THE CUM LAUDE SOCIETY

Areté

Diké

Timé

Excellence

Justice

Honor
 A Brief Guide for Chapters
(Complete Chapter Manual for Secretaries and Presidents follows)
 
All forms are on the Cum Laude web page: www.cumlaudesociety.org
 
(Click here) Ten Year Report Information
 
(Click here) Location List (Where is it?)
 
The officers of a Chapter are a President and a Secretary. The President may be either a student or a faculty member. The Secretary must be a faculty member and, for the sake of continuity, the Secretary should be a person who is likely to be at the school for a considerable period of time.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE CENTRAL OFFICE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY CHANGE IN OFFICERS,
ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS A NEW CHAPTER SECRETARY.
 
CHECK LIST OF CHAPTER SECRETARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Send in Annual Report Form;
2. Order pins, certificates and seals (at least three weeks prior to date needed);
3. Register Inductees using the "Induction Registration Form";
4. Trigger payment of Annual Dues;
 
 
Mailings from CLS during the year.
(All mailings are sent to the Chapter Secretary)
 
Fall Mailing (sent around December 1st, just after the late November Cum Laude Board meeting)
Contents:
Annual information about the Society: 'The Cum Laude News'
Results of the Cum Laude Paper competition
Copies of Order Form and Induction Registration Form (see below).
 
Spring Mailing (around May 1st).
Contents:
Invoice for dues for the next school year. (Schools have requested it be sent in the spring, but it is not due until September, and is for the year that follows.
Due September 15th annually;
 
Annual Report Form for the year that is concluding. Lists officers for next year, and other data. Due July 1st annually;
 
Ten Year Report list (to make schools aware of the timing of this responsibility. Sent one and two years ahead of their 'due date'.
 
Order Form (for pins, certificates and seals). Please order at least three weeks prior to date needed;
 
Induction Registration Form. Required of schools every year to complete the induction process;
Cum Laude Paper information. (New in 2003). Information about this program that recognizes superior scholarship. Copy sent to Head of School/Principal as well.
 
Ten Year Mailing (to some schools): April 1st mailing regarding Ten Year Reports, with forms to fill out. Sent only to schools that have Ten-Year Reports due the coming fall. (A copy of this mailing is sent to the head of School/Principal as well - in March.)
 
Induction Booklets 'Welcome to Cum Laude'. A three-year supply is sent (gratis) to all chapters in the fall every three years (2008, 2011, etc.). We ask Chapters to store and distribute these to inductees only. We base each school's allocation on reported induction numbers, and cannot supply extras. Chapters must register their inductees to receive Induction booklets.
 

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 Chapter Secretary Information

The Society provides a Handbook of Information to the Chapter President and the Chapter Secretary, sending a revised version every three years (Schedule: 2008, 2011, etc.). Additional Handbooks may be ordered if necessary, although the supply is limited.

For chapter officers' convenience, a current copy follows:

 
CHAPTER MANUAL FOR SECRETARIES and PRESIDENTS

Mission Statement

The Cum Laude Society recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools

for the purpose of promoting
excellence (Areté), justice (Diké) and honor (Timé).

 

THE CUM LAUDE SOCIETY, Inc.
23490 Caraway Lakes Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34135-8441
Tel: 239/390-3257 FAX: 239/390-3245
E-mail: cumlaudesociety@ mac.com
 
Web: www.cumlaudesociety.org
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 

FOREWORD

 
This manual is issued as a guide for Presidents and Secretaries of Cum Laude Chapters.
 
As you can see from the Table of Contents, some basic information about the Society and its operations is included. However, the Constitution, historical information, procedures for applying for a Charter, and more detailed interpretations of membership as well as an interpretation of the Motto will be found on the Cum Laude Web Page < www.cumlaudesociety.org >.
 
The ability of the Society to realize its goal of recognizing and honoring scholarship is dependent upon the effective and efficient way in which the individual Chapters function. The Officers and Regents are well aware of the time, effort and care being given by the Presidents and Secretaries of the Chapters in this important work and are appreciative of these efforts. They wish to express their sincere thanks to the officers of the Chapters for their cooperation, thoroughness and dependability in carrying out the details of the Society's operations. They hope this manual may make the work a little clearer and a bit easier.
 
Inquiries about special problems, or requests for further information, should be addressed to your District Regent or to the Cum Laude Central Office.
 
Bruce W. Galbraith, Registrar General
 
Karen V. Galbraith, Central Office Secretary
E-mail: cumlaudesociety@mac.com
 
23490 Caraway Lakes Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34135-8441
Phone: (239) 390-3257 Fax: (239) 390-3245
http://www.cumlaudesociety.org
 
 
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOCIETY
 
Responsibility for operation of the Cum Laude Society is shared by the Officers and Regents. The Officers are: President General, Deputy President General, Secretary General, and Registrar General, and there are eight District Regents. All are elected for three-year terms, and may be re-elected. In addition there may be Regents-at-Large who are former Presidents General and serve open-ended terms.
 
The daily affairs of the Society are conducted at the central office in Bonita Springs, Florida, under the supervision of the Registrar General. There all records and materials of the Society are kept; financial affairs are handled; correspondence is prepared for the Chapters; reports are collected; complete files of Cum Laude members, past and present, are maintained; and questions of operation and procedures are answered or directed to the proper Officer or Regent.
 
The Officers and Regents meet each November to review all operations of the Society and review membership applications and Ten-Year Reports. Any three Officers, in consultation, are empowered to act as an Executive Committee between annual meetings.
 
CHAPTER INFORMATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
For administrative purposes, each Chapter is assigned to one of the eight geographical districts, and each district is under the supervision of a District Regent. Each district has 40 to 60 Chapters.
 
Some Chapters engage in a wide variety of activities, although the decision of whether or not a Chapter will be "active" is left to the Chapter. Many Chapters do sponsor lecture series, tutoring programs, or seminars on scholarly subjects, or produce special literary publications.
 
