Undergraduate Societies

Geography and Global Environmental Studies (GES) undergraduates are served by the Clark University Geography Association (CUGA) and Gamma Theta Upsilon, an international geographic honors society.

Clark University Geography Association (CUGA)

CUGA is the voice of Geography and GES majors, with student representation on the undergraduate studies committee and the opportunity to attend departmental meetings. CUGA representatives are able to vote and give their ideas and opinions on various topics that concern undergraduate majors. They also attend field trips and periodically have group gatherings to discuss topics of interest to geography majors, such as research, internships, courses and future jobs.

Alpha Sigma Chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon

Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) is an international honor society in geography. GTU was founded in 1928. It became a national organization in 1931, with the granting of four additional charters. Since that time, more than 200 GTU chapters have been established, and new chapters are added almost every year. In 1969, it was redesignated as an international geographical honor society. In 1976, GTU was admitted to the Association of College Honor Societies. Members of GTU have met academic requirements and share a background and interest in geography. GTU chapter activities support geography knowledge and awareness. The Alpha Sigma Chapter at Clark University was instituted on April 11, 1951.

Eligibility for Membership
Regular Member:
An initiate 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 semesters of 5 quarters of college courses.

Honorary Member:
Honorary membership may be extended to any person whom it feels has by exploration, research, lecturing, publishing, teaching, or in any other way contributed to a marked advancement in any phase of geography.

The Purposes of GTU

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 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

Most 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 GTU scholarships.
Membership in an academic honor socity is evidence of your dedication and competency in your career field. Some employers give hiring preference to honor society members.

Membership Fees
Membership fees are paid only once. The fee is $30.00 for Regular and Honorary Members ($25.00 initiation fee and $5.00 local dues). Once he/she becomes a ember of GTU, local dues become optional.

Commemorating Membership
The GTU Pin is described as being of jeweler's metal with a gold electroplate on the raise portions of the surface. The background has a dark brown finish and is approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. ($6.00 each) The GTU Honor Cord can be worn for graduation or other ceremonies. The three cords (blue, gold, and brown) end in fringed tassels and are knotted together. ($7.00 each)

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 Education Fund was established by GTU to promote and support scholarly projects of the Society. These are research, publications, lectures, scholarships, and other activities.

Scholarships
Five scholarships, two graduate and three undergraduate, are awarded annually. Recipients must be Regular Members currently affiliated with an active chapter or the Alumni Chapter, have excellent academic records, and have contributed significantly to their chapters.

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 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 at the fall meeting of the National Council for Geographic Educaton, is open to all GTU members and other interested persons.

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.

For more information about GTU contact:

James T. Murphy, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Advisor
Assistant Professor of Geography
Clark University
508-793-7687
email: jammurphy@clarku.edu

Irene Stefanakos
Undergraduate Program Assistant
School of Geography
Clark University
508-793-7282
Jefferson Academic Center, Room 220A
email: cstefanakos@clarku.edu

Dr. Lawrence Handley
Executive Secretary, GTU
UGSG/National Wetlands Research
700 Cajundome Blvd
Lafayette, LA 70506
email: Larry_Handley@usgs.gov

Clark University Alpha Sigma Chapter Members