Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society
Sigma Rho Chapter
Chabot College
Hayward, CA 94545
Sigma Rho Chapter
Member Handbook
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Prospective Members ................................................................................................................................... 3
Why Join AGS? .......................................................................................................................................... 3
The Membership Criteria .......................................................................................................................... 3
The Membership Process.............................................................................................................................. 4
How to Begin Membership* ..................................................................................................................... 4
Continuing Members .................................................................................................................................... 5
Soon-to-be Graduates............................................................................................................................... 5
Important Dates ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Service Points ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Ways to Earn Points .................................................................................................................................. 6
Leadership Points ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Submitting Points ...................................................................................................................................... 8
About AGS Activities ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Community Service Opportunities ................................................................................................................ 9
Fundraising .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Conferences ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Scholarships ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Graduation .................................................................................................................................................. 12
AGS Jewelry ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Being a Chapter in Good Standing .............................................................................................................. 12
The Club Advisor(s) ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Other FAQ ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Sigma Rho Handbook 2014(lc)
Page 1
Introduction
Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society
Thank you for your interest in Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society at Chabot College.
The AGS Honor Society was founded in 1925 as the honor society of the California Community
Colleges. Active members of AGS do more than just get good grades. Because of AGS’s
promotion of service to the campus and local community, AGS members are often some of the
most active and involved students on campus.
AGS is dedicated to promoting scholarship, character and civic responsibility. AGS
members are often involved in various club activities from campus activities, social outings,
fundraisers and a vast range of community service projects, individually and as a group. Sigma
Rho members have logged in hundreds of hours helping with organizations such as:
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FESCO Family Shelter
Voter Registration
Harvest Food Bank
MedShare
Coastal Clean-up
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Special Olympics
Habitat For Humanity
Relay for Life
The Hayward Animal
Shelter
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SF Symphony
Literacy Plus
The Kids Breakfast Club
Second Chance
Rottweiler Rescue
For fifty years at Chabot College, membership in AGS demonstrates that you can
balance philanthropy, leadership development and academic excellence. This tradition
continues with you. We hope to see you at the next club meeting!
About the Sigma Rho Handbook
This handbook was created by the club advisor to answer most of the “frequently asked
questions” that students ask about the club or the bylaws. The information within this book has
been obtained through various means (such as the bylaws, State Advisory Board meetings, and
various experiences) and is to be used as supplementary information to accompany the Sigma
Rho Chapter bylaws. It is expected that AGS members will have read this handbook and the
bylaws in order to have a more comprehensive understanding of the Alpha Gamma Sigma
Honor Society. This handbook will be revised as needed. The version of this handbook that is
linked to the website (www.chabotcollege.edu/AGS) is the most current version.
Sigma Rho Handbook 2014(lc)
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Prospective Members
Why Join AGS?
As an active member of the honor society, you will serve your community, acquire like-minded friends
and have a lot of fun in the process. Additionally, upon fulfilling the membership eligibility criteria,
members will also:
Be able to note their impressive membership on resumes, job applications and university
admission applications
Be able to develop leadership skills and abilities by serving as a club officer or committee
chair person
Be competitive for AGS Sigma Rho scholarships
Be eligible for Sigma Rho Scholarships
Be eligible for special AGS scholarships that are available at select Universities
Have a AGS notation on your transcript marking your membership
Have opportunities to attend local and statewide AGS Conferences
Be able to purchase official AGS pins, jewelry, shirts and other logo merchandise
Have special recognition at Commencement
The Membership Criteria
There are some requirements for membership in AGS. Although some criteria must be met in the
beginning of the semester, you must have met all of the requirements by the end of the semester in
order to complete an active semester of membership. In brief, the criteria of eligibility are
To currently be a student in good standing at Chabot College
To have a minimum of 5 units (per semester)
To have completed at least 12 units at Chabot College within 3 semesters
o Or have recently graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA or better
To have a Chabot GPA of above a 3.0
To pay membership dues
To earn a minimum of 20 Service Points per semester
Sigma Rho Handbook 2014(lc)
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The Membership Process
How to Begin Membership*
1) Complete an Enrollment Form
 Forms are available at club meetings, can be printed from the AGS website and are available
near the advisor’s office door.
 Please note there is a “due-date” to turn in enrollment forms, but it’s preferred that it’s turned
in with enough time to satisfy the Service Point requirement (i.e. by the 9th week of classes).