The degree to which a Chapter is active in promoting the intellectual life of the school depends upon the time of year it holds its elections and the number and types of other organizations and groups already functioning in the school. If a Chapter wishes, it may include in its activities students who are not yet members, but whose academic records and scholarly concerns meet the standards of the Society.
 
The officers of a Chapter are a President and a Secretary. The President may be either a student or a faculty member. The Secretary must be a faculty member and, for the sake of continuity, the Secretary should be a person who is likely to be at the school for a considerable period of time. PLEASE NOTIFY THE CENTRAL OFFICE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY CHANGE IN OFFICERS.
 
The Secretary of a Chapter is the key person in each Chapter and must be selected from the faculty members of the Chapter. In the spring of each year a form is sent to the Secretary for ordering the certificates and pins that are to be used during the course of the next school year, as is an Annual Report form. Chapters are asked to return one copy to the central office, another is to be sent directly to the District Regent, and a third is for the Secretary's file. Annual Reports have a July 1 deadline. If the Chapter is due for a Ten-Year Chapter Review, that report form, also with a July 1 deadline, is sent to the Chapter Secretary in the spring of the year. Secretaries are responsible for submitting Induction Registration forms and fees to the central office for all newly elected members immediately after their initiations.
 
Duties of Officers
Records: The Secretary shall keep all the records of a Chapter. These shall include the names, home addresses and dates of election of all categories of Chapter members from the time of the installation of a Chapter.
 
Correspondence: The Secretary shall carry on correspondence with the District Regent, and with the central office of the Society, and will keep the files of such correspondence.
 
Notice of Elections: Immediately upon the election of new members to a Chapter, the Secretary shall send to the central office of the Society the form titled Induction Registration, providing names of the new members and all other information requested. The names should be in alphabetical order and be typed or printed, signed and dated by the Secretary. Such notification must be accompanied by the payment of the appropriate fees (see page 4).
Elections
 
Article II of the Constitution of the Society provides for four (4) types of membership:
 
1) Charter Members: Up to twelve Charter Members may be elected under authority given by the Board of Regents at the time of the granting of the Charter.
 
2) Student Members: Each Chapter may elect as student members not more than 20% of the graduating class who have demonstrated academic excellence in the college preparatory curriculum, choosing
(a) the whole number toward the end of the Senior Year, or
(b) not more than 10% of the number at the end of the Junior Year or early in the Senior Year, and the remainder near the end of the Senior Year.
 
The 20% maximum is not to be construed as a requirement that the full number permitted must be elected every year. Classes may vary in academic strength from year to year. Many schools elect smaller percentages to serve better the purposes and goals of the Society.
Should a Chapter find that they have an especially strong class in any one given year, and this would mean electing more than their 20% quota, the District Regent is the only person who can give permission to a Chapter to exceed its quota of elections. Permission must be sought in advance of the election.
The definition of what constitutes an honor record and the determination of how to select members is left to the discretion of the individual Chapter. However, from time to time Regents may question this definition and seek one they feel reflects more closely that practiced in other Chapters and recognizes excellence in scholarship more uniformly. (See Ten-Year Review information elsewhere in this publication)
The Regents note that since the Motto of the Society stresses excellence, justice and honor in the broadest sense, they assume Chapters will elect to membership only students who have demonstrated good character, honor, and integrity in all aspects of their school life.
 
3) Faculty Members: While the by-laws provide for faculty membership, the primary purpose of the Society is to honor students who have excelled in scholarship. Faculty membership is provided to give continuity to the Chapter and to help maintain and operate it. The number of active faculty members should not fall below three. Those selected are usually earlier members of Phi Beta Kappa, of Cum Laude Society as students or teachers in another school, or others who have distinguished themselves through scholarly achievement. Chapters that have used the Society to honor faculty have frequently encountered internal political difficulties that distract from the primary purpose of the Society, namely, to honor students. The Board of Regents recommends restricting faculty membership to a small group whose sole responsibility is the operation of the Chapter.
 
4) Honorary Members: This category of membership is for distinguished guests, alumni, trustees, or other friends of the school upon whom the Chapter may wish to confer special honor. No more than two Honorary Members may be elected in any one year.
 

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Fee Structure
Charter fee: $1000.00 when a charter is granted for a new chapter.
 
Annual Chapter Dues: $150.00 per year to help finance the central office, invoiced in May, due by September 15 of each year.
 
Membership Fees: $6.00 for each student, faculty*, or Charter member elected during period covered by the yearly Induction Registration. Payment is expected at the time the Induction Registration form is submitted.
* Faculty - there is no fee if faculty member is a transfer from another Chapter. You should, however, indicate on the Induction Registration form next to the name of the transferring member, the name of the original Chapter and year of election. There is no fee for Honorary Members.
 
Ordering Supplies:
Certificates: $3.00 each
Caution: A limited supply of extra certificates is printed for each Chapter every three years, expecting chapters to order enough for each annual installation These are kept in the Central Office, and shipped upon request. To print additional copies is costly and requires at least six weeks advance notice.
 
Cum Laude Pin - Two styles: $ 5.00 (gold electroplate)
$10.00 (1/20 double rolled gold plate)
 
Cum Laude Seals - Three sizes: 3/4", 1", 1 1/2"
3 for $1.00
 
Shipping and Handling Fee $1 to $100 order: $12.00 (Orders over $100 = $15.00)
 
Rush orders: $18.00 additional (fastest available shipping)
 
Payment must accompany the order. Chapters may order all supplies anticipated for a three-year period in the spring following the Triennial Convention, or may order on an annual basis.
 
Induction Booklets
A three-year supply of books to distribute is sent to the Chapter Secretary upon publication so that a copy may be given to each new member at the time of induction. These will be shipped in the fall in the following years: (2005-sent), 2008, 2011, etc.). The Chapter Secretary should make sure that copies are stored carefully so as to avoid loss or damage.
 
Annual Reports
In the spring of each year, the Chapter Secretary will receive the Annual Report form. The Report gives vital information about the elections and activities of a Chapter for the year and the names of officers for the next year. The Reports are due by July 1.
 
