Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society for first year students. Its mission is to "encourage superior academic achievement...to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their unique roles in society."
Alpha Lambda Delta at Salem State University is involved in community service and civic engagement projects, leadership development training and provides opportunities for students to apply for scholarships. Students inducted into the honor society receive a pin, membership certificate and honor cords to wear at commencement. Membership in Alpha Lambda Delta is for life and includes being part of an organization with nearly one million members nationwide.
How do I join Alpha Lambda Delta?
In order to be inducted into the honor society, students must have a 3.5 or higher GPA (on a 4.0-point scale) and must be in the top 20% of their class during their first semester at SSU. Please note that if the top 20% of the class has a higher GPA than the minimum GPA of 3.5, then only the top 20% are able to be admitted. For example, if the 20% cut-off is a 3.6, only students with a 3.6 GPA may be admitted.
The first year experience office determines which students meet eligibility requirements in January and will send an email in addition to mailing an eligibility letter along with a membership acceptance form. To be formally inducted, students must return the form along with the $60 membership fee by the deadline indicated in the letter. Students who do not meet the deadline to confirm their acceptance are not allowed to be inducted. There are no retroactive inductions past that deadline.
When do inductions occur?
Inductions occur in late February/early March each year. More details about inductions are sent to members via email after all materials are submitted. Students invited to join Alpha Lambda Delta, who have submitted their materials, can check the ALD website for details about the event. Students who have been invited can also find copies of the membership acceptance materials on that website.
If I am a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, how do I apply for scholarships?
The National Alpha Lambda Delta organization has over $207,000 in scholarship funds that they award to members each year to help fund undergraduate education, study abroad experience, and graduate study.
There are 3 scholarship opportunities:
- Anne J. Trow Undergraduate Scholarship
- James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship
- Graduate Fellowships
In order to apply, the Alpha Lambda Delta member must meet the eligibility requirements and submit a completed application to the FYE office, 101A Dining Commons, by the specified deadline. Members will be notified via email regarding upcoming deadlines for scholarships.