The Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) recognizes certified member societies that uphold academic excellence and promote leadership among students. These societies offer membership to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their coursework and related activities.

Types of Certified Member Societies

1. General Classification: These societies accept students from any major, provided they meet established academic criteria. Membership eligibility is primarily based on scholarship:

• Students in the top 20% of their class or with a GPA of at least 3.5 for scholarship-focused memberships.

• Students in the top 35% or with a GPA of at least 3.3 for those who also demonstrate leadership.

2. Membership categories include:

• General Lower: Students in their first or second year.

• General Upper: Students who have completed at least 50% of their degree requirements.

• General Graduate: Graduate students maintaining full-time status.

3. Specialized Classification: These societies focus on specific fields of study and have similar GPA requirements (top 35% or GPA of at least 3.3). Membership categories are the same as in the general classification.

Membership Requirements

To be a certified member society, an organization must:

• Be recognized as a 501(c) charitable organization.

• Establish criteria for membership based on academic and other achievements.

• Maintain democratic governance and non-discrimination policies.

• Regularly report on membership and governance changes.

Obligations and Rights of Certified Member Societies

Certified member societies must continuously meet ACHS requirements and support its mission. They have the right to participate in Council activities such as voting on governance matters and nominating and electing members for the Board of Directors, as long as they remain compliant.

Establishing Chapters

Certified societies can establish collegiate chapters at accredited institutions, maintaining active status based on institutional support and accreditation. They may also create alumni chapters based on various groupings.

Joining ACHS

Honor societies seeking certified membership must have been established for at least five years and have a minimum of ten active collegiate chapters. Approval for membership requires a four-fifths affirmative vote from the ACHS Council.

Learn more about the ACHS eligibility requirements and start your petition today.

Learn more about the benefits associated with becoming an ACHS certified Honor Society.

For further details and specific eligibility criteria, please refer to the ACHS bylaws or contact us directly.