GTU Advisors and Comments
Why
Should You Join GTU?
History
of GTU
Standards
of GTU
Purposes
of GTU
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
certificate suitable for framing. Many
remain active in GTU after graduation by joining
Omega Omega the Alumni chapter. The GTU
chapter at IUP was established in November of
1964, with 13 members.
Our
IUP GTU chapter, in conjunction with the
Department of Geography and Regional Planning,
sponsors speakers, campus activities, field trips,
and social events. Members also have the
opportunity to participate in volunteer
activities. GTU provides a network where you
can become better acquainted with other geography
students and can meet and talk with geography
faculty. As a GTU member you can improve your
expertise in the field of geography by learning
things not normally dealt with in the classroom.
Membership in an academic honor society is
evidence of dedication and competence in your
career field. Knowledgeable
employers give hiring preference to honor society
members!
HISTORY
OF GTU:
On May 15, 1928, Dr. R. G. Buzzard formed
Gamma Theta Upsilon as a local professional
fraternity at Illinois State Normal University.
Before that, it was the Geography club at Illinois
State Normal University. After three years,
letters were sent out to other geography clubs
suggesting the formation of a national fraternity.
On
May 15, 1931, it became a national organization,
consisting of four chapters. On March 5, 1936,
Gamma Theta Upsilon was incorporated, then with
ten chapters, as a professional fraternity in
geography under the laws of Illinois. Gamma
Theta Upsilon became an International Honorary
Geographical Society in January 1969.
STANDARDS
OF GTU:
Membership requirements are:
-
Top
35% of your class (sophomore, junior, etc.)
-
3.0
GPA or greater in at least nine (9) hours of
Geography and Planning courses.
Fees
are $40 for new members, with a $5 annual renewal.
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.