2) Pay membership dues
 Currently, dues are $10/semester. We ask that you submit your dues when you turn in your
Enrollment Form. Please see the current club Treasurer. You will receive a receipt for your
payment.
3) Meet the GPA requirement
 3.0 GPA minimum if you are a returning Chabot College student
 3.5 GPA minimum if you graduated from High School the previous semester
 Please submit your transcripts to the advisor (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) within two
weeks of submitting your Enrollment Form. Your name and W# must be visible on the original
print-out.
4) Earn a minimum of 20 Service Points
 New members are required to participate in a club activity committee. It’s a great way to start
earning service points and meeting fellow club members
 You will find more information about points in this handbook (page 6-8)
 Please note that the cut off time for earning and submitting points for the semester is the last
day of classes. Any points earned following the last day of classes can count for the following
semester’s points.
*Any Associated Student on campus can participate in club activities; however, to be a recognized
student of the statewide AGS organization, GPA requirements, Service Points and Dues requirements
must be met.
Earning the Membership Notation
At the end of the semester, if you’ve fulfilled all of the membership criteria during that semester, you
will have earned a notation on your Chabot transcript indicating your membership for that respective
semester. The notation will occur when your grades for that semester are posted, or shortly thereafter.
This notation will remain on your transcript permanently. For each semester you fulfill the membership
criteria for the club, you will earn the membership notation on your transcript.
Sigma Rho Handbook 2014(lc)
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Continuing Members
Every semester that you wish to be active in AGS, you will need to fill out another enrollment form and
pay your membership dues, as well as earn the minimum number of Service Points. There is no
minimum or maximum number of semesters you can participate with the organization.
Soon-to-be Graduates
When you’ve fulfilled a minimum of two semesters of AGS membership, you can apply to have
Permanent Membership in AGS. This is essentially your official retirement from the club. Once you apply
for PM status, you waive your eligibility for AGS scholarships, your ability to earn points, vote or to hold
an office in the club and your eligibility to attend AGS conferences. Most members choose to apply for
PM status at the end of their last semester at a California Community College. PM members may
participate in select club activities. The deadline to apply for PM is around three weeks before classes
end.
Important AGS Dates
There are some dates that have a tendency to sneak up on us. By giving you the tentative timeline, you
can better plan your time and, in some cases, finances. The only necessary cost is membership dues. The
other expenditures are purely optional.
Enrollment Forms Due
By Thanksgiving/Approx 14th week
Membership Dues Paid
By Thanksgiving/ Approx 14th week
GPA verification submitted by
By Thanksgiving/ Approx 14th week
Permanent Membership Form submitted by
By Thanksgiving/ Approx 14th week
Service Points Earned & submitted
By the last week of classes
Order AGS Jewelry
Will vary. See the advisor
Pay for optional October Regional Conference
Usually due early September
Pay for optional April Spring Conference
Usually due beginning of March
Order Graduation Sashes, Stoles and Cords
Late March or early April
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Service Points
In order to fulfill the AGS membership, 20 service points must be earned per semester, as
stated in the AGS Bylaws. Members are awarded one point per hour of service. This is the
way service is recorded for AGS eligibility. These points may not be issued if the work done is
for pay, class credit, course units or other forms or credit/payment/compensation. However,
there are plenty of opportunities to earn service points!
Ways to Earn Points
Generally members earn 1 point per hour of service to the community & the club. There are
other activities, such as club socials where points are not awarded by-the-hour. Additionally, if
items are needed for an event, a member can earn a point for donating requested items. Below
are some common examples of points earned.