Three copies of the Report should be distributed as follows:
1. Original to the Central Office
2. Copy to the Regent of your District
3. Copy for your own file.
 
Submission of Annual Reports
A responsibility of membership in Cum Laude is the timely submission of reports. Schools failing to meet deadlines should be aware of the following:
a) On or about September 15th the Central Office will write a letter to the chapter secretary asking for the missing report/data.
b) If (a) does not produce results, on or about October 15th, the Regent will write a letter to the chapter president requesting the information.
c) If neither (a) nor (b) produce results, on or about November 1st, the Regent will write a letter to the school head of school or principal requesting the information.
 
Failure to submit required reports can cause the Society to suspend chapter activity.
 
Ten-Year Reviews
Once every decade, each Chapter is asked to file a 10 -Year Chapter Review. The primary purpose of this review is to assure the Regents that the school is maintaining the high academic standards in the selection of student members. The Regents study these reports with great care.
 
In evaluating Ten-Year Chapter Reviews, the Regents examine a range of factors: resources, program, and student profile. Taken together, these factors relate directly to the school's capacity to maintain and recognize a high level of academic aspiration and achievement.
 
In the area of resources, the Regents are concerned with significant changes in the school's charter or by-laws, administrative organization, financial resources and physical plant and the effects these might have upon the academic life of the school. Perhaps most important is the strength and stability of the school's human resources, especially faculty and administration.
 
The Regents look at the academic program for evidence that the school continues to provide a strong college preparatory curriculum that is responsive to the intellectual needs of able students. Also, they are interested in the school's accreditation status.
 
In assessing the student profile of the school, the Regents consider the amount of attrition, the number of incoming students, and the number of seniors who are enrolled in the college preparatory curriculum and who have taken AP Exams. Of significance is the number of national merit semi-finalists and commended students in the graduating class as well as the number of students receiving recognition through the National Achievement Scholarship program for outstanding Negro students and the National Hispanic Scholar awards.
 
Particular attention is focused on the records of those student selected to Cum Laude over a three year period: their SAT and Achievement scores, Advanced Placement Test results and their college placement are closely examined and compared with a national profile of Cum Laude members.
 
Board Actions on Ten-Year Reviews
Following careful study, each chapter submitting a Ten-Year Review is written a letter by the President General. Options include:
A. Continuing Full Membership: with praise for the Chapter;
B. Continuing Full Membership: with praise for the Chapter, with comments about report;
C. Continuing Membership: with elections limited to 10% of the senior class;
D. Continuing Membership: with 'occasional' elections permitted (less than 10% of the senior class);
Note: Restrictions connected with responses 'C' and 'D' stay in effect until the next Ten-Year Report is submitted, or until an appeal is sought and granted. As long as the restriction remains in effect, Cum Laude annually will ask your school to attach to your Report descriptive materials for each student elected in order to verify that the restriction is sufficient. Materials requested will include:
SAT Verbal and Math scores, and other extensions of the SAT portfolio
Advanced Placement tests taken and scores
Achievement tests taken and scores
College attending;
E. Suspended membership: No elections until the matter is discussed at the next General Convention;
F. Report not received: No elections until the matter is discussed at the next General Convention.
 
Schedule of Ten-Year Reviews
 

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INTERPRETATION OF FACULTY MEMBERSHIP
 
This subject has emerged in recent years as a major concern for chapters and for the Officers and Regents. Frequently chapters are faced with political pressure while some few unwisely adopt membership in CLS as a major form of honoring faculty, sometimes simply for longevity with the school. At no time should there be more than a small minority of the entire faculty serving as members of the Society. We must keep in mind that CLS was founded to honor students, not faculty. All chapters should have at least three faculty members in order to carry on the business of the Society. In addition, there may be occasional elections of faculty.
Legitimate criteria for electing faculty members include election to Phi Beta Kappa as a student in college or university, membership in CLS as a student or faculty member in another school, distinctive contribution to the cause of scholarship in the school, or completion of distinguished scholarly work.
Unacceptable criteria include longevity on the faculty, yearbook dedication, balancing departmental or gender membership, or accomplishments not related to distinguished scholarship.
 
INTERPRETATION OF STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
 
As provided in the Constitution, a chapter may elect not more than 20% of the Senior class who have demonstrated academic excellence in the college preparatory curriculum. It may elect the whole number toward the end of the Senior year, or not more than 10% of the number at the end of the Junior year (10% limist is strictly enforced) or at any time during the Senior year, and the remainder toward the end of the Senior year.
 
The 20% limit is not to be construed as a requirement to elect the full number permitted every year. If for some reason the chapter feels that in a particular year more than the 20% should be elected, they should seek permission to do so from the District Regent before the elections are held. Because classes do vary in academic quality from year to year, especially in smaller schools, it has been a judgment in many schools that the election of a smaller percentage will on occasion better serve the purposes and goals of the Society. In such cases the school is urged to restrict the number of students honored by election into the Cum Laude Society.
 
Since some schools have modified their grading systems, and in a few cases have discarded the ranking of students on the basis of grades, questions about the proper procedures in the selection of members have arisen. Often chapters in these schools have provided means other than rank-in-class for identifying academic excellence and they have, for example, selected candidates in consultation with the entire faculty and/or students. The definition of what constitutes an academic honor record and the determination of how to select members are left to the discretion of the individual chapter. Since the District Regent participates annually in evaluating the quality of schools seeking to establish chapters, as well as the quality of schools undergoing Ten-Year Chapter Reviews, he or she is always willing to confer with a school if it is having difficulty in determining these matters.
 
Chapters shall be free to elect members who have demonstrated academic excellence in accordance with the philosophy and policies governing their individual schools. In the broadest sense, the Regents assume chapters will elect to membership only students who have demonstrated good character, honor, and integrity in all aspects of their school life. Since there are other agencies for the rewarding of achievement in areas such as social services, extracurricular activities, citizenship and athletics, Cum Laude elections should be based on academic excellence, in keeping with the original purpose of the Society.
 
