Theta Pi Chapter at Hunter College
Chapter Contact: Amy Jeu (ajeu@hunter.cuny.edu)
Faculty Advisor: Ines Miyares

APPLY NOW!
Now accepting applications for Spring 2013 induction.
Application Deadline is Friday, March 15, 2013

Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) is an international honor society in geography. Gamma Theta Upsilon was founded in 1928 and became a national organization in 1931. Members of GTU have met academic requirements and share a background and interest in geography. GTU chapter activities support geography knowledge and awareness. Every year at the annual Department of Geography Dinner new members of Hunter College's Theta Pi Chapter of GTU are initiated into membership.

International Organization
The society is governed under a constitution and by-laws. Twenty elected and appointed officers, including two student representatives, form the Executive Committee. Business meetings are open to all GTU members and other interested persons and are held in conjunction with Association of American Geographers and National Council for Geographic Education annual conferences.

History of Theta Pi Chapter:
The Theta Pi Chapter was chartered and founded on November 13, 1998 by a student named Amy Jeu who spearheaded the efforts for the formation of a GTU Chapter at Hunter College, CUNY and serves as the Founding President of the Theta Pi Chapter of GTU. Amy current works for the Department of Geography at Hunter College as the College Laboratory Technician and as an Adjunct Lecturer. Additionally, Amy serves as Secretary to the Executive Council of the PSC/CUNY CLT Chapter; is an active Delegate Assembly Member to the PSC/CUNY Union; and is a Member of the GISMO Steering Committee.

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.  Members of the Omega Omega alumni chapter receive the Geographical Bulletin and the Omega Omega News, and can keep up to date on major GTU events and news.

The Goals of GTU:

1. to further professional interest in Geography by affording a common organization for those interested in the field
2. to strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences in addition to those of the classroom and laboratory
3. to advance the status of Geography as a cultural and practical discipline for study and investigation
4. to encourage student research of high quality, and to promote an outlet for publication
5. to create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in the field of Geography
6. to encourage members to apply geographic knowledge and skills in service to humankind

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.

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 GPA of at least 3.3 overall and in geography, and shall have completed at least 3 semester of college course work.

Honorary Member: Honorary membership is available only under extraordinary circumstances and upon approval by the Executive Committee for a person whom the committee feels has contributed to a marked advancement in any phase of geography. A chapter may apply directly to the Executive Committee to petition for honorary membership on behalf of an individual. The fees for Honorary membership are paid by the local chapter.

Complete an application for membership to the Theta Pi Chapter here.

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 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.

GTU Merchandise

		LAPEL PIN: A nice lapel pin is available from the Executive Secretary. The pin is described as being of jeweler’s metal with a gold electroplate on the raised portions of the surface. The background has a dark brown finish and is approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.
		GTU INSIGNIA PIN: A GTU insignia pin that resembles the GTU Key as shown is available. The pin is a gold electroplate and it is very well done.
		HONOR CORDS: A GTU honor cord for graduation or ceremonial use is available. The cord has the three GTU colors (blue, gold, brown).
		GTU STOLE: Stole emblazoned with the society insignia are available in GTU color blue, suitable for graduation use with or without honor cords (not included).
		GTU STOLE: Stole emblazoned with the society insignia are available in GTU color gold, suitable for graduation use with or without honor cords (not included).

The Geographical Bulletin
This scholarly peer-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.

Scholarships
Five scholarships are awarded annually to Gamma Theta Upsilon members: four to undergraduates, and one to a continuing graduate student.

• The Buzzard Undergraduate Scholarship
• The Buzzard Graduate Scholarship
• The Maxfield Scholarship
• The Richason Scholarship
• The Rechlin Scholarship

The evaluation committee reviews each scholarship application with particular attention to the following items: cumulative GPA, geography GPA, letters of recommendation, applicant’s contribution to local GTU chapter and the department, as well as the applicant’s own appraisal of how the scholarship will help him or her personally and professionally. For more information on GTU Scholarships, click here.