What is Alpha Lambda Delta?
Founded in 1924, Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society for students in their first year at an institution of higher education. (For a brief history of the Society, click here.) We recognize those students who have succeeded in maintaining a 3.5 or higher GPA, and are in the top 20% of their class, in their first year. Alpha Lambda Delta's 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."
Western Michigan University's chapter of ALD, sponsored by Anthony Helms, has become very large. This is an honor society for students who are and are not enrolled in the Lee Honors College and are looking for opportunities to contribute to the local community by volunteering in service projects. ALD-sponsored community service has featured a wide variety of events in the Kalamazoo area. Visit our gallery to see some of the work we've been doing!
Membership Requirements
The requirements for membership in Alpha Lambda Delta are as follows:
- You must have a 3.5 or higher GPA (Grade Point Average on a 4.0-point scale), or the equivalent, and you must be in the top 20% of your class during your first term or your first year of study at an institution of higher education. (Most chapters evaluate students after their first term; some chapters evaluate after the first year. To find out which method your chapter uses, contact your chapter advisor.)
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student pursuing a baccalaureate (Bachelor's) degree at an accredited institution with an active Alpha Lambda Delta chapter on campus.
- Freshman transfer students from institutions that do not have an Alpha Lambda Delta chapter must have the required Alpha Lambda Delta grade point average on the courses taken during the first full curricular period in the institution to which they transfer. In addition, the cumulative average of the grades of the student's transfer credits combined with the grades in the institution in which the student is currently enrolled must equal the Alpha Lambda Delta academic grade requirement.
Why was I invited to join Alpha Lambda Delta?
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You were invited because you've attained a 3.5 or higher GPA in your first year or term in higher education, and you're in the top 20% of your class after the first year or term. You've already earned the recognition that Alpha Lambda Delta offers - now, all you have to do is accept it.
How much does it cost?
There is a one-time fee of $65, and then you're a member for life!
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What do I get by joining Alpha Lambda Delta?
- Enjoy your privacy - Alpha Lambda Delta will never sell your personal information to third parties
- Participate in local and national service and social activities - do your part to give back to your community and campus!
- Compete for $55,000 in undergraduate scholarships at the national level
- Compete for almost $90,000 in Alpha Lambda Delta Graduate Fellowships
- Make friends from around the nation at the annual National Leadership Workshop
- Wear Alpha Lambda Delta Senior Honor Cords at your graduation exercises
- Receive the recognition that comes from membership in a national society with over 80 years of tradition!
- And so much more!
Much of the information on this page comes directly from Alpha Lambda Delta's national website.
FAQ
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Q: IS ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA PART OF GREEK LIFE?
A: No, Alpha Lambda Delta is not part of Greek Life. Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society that has Greek letters. Q: DOES ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA LOOK GOOD ON A JOB APPLICATION?
A: Alpha Lambda Delta looks great on a job application. That being said, it would only look good great if you have something positive to say about it. This is one of the reasons we have the point system. With the point system, you earn points for volunteering and attending ALD events; when you're earning your points, you'll be gaining valuable experiences that you can discuss with a potential employer. Q: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA?
A: Once you are a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, there are no requirements to remain a member. However, we do have a point system. The point system is a way for us to keep track of your activity in Alpha Lambda Delta. If you meet the 10-point minimum, Alpha Lambda Delta will provide you with your graduation cords upon graduation. Q: HOW MANY HOURS EQUAL ONE POINT?
A: WMU's chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta awards points based on the number of events you attend (1 point per event), not the number of hours you spend at events. This keeps the number of points required low. Q: DO OTHER CHAPTERS HAVE POINT SYSTEMS?
A: Yes, other chapters have point systems. However, other chapters require up to 25 points per year, whereas we require 10 points TOTAL over the course of your four (or more) years at WMU. We keep this point requirement low by basing points on the number of events you go to, rather than the number of hours you spend at events. |
Q: WHAT IF I HAVE A REALLY BUSY SEMESTER?
A: We know our members have busy schedules; this is why we don’t have requirements that our members have to meet each semester. The point system we have in place allows members to earn points at any time prior to graduation. If you have a busy semester, simply pick up where you left off the following semester. Q: ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN COSTS AFTER I JOIN?
A: To join Alpha Lambda Delta, there is a one-time payment of national ($30) and local ($35) dues (a total of $65). This one-time payment is the only thing you have to pay for. Alpha Lambda Delta will hold food/magazine/item drives and shirt sales but these are OPTIONAL, not mandatory. Q: CAN I BE KICKED OUT OF ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA?
A: You cannot be kicked out of Alpha Lambda Delta. Once you join ALD, you are a member for life - so represent us well! Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T KEEP MY GPA AT OR ABOVE 3.5?
A: Once you join ALD, you are a lifelong member, even if your GPA falls. You will always be a member of ALD! Q: CAN I APPLY TO BE ON THE EXECUTIVE BOARD IF I JUST JOINED ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA?
A: Yes! Board positions are open to all members of Alpha Lambda Delta, regardless of when they were inducted. We encourage new members to apply for executive board positions! Q: DOES ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?
A: Alpha Lambda Delta awards over $190,000 in scholarships and fellowships annually. All ALD awards are merit-based, not need-based. Q: WHY SHOULD I JOIN ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA?
A: Alpha Lambda Delta is a great way to network with other students on campus. Alpha Lambda Delta gives out leadership positions to their members and offers scholarships for study abroad, undergraduate, and graduate students. For a one-time payment of $65, you are eligible for all of these membership perks and more. |
