Member Selection

Each candidate for membership shall be selected to a designated chapter of Rho Kappa based on the following criteria:

1. have been in attendance at the school in which the chapter resides for the equivalent of one semester prior to being considered (If a special or unique circumstances merit, the high school administration may waive the semester requirement, providing a letter of explanation to the National Advisory Council).

2. have completed four semesters of courses in the field of social studies and be prepared to complete at least six semesters. The minimum grade point average for these courses is an unweighted 3.00 or the numerical equivalent.

3. have an overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 or the numerical equivalent (Individual chapters may choose to increase the GPA requirements for their chapter but may not decrease them).

Candidates achieving the minimal GPA requirements may be invited to apply for membership into Rho Kappa. The application process will require candidates to show participation in activities the demonstrate civic engagement in school or community and their desire and aspiration to be a member of the organization. Applicants will answer questions that will be used in the selection process. Applicants must provide contact information for a current faculty member who will provide a recommendation.

Selection of eligible students and their election to the organization shall be determined by the faculty sponsor, faculty selection committee, and the high school administration. (HHS Rho Kappa Executive Committee Members will assist in the selection process using a blind process) Candidates must meet the GPA, social studies course completion requirements and the application requirements listed above. All other methods of selecting candidates is left up to the individual chapters. A description of the selection procedures and the local chapter criteria should be widely available in a timely fashion to all the school's administration, faculty, students, parents, and community members. The National RHO KAPPA Advisory Council will not review the judgement of the faculty selection committee regarding the selection of individual members to the local chapters.

Induction of New Members

Each local chapter may design and execute an appropriate ceremony for the induction of its new members. The procedures and proceedings for this ceremony shall be determined by the local chapter, the chapter sponsor, and the high school administration. Newly inducted members shall receive their membership certificates and any other appropriate Rho Kappa materials when their membership has been affirmed. In an event that a particular individual qualifies for membership after the date of the induction ceremony, he or she may be induced at a regular chapter meeting provided the membership forms and fees have already been submitted to NCSS.