CEREMONY FOR INDUCTION OF MEMBERS INTO A CHAPTER - Sample
 
Chapters are encouraged to make the induction of members a significant occasion in the academic life of the school. The presence of the heads of various school constituencies, such as the Alumni Association, the Parents Club and the Board of Trustees, lend prestige to the ceremony. The presence of parents and friends of the initiates as well as upper level students can provide an audience. You may also consider an academic procession of the faculty members as well as any current student members. Many chapters find the provision for a reception after the ceremony an excellent opportunity for faculty, student members and families to congratulate the initiates in a congenial setting. To induct Student Members into a Chapter, the officers may follow the model below, or they are welcome to develop their own. However, the ceremony should include the elements below, which appear in Italics.
 
An invocation, if appropriate at the particular school, can be rendered. The Head of School or Principal delivers greetings and opening remarks. Distinguished guests are introduced.
 
The Chapter President invites the Student Members to come forward. The Student Members stand before the President and Secretary while the Secretary explains the background and purpose of the Society, its ideals, and its motto.
Example: The object of the Cum Laude Society is to promote learning and sound scholarship in secondary schools. The Society was founded in 1906 to recognize scholastic achievement of seniors in secondary schools. Chapters may be established in public schools and incorporated secondary schools that are not conducted for financial gain.
 
The constitution of the Society and that of the Chapter, if there is one, may be read in whole or in part.
 
The President of the Society reads the following charge: The distinguished record you have made at (name of school) has won for you membership in the Cum Laude Society. This Society is a fellowship of scholars whose purpose is to recognize excellence in academic work. As you pursue your education, it is our hope that you will accept the honor of membership in this Society as a responsibility to make some contribution to the on-going search for greater understanding of the world in which we live.
 
The Secretary reads: The motto of the Society is Areté, Diké, Timé - Excellence, Justice, Honor. Areté includes the concept of excellence in the moral sense and is not limited to the ideal of superiority and scholarship, nor does it involve the endeavor of competing primarily for academic goals. Diké includes the concept of what is suitable and appropriate, as well as just. Timé includes the concept of dignity and truth, as well as honor.
 
The President then reads: In testimony of your admission to the Cum Laude Society, by the authority of the Society duly granted, I now present to you these certificates of membership.
 
As the Secretary reads the names, the individual Student Members come forward to receive the certificate of membership from the President and the Society pin from the Secretary as authorized by the constitution of the Society. If both seniors and juniors are being initiated, it is suggested that seniors be recognized first, followed by the juniors. The President can then introduce Student Members who have been previously initiated.
 
The President may address the Student Members in his or her own words, instead of reading the set form of the above words. If it is deemed helpful, the initiation may be preceded or followed by an appropriate address, but this address should not take the place of the charge of the President. The Head of School or Superintendent/Principal (headmaster/headmistress) may introduce a speaker or principal and the same administrator also may close the ceremony. A benediction may also be offered.
 
Many schools hold a special Cum Laude assembly, or banquet, to which are invited a guest speaker, newly elected students and their parents, faculty and honorary members. Various portions of the above ceremony are used.
 
Since many schools elect students to membership just before graduation, the Cum Laude initiation is made a part of that occasion. Often the names of electees are so indicated in the printed program. In some schools where caps and gowns are worn for graduation, the Cum Laude students wear gold-colored caps instead of the usual white or black caps, or wear a gold arm band to identify them as Cum Laude members. Even if the Cum Laude initiation is a separate ceremony, Cum Laude Student Members can be recognized at graduation.
 

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INTERPRETATION OF THE MOTTO
 
Areté Diké Timé
(Excellence) (Justice) (Honor)
APETH DIKH TIMH
 
The Officers and Regents remind each chapter that the major objective of the Society is to recognize academic excellence. However, they hope the chapter will acquaint its members with the Motto. The Motto specifies qualities which, ideally, each member of the Society should have as personal goals and should endeavor to encourage in society as well. The Greek words carry with them far more than literal translation suggests, and surely the founders of the Society had in mind these fuller concepts of these words.
 
The word Areté includes the concept of excellence in the moral sense and is not limited to the ideal of superiority in scholarship, nor does it involve the endeavor of competing primarily for academic grades.
 
The word Diké includes the concept of what is suitable and appropriate as well as just.
 
An interpretation of the Timé includes the concept of dignity and true worth as well as honor.
 
 
CHAPTER DISTRICTS
 
District I - William C. Prescott, Jr., Regent
MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT
 
District II- Elizabeth A. Duffy, Regent-elect
PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY
 (Please note a change in these Districts - as of November 2008.
District III - Walter C. Johnson, Regent
CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK,
 
District IV - Jean Waller Brune, Regent
DELAWARE, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON, D. C., PUERTO RICO
CANADA, ENGLAND, FRANCE, PHILIPPINES, SPAIN
 
District V - Edward J. Fox, Jr., Regent
ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA
 
District VI - Arlyce M. Seibert, Regent
INDIANA, KENTUCKY , MICHIGAN, OHIO, TENNESSEE
 
District VII - Donald C. North, Regent-elect
ARKANSAS, ILLINOIS, KANSAS, LOUISIANA, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI,
OKLAHOMA, TEXAS, WISCONSIN
 
District Vlll - Thomas C. Hudnut, Regent
ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, HAWAII, NEW MEXICO, OREGON, WASHINGTON
 
 
 

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LOCATION LIST OF INFORMATION
A
 
B
 
C
 
D
 
F
 
G
H
 
I
 
L
 
M
 
O
 
P
 
S
 
T
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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CEREMONY FOR INDUCTION OF MEMBERS INTO A CHAPTER

 
 
Chapters are encouraged to make the induction of members a significant occasion in the academic life of the school. The presence of the heads of various school constituencies, such as the Alumni Association, the Parents Club and the Board of Trustees, lend prestige to the ceremony. The presence of
parents and friends of the initiates as well as upper level students can provide an audience. You may also consider an academic procession of the faculty members as well as any current student members. Many chapters find the provision for a reception after the ceremony an excellent opportunity for faculty, student members and families to congratulate the initiates in a congenial setting.
 