Club activities
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Attending Club Meetings
Announcing AGS in classes
Making & hanging AGS posters on campus
Tabling at Club Rush Day or Gladiator Day
Attending the AGS regional 1-day conference
Attending the AGS state 3-day conference
Carpool driver to AGS conference (1-2pts)
Attending a social event
Hosting-a-conference preparations & tasks
1 point/meeting
1 point/class
1 point/hour
1 point/hour
10 points (depending on time)
25 points (10 pts for Sat-only)
TBD
1 point (not per hour)
TBD
Community Service
o
o
Donating your time (planning, staffing, etc)
Donating cans to a canned food drive
1 point/hour
1 point/5 cans
Fundraising Projects
o
o
Service to the fundraiser (planning, staffing, etc)
Donate items for the fundraiser
 Donate a bag of candy to club rush
 Donating $10 to the fundraiser
1 point/hour
1 point
1 point
Miscellaneous
o
o
o
o
o
o
Bring a new member to a meeting
Be an active member in ASCC or another CC club
Read AGS Bylaws & Handbook (new members only)
Vote in the ASCC Elections (verification needed)
Pay the ASCC student body fee (verification needed)
Join the Chabot Alumni Association (verification needed)
1 point/new member
2 points
1 point (one time only)
1 point
1 point
1 point
o
o
Purchasing a Sigma Rho AGS t-shirt
Wearing AGS logo merchandise
1 point
TBD
Spirit
Leadership (see chart below)
Sigma Rho Handbook 2014(lc)
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Leadership Points
Members can earn points for holding a leadership role in the club. Aside from the five to eight
core officers, members may take on leadership roles as Committee Members or Chairs. As
mentioned in the Bylaws, leadership points are as follows:
Committee Chair
This person has volunteered to lead a project (fundraising,
community service, etc) and be the main lead, or “point-person”
for the project. This person is awarded 3 points for the title of
committee chair, with the expectation there will be additional
time required for meetings, organization, execution, etc for all
the details & responsibilities of the project, including working
closely with club officers. The Chair can earn per-hour points
for staffing the event in addition to the 3 points for chairing the
committee.
3pts
Co-Chair
Sometimes a committee may decide to have two chairs
(especially for large events). In this case, there would be two
chairs, sharing the responsibilities and the title. (see
“Committee Chair” description) The Co-Chairs can earn perhour points for staffing the event in addition to the 2 points for
co-chairing the committee.
2 pts
each
Committee
Member
This club member has volunteered to help a Committee Chair
execute the tasks necessary for the project at hand. This may
include attending a planning meeting with the Chair(s) and
fulfilling other tasks. Committee Member can earn per-hour
points for staffing the event in addition to the point for being on
the committee.
1pt
Sigma Rho Handbook 2014(lc)
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Point Distribution Rules
Sigma Rho adopted a Point Distribution Rule to our Bylaws as is a common practice in AGS chapters. A
common Point Distribution rule implements point minimums or maximums for certain categories of
service. Our chapter has minimums and maximums to encourage diversity of service and to ensure
support club growth and presence. Please note that minimums/maximums apply only toward the “20
point” requirement. All points earned will be recorded and counted.
o
o
o
Minimum of 10 points for club activities and meetings
Minimum of 5 points for participation in club fundraising
Maximum of 3 points for canned food/monetary/item donations
Example A: A member attends the full 3-day spring convention (up to 25 points) but even though the
student fulfilled their 20 point membership criteria (from a club activity), he should have a minimum of
5 points to help with club fundraising.
Example B: A member’s only participation has been to donate 100 cans of food for the food drive that
totals 20 points. But she should still earn club activity and fundraising points.
Submitting Points
Members will document their service to the club and community and submit their Points Verification
Forms to the Points Secretary or Vice President of the club who will take official record of member
points. Please use the “On-going Service Log” for service you do regularly in the semester. The Points
Secretary or Vice President may collect these forms at Club Meetings or choose to collect them on
designated dates. Please make sure you find out the process from him or her. Point Submission Forms
can be printed from the AGS website. Please note the last day to earn service points for the semester is
the last day of classes, when the PS or VP will respectively turn in the final points tally in to the advisor.
Service points earned after the last day of classes (such as volunteerism with the Alumni Association at
Commencement or summer session activities) may be applied for the following semester’s point-count.
Integrity
AGS is an organization with members who carry a tradition of good character, knowledge and judgment.
On the Points Submission Forms, there is an opportunity to document verification of your service to the
community. Although no one is formally “monitoring” or validating the information on Points
Submission Forms, if falsification of service is revealed, disciplinary action and expulsion from the club
will result. We hope each member continues to uphold the AGS traditions of honesty and integrity.
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AGS Activities
The sky is (almost!) the limit when it comes to AGS student activities. Activities may include Community
Service projects, socials, and fundraisers, as well as be a collaborative effort with other student clubs—
or other AGS chapters. Also, AGS has made a long standing tradition of helping with Commencement &
Transfer Ceremonies, Faculty & Staff Appreciation events and the Alumni Association over the years.
