligibility and shall consist of collegiate, alumni, local honorary, laureate honorary and life members.
Collegiate chapters shall elect members from a list of those scholastically eligible and approved by the chapter advisor(s). An affirmative vote by the majority of chapter members present at a regular meeting is necessary for election to membership. Candidates are not inducted in absentia.
Undergraduate Students - An undergraduate student shall be eligible to be elected as a collegiate member if the individual:
- is registered as full time, and is in good standing with the institution at which the chapter is located
- is at least a junior in a degree program, and has completed 50 percent of the requirements for graduation
- has a minimum grade-point average of 3.3, when A = 4
- is ranked in the upper 10 percent of the class
- exemplifies good character
- exhibits the potential for leadership and service
SUMMARY
AKM was founded at Tennessee A & I College (now known as Tennessee State University) in Nashville, Tennessee on November 26, 1937.
What fields of study do AKM cover? AKM is a general scholarship honor society open to junior and senior men and women in all academic areas.
What is the current membership? 91,990 members and 67 active chapters.
What are the fees? The induction fee is $60 for undergraduates, and $65 for graduates. The fee covers the cost of the certificate, membership card, and key. Chapters may add local dues to help fund chapter events and subsidize convention attendance. The National dues are $15 for alumni and $10 for undergraduates, and this allows full participation in all activities of the Society. Life membership is $300 and provides the same benefits.
Is AKM a democratic society? The Society utilizes its Constitution & Bylaws in all actions taken. Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by any active chapter. The final step in the procedure for such amendments is a two-thirds affirmative vote by the Society while in Convention.
What is the election process for National Officers? A nominating committee of three alumni/faculty members and one student member is appointed by the President in non-convention years. The Committee presents its slate of officers at the business meeting at the National Convention where the voting takes place. Persons nominated must have agreed to serve in order to be included in the ballot. The seated delegate and the members of the Executive Committee are those persons who are eligible to cast ballots. The Executive Secretary-Treasurer and the director of Public Relations are elected by the Executive Council and serve at its pleasure.
What are the Society's colors? The national and honor cord colors are Royal Blue and White.
OUR REVIEW
Observation #1: There wasn’t too much information on the society in regards to what chapters do or how they hold meetings, so we would have liked to see more detail on that.
Observation #2: This is a general scholarship society, and while niche societies are usually preferable, the more general societies leave more options open to members.
Observation #3: Students must be in the upper 10th percent of their class, as opposed to the usual “top fifth,” which makes this society more inclusive!