To induct Student Members into a Chapter, the officers may follow the model below, or they are welcome to develop their own. However, the ceremony should include the elements below which appear in italics.
 
An invocation, if appropriate, can be rendered.
 
The Head of School or Principal delivers greetings and opening remarks.
 
Distinguished guests are introduced.
 
The Chapter President invites the Student Members to come forward. The Student Members stand before the President and Secretary while the Secretary explains the background and purpose of the Society, its ideals, and its motto.
 
Example: "The object of the Cum Laude Society is to promote learning and sound scholarship in secondary schools. The Society was founded in 1906 to recognize scholastic achievement of seniors in secondary schools. Chapters may be established in public schools and incorporated secondary schools which are not conducted for financial gain."
 
The constitution of the Society and that of the Chapter, if there is one, may be read in whole or in part.
 
The President of the Society reads the following charge: "The distinguished record you have made at (name of school) has won for you membership in the Cum Laude Society. This Society is a fellowship of scholars whose purpose is to recognize excellence in academic work. As you pursue your education, it is our hope that you will accept the honor of membership in this Society as a responsibility to make some contribution to the on-going search for greater understanding of humans and society".
 
The Secretary reads: "The motto of the Society is 'Areté, Diké, Timé - Excellence, Justice, Honor.'
 
Areté includes the concept of excellence in the moral sense and is not limited to the ideal of superiority and scholarship, nor does it involve
the endeavor of competing primarily for academic goals.
 
Diké includes the concept of what is suitable and appropriate, as well as just.
 
Timé includes the concept of dignity and truth, as well as honor."
 
The President then reads: "In testimony of your admission to the Cum Laude Society, by the authority of the Society duly granted, I now
present to you these certificates of membership."
 
As the Secretary reads the names, the individual Student Members come forward to receive the certificate of membership from the President and the Society pin from the Secretary as authorized by the constitution of the Society. The logo of the Society (the pin) is a representation of the Greek 'Tau', the first letter in the Greek word Timé (Honor). If both seniors and juniors are being initiated, it is suggested that seniors be recognized first, followed by the juniors. The President can then introduce Student Members who have been previously initiated.
 
The President may address the Student Members in his or her own words, instead of reading the set form of the above words. If it is deemed helpful, the initiation may be preceded or followed by an appropriate address, but this address should not take the place of the charge of the President. A speaker may be introduced by the Head of School (headmaster/headmistress) or principal who may also close the ceremony. A benediction may also be appropriate.
 
Many schools hold a special Cum Laude assembly, or banquet, to which are invited a guest speaker, newly elected students and their parents, faculty and honorary members. Various portions of the above ceremony are used.
 
Since many schools elect students to membership just before graduation, the Cum Laude initiation is made a part of that occasion. Often the names of electees are so indicated in the printed program. In some schools where caps and gowns are worn for graduation, the Cum Laude students wear school-obtained identification, such as gold-colored caps instead of the usual white or black caps, a gold arm band, etc., to identify them as Cum Laude members. Even if the Cum Laude initiation is a separate ceremony, Cum Laude Student Members can be recognized at graduation.
 
 

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Ten-Year Reviews
 

Once every decade, each Chapter is asked to file a "Ten-Year Chapter Review." The primary purpose of this review is to assure the Regents that the school is maintaining the high academic standards in the selection of student members. The Regents study these reports with great care.

 
In evaluating Ten-Year Chapter Reviews, the Regents examine a range of factors: resources, program, and student profile. Taken together, these factors relate directly to the school's capacity to maintain and recognize a high level of academic aspiration and achievement.
 
In the area of resources, the Regents are concerned with significant changes in the school's charter or by-laws, administrative organization, financial resources and physical plant and the effects these might have upon the academic life of the school. Perhaps most important is the strength and stability of the school's human resources, especially faculty and administration.
 
The Regents look at the academic program for evidence that the school continues to provide a strong college preparatory curriculum that is responsive to the intellectual needs of able students. Also, they are interested in the school's accreditation status.
 
In assessing the student profile of the school, the Regents consider the amount of attrition, the number of incoming students, and the number of seniors who are enrolled in the college preparatory curriculum and who have taken AP Exams. Of significance is the number of national merit semi-finalists and commended students in the graduating class as well as the number of students receiving recognition through the National Achievement Scholarship program for outstanding Negro students and the National Hispanic Scholar awards.
 
Particular attention is focused on the records of those student selected to Cum Laude over a three year period: their SATI and II and ACT scores, Advanced Placement Test results and their college placement are closely examined and compared with a national profile of Cum Laude members.
 
 
 
 

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SCHEDULE OF TEN-YEAR CHAPTER REVIEWS
 

TEN YEAR CHAPTER REVIEWS Scroll down for a list of schools

All schools will receive a letter of explanation and current forms in April of the year they are to make a Ten-Year Report. (In addition, schools are reminded of this requirement one and two years ahead of time.) The report covers three school years/graduating classes, ending with school year just being completed.

Reports will be due in the Cum Laude office the following September 1st (with grace period of one month). Late fees are assessed after October 1st.

Schools not reporting in time for the Annual Regents and Officers meeting (November) will be suspended from elections for one school year.)

