FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
The following are questions we are frequently asked by our members.
Please review them, and if further explanation is needed,
contact the appropriate alpha officer.
What do I need to do in order to be in good standing?
- To be in good standing, members must meet their responsibilities each semester. In the fall, that means paying dues, participating in the fundraiser, and completing 15 hours of service. In the spring, that means completing an additional 15 hours of service and 1 leadership point. Members must also have clean conduct records.
What happens if I'm put on probation?
- Being put on probation means that you have fallen short in upholding your responsibilities as an NHS Member. Therefore, you must remedy the situation by the end of the next semester. For example, if you were short 3 hours of service, you must turn in 18 hours of service by the end of the semester: 15 regular hours + 3 makeup hours. Failure to meet one's responsibilities again will lead to dismissal from NHS.
How can I earn service hours?
- There are multiple chances to earn service hours each semester. Listed under the Service link, you will find all of the events NHS is currently offering for service. More information about each of these events can be found by going to the NHS Calendar and click on the event. Additionally, you can submit your own ideas or other projects to count for service, but you must get it preapproved first.
How can I earn a leadership point?
- Leadership points can be earned by leading a school or community organization. You can also earn a leadership point by attending the Leadership Seminar offered by NHS once a semester. Additionally, there are certain events like Kids' Kamp or National Student Leadership Week, where you can run a committee which will earn you a leadership point.
Can I participate in a service event for hours that is NOT sponsored by NHS?
- Yes! However, you must submit a pre-approval email for the event. The process for doing this can be found on the Service page. An email must be sent to the Vice President of Service who has the final determination over whether it may count and for how many points. Please attach the confirmation email you receive from the Service VP to your point form when you turn it in.
How do I know how many points I have?
- Point statuses are updated online regularly. Check the date of the file for the last time it was updated. It is recommended that all members make a copy of their point forms before turning them in.
Where/How do I turn in point forms?
- Point forms can be turned in in Room 2111. There are two turn in bins - one for service and one for leadership. Please put your form in front of the letter of your last name.
What should I do if I think there is an error with my points?
- First, you should check your own records against what is online. Second, you should contact the officer in charge of that area via email in a respectful manner. Contacting them via Facebook or in the hallway at school is not appropriate. If the issue cannot be resolved by the officer, then you should contact the NHS Advisor with your concern. Please remember, it is the member's responsibility to handle their affairs, not one's parents.
What do I do if I can't make it to a monthly meeting?
If it is a mandatory meeting, you must turn in a meeting excuse form to the advisor 24 hours in advance. If it is a regular meeting, no excuse form is necessary as members are allowed to miss 3 regular meetings before incurring penalty hours.
If you miss a meeting, you should check the website under NHS Monthly Meetings and review the information presented in the powerpoint. After reviewing the powerpoint, make sure you follow up with your alpha officer via email and contact anyone else regarding events for which you would like to sign up.
What about summer hours - do I need to do them - do they count towards anything?
- NHS members are not required to do additional hours over the summer. Service completed over the summer WILL NOT be counted for points during the fall semester.