Community Service Opportunities
Especially when you first join the club, you may be overwhelmed with details and may not know where
to begin looking for community service activities. Or perhaps you’ve been involved in community
projects for years and are looking for new opportunities. The Sigma Rho Business Director has taken on
the role of finding and sharing community service opportunities to share with the club at meetings or by
posting them on our AGS Activities Bulletin Board (building 300). Service opportunities may be
completed individually or as a group of interested members. (If you do events as a group- remember to
take pictures for our album, website or bulletin board!)
If you have ideas for a community service project (or fundraiser or social activities) don’t be shy! You can
present your ideas to the club during the meeting or talk to the respective Director about helping you
present your idea.
Fundraising
Club fundraising is necessary for several reasons. There are “operational costs” for running the club
(making copies, bringing a door prize to the conference, the costs involved for keeping the chapter in
Good Standing, etc) as well as expenditures or financial goals the chapter may choose (to defray some
cost for the spring convention, to build a chapter scholarship or to donate to a charity). There are a
variety of fundraisers that can be done. It’s up to the Chapter to decide how much fundraising to do. In
the past, the ASCC has had a “matching” program where they will match raised funds, up to $250 in the
academic year. Our ICC Representative will have updated information about that.
Off Campus Activities and Responsibilities
All AGS activities are voluntary and optional*. Members of AGS tend to be very active on campus and in
the community, therefore, a number of AGS inspired activities occur off campus. Although some
members may coordinate carpools for these activities, it is ultimately the responsibility of each member
and participant to provide their own means of transportation to the activities that are held off campus.
Members will be asked to complete a Liability Waiver for off-campus activities. Additionally, all costs
involved and incurred by each member are solely the responsibility of each respective participant, and
participants should always be prepared for such. Alpha Gamma Sigma and Chabot College bear zero
liability for anything that may happen off campus.
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Conferences
There are two AGS conferences each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Attendance is optional
(but encouraged for club officers). They are a worthwhile experience. The workshop topics range from
leadership in AGS, to transferring to a university, how to interview well for jobs, building resumes, to
personal enrichment (stress management, etc) and more. It’s a great time to meet AGS members from
all across California and network. Also, this is something you can put on your resume.
You will see a lot of AGS spirit. Aside from being able to buy (and sell) AGS logo merchandise, chapters
compete for the following events: newsletters, name tags, roll call, and website (this has varied over the
years). Sometimes chapters choose to wear AGS shirts or the same colors to show unity. At the spring
convention scholarship recipients are announced (nominees must attend the convention). Additionally,
elections occur for Board of Trustees’ Student Trustee where each chapter gets one vote.
AGS Conferences are organized by chapters, just like our club. The state organization asks each chapter
to donate a door prize to be given away during the conference. They usually specify a price range and
ask that it’s gender neutral and does not contain college-logos. Club members can arrange to donate
items for service points or our chapter can use raised funds to sponsor our door prize contribution.
Previous experience has lead to the fact that each student who is interested in attending must expect to
pay the full cost of registration, housing and transportation by the registration deadlines. If the club
decides to fundraise to defray some of the cost of the conference, it will be up to the currently active
members of the club to vote on and plan those details.
Semester Event
Fall
Regional Conference
Spring
Location
Northern California
(Usually October)
(usually near Merced)
Spring Convention
Alternates between
Northern and
Southern California
(Usually April)
(usually San Jose and
Ontario)
Duration
1 day-Saturday
Costs
$25-35 pp
Friday night to
Sunday morning
(There is a
Saturday-only
option)
Registration
$130 (one day)-$375
pp (single per room)
Transportation
(will vary depending
on the location)
AGS Officers are highly encouraged to attend the Fall Regional Conference that takes place in October.
Each chapter of AGS must meet the criteria to be in good standing. Scholarship Nominees from our
chapter are required to attend the Spring State Convention. Whether members attend the conferences
or not, the advisor must be present at least one conference to keep the chapter in good standing.
Additionally, an advisor must be present at each convention when members attend.
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Scholarships
AGS members have a few extra pools of scholarships to apply for. Their hard work with their studies, the
community and the club can certainly pay off. Do your research in the Fall semester so you know what
to look out for in the Spring semester. Have those essays drafted so you can be ready when the
applications come out!