 

Ten Year Reports (all schools in alpha order)
(The Report is due in the year listed)
School Name followed by Year Report is due
 
Abington Friends School - 2011
Adelphi Academy - 2017
Agnes Irwin School -2010
Albany Academy - 2017
Albany Academy for Girls - 2017
Albuquerque Academy - 2008

All Saints Episcopal School - 2017

Allendale Columbia Schools - 2014
American School of Madrid - 2012
American School of Paris - 2017
Anderson High School - 2016
Asheville School - 2017
Athens Academy - 2008
Augusta Preparatory Day School - 2017
Avon Old Farms School - 2017

 

Bancroft School - 2013
Barstow School - 2012
Baylor School - 2017
Beaver Country Day School - 2008
Belmont Hill School - 2017
Berkeley Carroll School - 2016
Berkeley Preparatory School - 2012
Berkshire School - 2016
Berwick Academy - 2010
Bexley High School - 2008
The Birch Wathen Lenox School - 2012
The Bishop's School - 2017
Blair Academy - 2012
Blake School - 2008
Branson School - 2015
Breck School - 2017
Brentwood School - 2013
Brooks School - 2017
Brookstone School - 2014
Brunswick School - 2010
Bryn Mawr School - 2013
Buckingham Browne & Nichols - 2017
Buffalo Seminary - 2010
Byram Hills High School - 2010

 

Calhoun School - 2011
Campbell Hall - 2016
Cannon School - 2016
The Canterbury School - 2014
Canterbury School - 2011
Cape Cod Academy - 2015
Casady School - 2013
Castilleja School - 2014
Cate School - 2008
Chadwick School - 2011
Charles Wright Academy - 2017
Charlotte Country Day School - 2013
Charlotte Latin School - 2017
Chase Collegiate School - 2012
Chatham Hall - 2017
Cherry Hill High School East - 2009
Chestnut Hill Academy - 2008
Choate Rosemary Hall - 2017
Christ Church Episcopal School - 2016
Cincinnati Country Day School - 2017
Cistercian Preparatory School - 2016
College Preparatory School - 2012
Collegiate School-NY - 2011
Collegiate School-VA - 2011
Columbus Academy - 2017
Columbus School for Girls - 2017
Convent of the Sacred Heart - 2011
Cranbrook Schools - 2008
Crossroads School - 2013
Crystal Springs Uplands School - 2013
Culver Academies - 2008
Cushing Academy - 2014

 

Dana Hall School - 2008
Darlington School - 2013
Deerfield Academy - 2008
Detroit Country Day School - 2008
Doane Stuart School - 2016
Durham Academy - 2017
Dwight-Englewood Schools - 2008

 

Edgemont High School - 2012
Elgin Academy - 2008
Ellis School - 2008
Emma Willard School - 2008
Episcopal School of Dallas - 2017
Episcopal Academy (PA)- 2017
Episcopal High School (VA) - 2016
Ethel Walker School - 2008

 

Father Ryan High School - 2013
Finneytown High School - 2016
Flint Hill School - 2015
Flintridge Preparatory School - 2008
Forsyth Country Day School - 2009
Fort Worth Country Day School - 2013
Fountain Valley School - 2008
Foxcroft School - 2012
Francis W. Parker School - 2017
Friends Academy - 2008
Friends School of Baltimore - 2017
Friends' Central School (PA) - 2008
Friends Select School (PA)- 2016

 

Garrison Forest School - 2009
Georgetown Visitation Prep. School - 2009
Germantown Academy - 2016
Gilman School - 2008
Gilmour Academy - 2015
Girls' Preparatory School - 2013
Glenbrook South High School - 2007
The Governor's Academy - 2008
Granville High School - 2009
Greenhill School - 2014
Greenhills School - 2010
Greens Farms Academy - 2009
Greensboro Day School - 2013
Greenwich Academy - 2017
The Gunnery - 2013

 

Hackley School - 2008
Hall High School - 2013
Hamden Hall Country Day School - 2014
Hammond School - 2009
Hampton Roads Academy - 2010
The Harker School - 2014
Harpeth Hall School - 2012
Harvard-Westlake School - 2008
Hathaway Brown School - 2016
Haverford School - 2008
Hawaii Preparatory Academy - 2014
Hawken School - 2017
Head-Royce School - 2010
Hebron Academy - 2008
Heritage Hall - 2016
The Hewitt School - 2015
Highlands High School - 2011
Hill School - 2008
Hockaday School - 2010
Holderness School - 2012
Holland Hall School - 2017
Holton-Arms School - 2012
Hopkins School - 2017
Horace Mann School - 2008
Hotchkiss School - 2010
Howe Military School - 2013
Hun School of Princeton - 2013
Hutchison School - 2015

 

International School Manila - 2017
Iolani School - 2014
Isidore Newman School - 2016

 

Jackson Academy - 2014
Jackson Preparatory School - 2015
Jacksonville Episcopal High School - 2015
John Cooper School - 2016

 

Kent School - 2015
Kent Denver School - 2010
Kent Place School - 2012
Kents Hill School - 2012
Kentucky Country Day School - 2008
Kimball Union Academy - 2011
King & Low-Heywood Thomas School - 2013
Kingswood-Oxford School - 2010
Kinkaid School - 2012

 

Laguna Blanca School - 2015
La Jolla Country Day School - 2017
La Jolla High School - 2014
Lake Forest Academy - 2010
Lake Forest High School - 2012
Lake Highland Preparatory School - 2016
Landon School - 2011
Latin School of Chicago - 2017
Laurel School - 2009
Lausanne Collegiate School - 2011
Lawrence Academy at Groton - 2011
Lawrence Woodmere Academy - 2009
Lawrenceville School - 2009
Lincoln School - 2009
Lincoln-Sudbury Regional HS - 2013
Little Rock Central High School - 2009
Loomis-Chaffee School - 2013
Louisville Collegiate School - 2007
Lovett School - 2011
Loyola High School - 2016

 

MacDuffie School - 2013
Alfred B. Maclay Jr. Day School - 2012
Maret School - 2014
Mariemont High School - 2008
Marin Academy - 2011
Marlborough School - 2014
Mary Institute and St. Louis CD - 2010
Masters School - 2013
Maumee Valley CDS - 2012
McCallie School - 2011
McDonogh School - 2012
Memphis University School - 2017
Mercersburg Academy - 2010
Metairie Park Country Day School - 2012
Millbrook School - 2012
Milton Academy - 2011
Miss Hall's School - 2012
Miss Porter's School - 2015
Montclair Kimberley Academy - 2010
Montgomery Academy - 2008
Montgomery Bell Academy - 2010
Moorestown Friends School - 2013
Moravian Academy - 2013
Morgan Park Academy - 2017
Morristown-Beard School - 2014
Moses Brown School - 2010
Mount Lebanon High School - 2013
Mount Saint Mary Academy - 2009

