Gamma Theta Upsilon
Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) is an international honor society in geography. GTU 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.
The Purposes of GTU are:
1. to further professional interest by affording a common organization
for those interested in the field of Geography;
2. to strengthen student and professional training via academic
experiences in addition to those of the classroom and lab;
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.
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 three geography courses; have
a 3.3 GPA in geography and overall; and have
completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college
coursework.
Honorary Member:
A chapter may extend honorary membership to anyone whom it feels has, by
exploration, research, lecturing, publishing, teaching, or any other way
contributed to marked advancement in any phase of Geography. The fees
for Honorary membership are paid by the local chapter.
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;
- build and establish networks with other students and
faculty;
- explore things not normally covered in classroom
activities;
- are eligible to apply for Gama Theta Upsilon
scholarships;
- membership demonstrates dedication in your career
field.
Why should you join GTU?
- GTU membership is earned through
superior scholarship; it is and honor, and professional distinction;
- members receive a handsome certificate suitable for
framing;
- no further membership dues are paid to the national
organization after the initiation fee;
- members may remain active in GTU after graduation by
joining Omega Omega, the Alumni chapter of GTU.
The Geographical Bulletin
This scholarly 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.
Visiting Geographical Scientist Program (VGSP)
The Visiting Geographical Scientist Program, funded by GTU
and administered by the Association of American Geographers (AAG),
provides an opportunity for chapters to host a distinguished geographer
on their campus. The visiting geographer will give a lecture on a topic
in geography and meet with faculty, students, and administrators.
Chapters should contact the AAG for information about the Visiting
Geographical Scientist Program.
International Organization
The society is governed under a constitution and by-laws. Nine elected officers, including two student representatives, form the Executive Committee. The annual business meeting, held at the fall meeting of the National Council for Geographic Education, is open to all GTU members and other interested persons.
Local Chapters
Local chapters are chartered by GTU at colleges and universities. GTU chapters sponsor a variety of activities that support geographical learning.
Alumni Chapter
The Omega Omega chapter serves alumni of all chapters. After graduation, alumni members are encouraged to join Omega Omega and receive continuing benefits from active affiliation with the Society.
For more Information:
For membership information, ask your local chapter officers
or GTU faculty advisor for information on membership procedures, and the
many benefits of joining GTU.
UWL Contact Information:
Geography and Earth Science Chair
Department of Geography and Earth Science
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
La Crosse, WI 54601
608.785.8333
geoearth@uwlax.edu