AGS (Statewide) scholarships
The advisors of the chapters in good standing may send forward up to 3 of their members for AGS
scholarships. These awards may range from $300-1000 (the amounts change annually) and are awarded
for Academics (2) and Community Service (1). Please note State Convention attendance is mandatory
(and non-refundable) for all nominees.
AGS University Partnerships
Since AGS is a recognized and respected organization, some universities offer special scholarships for
eligible AGS students who are applying to their college. A list of University partners are listed on the
state organization’s website.
Sigma Rho Chapter scholarships
The club may fundraise for scholarships for club members. This requires a fair, organized method of
selection and distribution to be set in place by the club (with the advisement of the club advisors and
the Office of Student Life). Contact club officers or advisor for more information.
Student Senate of Chabot College (SSCC)/ASCC scholarships
Every year the Student Government office (SSCC/ASCC) offers scholarships to students who are active
on campus and in the community. Applications are usually posted in February and due in March.
Membership network
Sometimes fellow students have a wealth of information to share. Students have been known to share
information about scholarships for students with certain majors, career goals, etc.
Sigma Rho Handbook 2014(lc)
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Graduation/Commencement
For students who wish to walk at the Transfer or Graduation Ceremonies, graduation stoles are
available. They are approximately $22. Order forms and payments are due to the advisor sometime in
April. Information about Honors Cords is forthcoming.
AGS Jewelry
As an eligible member, you have the option to purchase AGS Jewelry and pins from the state
organization. Orders have to go through the advisor. Pictures of the jewelry and prices can be seen on
the statewide organization’s website. www.ags-honor.org
Being a Chapter in Good Standing
To be a chapter in good standing, our chapter has to meet a few criteria:
1. Pay dues to the organization (there is a standard amount plus a cost per member) by the
respective deadlines along with the appropriate forms
2. The advisor must attend the FAM (Fall Advisory Meeting) and at least one Conference.
3. (An advisor must be present at each convention which members attend. The advisor may
need to attend a convention even if his/her chapter has no students going-- if the
attendance is necessary to remain in good standing)
The Club Advisor(s)
In brief, the club is run by students with the guidance of the club advisor(s). Aside from attending the
necessary meetings to keep the chapter in good standing, Advisors are here as a resource for building
leadership and making sure club business follows campus and AGS rules & procedures. 
Sigma Rho Handbook 2014(lc)
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Other FAQ
How do I include my AGS participation on my resume?
There are numerous ways you can list your involvement on your resume. AGS would likely count as
leadership experience (if you hold an officer position), community involvement or extra-curricular
activities. If you choose to apply for Permanent Member status before you graduate, you can list your
PM status under achievements or recognitions. The advisor keeps a record of each member’s
attendance, participation etc and will be able to verify your involvement should an employer or college
need verification.
How do I include my AGS participation on my transcript?
With the Advisor’s verification, Admissions and Records makes a note/comment on your transcript for
the semesters you are an eligible member. The advisor verifies students GPAs at the beginning of the
semester as well as when your grades are available at the end of a semester. It is the student’s
responsibility to provide this information to the advisor in a timely fashion, so the verification can be
sent to Admissions and Records before deadline.
I have an idea for an activity, how do I bring it up to the club?
There are several ways! You can bring it up during the “Open Forum” session at the club meeting, or you
can discuss your idea with a club officer, or you can present your idea during the discussion portion of
the meeting (if you requested to be put on the meeting agenda).
I want to be a member but I cannot attend the meetings. Can I still participate?
Yes. As long as you are in contact with the club communiqué (such as the website, list serve, forum etc)
you will be in the loop about club activities and opportunities. The only exception to this is for members
who hold an officer position. Officers must attend the club meetings. Remote members will need to be
in direct communication with the respective club officers who collect Enrollment Forms, Membership
Dues and Points Submission Forms.
Can the club advisor write a letter of recommendation for me?
It’s a good idea to ask a letter of recommendation from someone who may know you very well. If
you’ve worked with the club advisor(s) enough for them to sincerely vouch for your work, then it would
probably be reasonable for you to ask, so long as it’s in a timely manner. But it’s a good idea to have a
list of teachers, staff and supervisors in mind who are familiar with your work style. Their sincere words
can capture those qualities that make you so remarkable. As a courtesy, remember to give your requests
to your instructors with plenty of notice (at least a few weeks) before their due dates.
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