 

National Cathedral School - 2009
New Hampton School - 2016
Newark Academy - 2010
Newton South High School - 2017
Nichols School - 2009
Nightingale-Bamford School - 2013
Noble and Greenough School - 2012
Norfolk Academy - 2008
North Cross School - 2013
North Yarmouth Academy - 2016
Northfield Mount Hermon School - 2010
Northwood School - 2009
Notre Dame Preparatory School - 2008

 

Oak Hall School - 2015
Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child - 2014
Oak Park & River Forest HS - 2013
O'Neal School - 2010
Oregon Episcopal School - 2014
Orme School - 2012
The Out Of Door Academy - 2015

 

Pace Academy - 2017
Packer Collegiate Institute - 2016
Park Tudor School - 2013
Peddie School - 2009
Pembroke Hill School - 2013
William Penn Charter School - 2010
Phillips Academy - 2017
Phillips Exeter Academy - 2008
Phoenix Country Day School - 2016
Pine Crest School - 2011
Pingree School - 2016
Pingry School - 2011
Poly Prep Country Day - 2017
Polytechnic School - 2016
Pomfret School - 2011
Porter-Gaud School - 2009
Portledge School - 2009
Portsmouth Abbey School - 2011
Prairie School - 2009
Princeton Day School - 2009
Principia School - 2014
Classical High School (Providence) - 2010
Providence Country Day School - 2010
Providence Day School - 2009
Pulaski Academy - 2017

 

Queen Anne School - 2017

 

Randolph School - 2013
Ranney School - 2011
Ransom-Everglades School - 2011
Ravenscroft School - 2013
Riverdale Country School - 2009
Rivers School - 2017
Roland Park Country School - 2014
Roxbury Latin School - 2013
Rutgers Preparatory School - 2010

 

Sacramento Country Day School - 2017
Saddle River Day School - 2012
St. Albans School - 2010
St. Andrew's Episcopal School (MS) - 2017
St. Andrew's-Sewanee School - 2014
St. Andrew's School of Boca Raton - 2017
St. Andrew's Episcopal School (MD) - 2016
St. Anne's-Belfield School - 2009
St. Catherine's School - 2015
Saint Edward's School - 2013
St. George's School - 2013
Saint George's School - 2009
Saint James School - 2011
Saint John's School - 2009
St. John's School - 2011
St. Johns Country Day School - 2012
St. Margaret's Episcopal School - 2009
St. Mark's School - 2011
St. Mark's School of Texas - 2012
St. Martin's Episcopal School - 2008
St. Mary's Episcopal School - 2016
Saint Mary's Hall - 2011
St. Mary's Hall-Doane Academy - 2008
St. Paul Academy & Summit School - 2009
Saint Paul's School - 2014
St. Paul's School - 2015
St. Paul's School for Girls - 2011
St. Stephen's Episcopal School - 2009
St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School - 2009
Saint Stephen's Episcopal School - 2015
Salisbury School - 2014
Sanford School - 2016
Santa Catalina School - 2011
Santa Fe Preparatory School - 2009
Savannah Country Day School - 2014
Seabury Hall - 2008
Selwyn House - 2013
The Seven Hills School - 2014
Severn School - 2016
Sewickley Academy - 2008
Shady Side Academy - 2010
Shattuck-St. Mary's School - 2010
Shorecrest Preparatory School - 2015
South Kent School - 2011
Spartanburg Day School - 2008
Springside School - 2010
Stevenson School - 2013
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart - 2016
Stony Brook School - 2011
Storm King School - 2009
Suffield Academy - 2013

 

Tabor Academy - 2009
Taft School - 2009
Tampa Preparatory School - 2010
TASIS England - 2017
Tatnall School - 2012
Thacher School - 2010
Thayer Academy - 2009
Tilton School - 2009
Tower Hill School - 2011
Trinity School - 2009
Trinity Preparatory School - 2016
Trinity Valley School - 2017
Trinity-Pawling School - 2012
Tupelo High School - 2013

 

UMS-Wright Preparatory School - 2008

University School of NSU - 2017

University Lake School - 2017
University School (OH) - 2017
University School of Milwaukee - 2016
University School of Nashville - 2015
University Liggett School - 2011
Upper Arlington High School - 2011

 

Vermont Academy - 2009
Viewpoint School - 2013
Virginia Episcopal School - 2016

 

Walnut Hill School - 2010
Walnut Hills High School - 2015
Wardlaw-Hartridge School - 2015
Watertown High School - 2009
Wayland Academy - 2009
Waynflete School - 2011
Webb School - 2010
Webb School of Knoxville - 2014
The Webb Schools - 2011
Wellington School - 2011
Western Hills High School - 2011
Western Reserve Academy - 2009
Westminster Schools - 2014
Westridge School - 2014
Wheeler School - 2011
Wichita Collegiate School - 2015
Wilbraham and Monson Academy - 2010
Williams School - 2016
Williston Northampton School - 2009
Winchester-Thurston School - 2016
Windward School - 2016
Withrow High School - 2012
Woodberry Forest School - 2011
Wooster School - 2014
Worcester Academy - 2009
Worcester Preparatory School - 2016
Wyoming High School - 2011
Wyoming Seminary - 2010

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Current Chapter Manual for Secretaries and Presidents
 
This manual is issued as a guide for Presidents and Secretaries of Cum Laude Chapters. As you can see from the Table of Contents, some basic information about the Society and its operations is included. However, the Constitution, historical information, procedures for applying for a Charter, order forms and much more will be found elsewhere on this web page.
 
