Student Handbook
2007-2008
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Selection to NHS is privilege, not a right. Students do not apply for membership in the National Honor Society; instead, they provide information to be used by a 5 member local selection committee, which is selected yearly, to support their candidacy for membership. Membership is granted only to those students selected by the Faculty Council in each school. This is not an election, nor is membership automatically conveyed simply because a student has achieved a specified level of academic performance. Only those students who have attended the school the equivalent of one semester may be considered for membership. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors may be qualified for membership. Eligible candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 excluding grades for extracurricular activities. The Faculty council will select members based on the following criteria: scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Eligible candidates must establish and maintain outstanding performance in all four criteria to be considered for membership and to retain that membership. Questionnaires provided by faculty members will be reviewed by the Faculty Council when considering candidates for selection.
NHS DISCIPLINE AND DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS
When a member falls below the standards by which he was selected, the advisor will inform the member of the nature of the violation, the time period given for improvement, and the possible consequences for non- improvement. If the student does not make the improvements in the specified time, that student is subject to whatever disciplinary measures are considered appropriate by the advisor or the Faculty Council. Members are subject to dismissal if they do not maintain the standards that were used as a basis for their selection. Pre-dismissal hearing must be conducted by the Faculty Council to dismiss a member. Members are allowed limited warnings during their membership, but in the case of flagrant violation of school rules or civil law, a warning is not required for dismissal, but a hearing will still be held. The chapter will notify the member of the action, the date and time of the hearing, and the opportunity to respond in writing or orally at a pre-dismissal hearing. If the Faculty Council determines that dismissal is warranted, a hearing with the Faculty Council should be scheduled. The member will be allowed to appear before the Faculty Council and explain the situation. If the members is dismissed, written notice of the decision will sent to the member, the parents, and the principal. The member must then surrender the NHS emblem and membership card. Failure to do so will be treated as a school disciplinary matter. The dismissed member may appeal the decision. A students who is dismissed or who resigns is never again eligible for membership in NHS. The Faculty Council may refer to a schedule of demerits when considering a dismissal.