The ability of the Society to realize its goal of recognizing and honoring scholarship is dependent upon the effective and efficient way in which the individual Chapters function.
 
The Officers and Regents are well aware of the time, effort and care being given by the Presidents and Secretaries of the Chapters in this important work and are appreciative of it. They wish to express their sincere thanks to the officers of the Chapters for their cooperation, thoroughness and dependability in carrying out the details of the Society's operations. They hope this manual may make the work a little clearer and a bit easier.
 
Inquiries about special problems, or requests for further information, should be addressed to your District Regent or to the Cum Laude Central Office.
 
ITEMS BELOW
 
General Information About the Society
Chapter Responsibilities
Duties of Officers
Elections: Charter Members, Student Members, Faculty Members, Honorary Members

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOCIETY
 
Responsibility for operation of the Cum Laude Society is shared by the Officers and Regents. The Officers are: President General, Deputy President General, Secretary General, and Registrar General, and there are eight District Regents. All are elected for three-year terms at the time of the Triennial Convention. In addition there may be Regents-at-Large who are former Presidents General and serve open ended terms.
 
The daily affairs of the Society are conducted at the central office in Bonita Springs, Florida, under the supervision of the Registrar General. There all records and materials of the Society are kept; financial affairs are handled; correspondence is prepared for the Chapters; reports are collected; complete files of Cum Laude members, past and present, are maintained; and questions of operation and procedures are answered or directed to the proper Officer or Regent.
 
For administrative purposes, each Chapter is assigned to one of the eight geographical districts, and each district is under the supervision of a District Regent. Each district has 40 to 60 Chapters. The Executive Committee, composed of the President General, the Deputy President General, the Secretary General, and the Registrar General, reviews current business and problems of the Society, reviews membership applications, and plans the agenda for the Regents' meetings. Any three Officers, in consultation, are empowered to act on financial and investment matters between annual meetings.
 
Some Chapters engage in a wide variety of activities, although the decision of whether or not a Chapter will be "active" is left to the Chapter. Many Chapters do sponsor lecture series, tutoring programs, or seminars on scholarly subjects, or produce special literary publications. The degree to which a Chapter is active in promoting the intellectual life of the school depends upon the time of year it holds its elections and the number and types of other organizations and groups already functioning in the school. If a Chapter wishes, it may include in its activities students who are not yet members, but whose academic records and scholarly concerns meet the standards of the Society.
 
 
 
CHAPTER RESPONSIBILITIES
 
The officers of a Chapter are a President and a Secretary. The President may be either a student or a faculty member. The Secretary must be a faculty member and, for the sake of continuity, the Secretary should be a person who is likely to be at the school for a considerable period of time. PLEASE NOTIFY THE CENTRAL OFFICE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY CHANGE IN OFFICERS.
 
 
Duties of Officers
 
Records: The Secretary shall keep all the records of a Chapter. These shall include the names, home addresses and dates of election of all categories of Chapter members from the time of the installation of a Chapter. Correspondence: The Secretary shall carry on correspondence with the District Regent, and with the central office of the Society, and will keep the files of such correspondence. Notice of Elections: Immediately upon the election of new members to a Chapter, the Secretary shall send to the central office of the Society the form titled "Induction Registration", providing names of the new members and all other information requested. The names should be in alphabetical order and be typed or printed, signed and dated by the Secretary. Such notification must be accompanied by the payment of the appropriate fees (see Fee Structure - below).
 
Elections
Article II of the Constitution of the Society provides for four (4) types of membership:
 
Charter Members: Up to twelve Charter Members may be elected under authority given by the Board of Regents at the time of the granting of the Charter.
 
Student Members: Each Chapter may elect as student members not more than 20% of the graduating class who have demonstrated academic excellence in the college preparatory curriculum, choosing
 
(a) the whole number toward the end of the Senior Year, or
(b) not more than 10% of the number at the end of the Junior Year or early in the Senior Year, and the remainder near the end of the Senior Year.
 
The 20% is not to be construed as a requirement that the full number permitted must be elected every year. Classes may vary in academic strength from year to year. Many schools elect smaller percentages to serve better the purposes and goals of the Society.
 
Should a Chapter find that they have an especially strong class in any one given year, and this would mean electing more than their 20% quota, the District Regent is the only person who can give permission to a Chapter to exceed its quota of elections. Permission must be sought in advance of the election.
 
Since the Motto of the Society stresses excellence, justice and honor in the broadest sense, Regents assume Chapters will elect to membership only students who have demonstrated good character, honor, and integrity in all aspects of their school life.
 
The definition of what constitutes an honor record and the determination of how to select members is left to the discretion of the individual Chapter. However, from time to time Regents may question this definition and seek one they feel reflects more closely that practiced in other Chapters and recognizes excellence in scholarship more uniformly.
 
 
Faculty Members: While the by-laws provide for faculty membership, the primary purpose of the Society is to honor students who have excelled in scholarship. Faculty membership is provided to give continuity to the Chapter and to help maintain and operate it. The number of active faculty members should not fall below three. Those selected are usually earlier members of Phi Beta Kappa, of Cum Laude Society as students or teachers in another school, or others who have distinguished themselves through scholarship. Chapters that have used the Society to honor faculty have frequently encountered internal political difficulties that distract from the primary purpose of the Society, namely, to honor students. The Board of Regents recommends restricting faculty membership to a small group whose sole responsibility is the operation of the Chapter.
 
 
Honorary Members: This category of membership is for distinguished guests, alumni, trustees, or other friends of the school upon whom the Chapter may wish to confer special honor. No more than two Honorary Members may be elected in any one year.
 
 

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 For more information about Cum Laude, contact:
 THE CUM LAUDE SOCIETY, INC.
23490 Caraway Lakes Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34135-8441
239/390-3257 FAX: 239/390-3245 4
E-mail: cumlaudesociety@mac.com
 
 

Officers and Regents

Constitution and Brief History

Member Schools - by District and by State

Forms and Cum Laude Paper info

General Information

Induction speeches and activities

Becoming a Member