Categories of Membership
CERES recognizes a number of categories of memberships: pledge, chapter, alumnae, associate, honorary and affiliate members. Below is a brief description of each.
The Pledge
The majority of members of CERES begin their life-long commitment to CERES as pledges. The position of "pledge" in this fraternity is uniquely different from most others. The pledge category can best be characterized as a preparatory stage for full chapter membership.
Moreover, the basic tenet of CERES tends to provide for a more homogenous group than many other Greek organizations. If the chapter truly considers the concepts of Ceres during its membership procurement process it should result in a pledge class that possesses very similar backgrounds, very similar beliefs and values.
And if they chapter considers seriously the CERES motto, Commitment to Build, it will develop an effective pledge education program that will turn these potential members into strong, purposeful chapter members who will gain from and contribute to the life of CERES fraternity.
The Chapter Member
When the pledge-ship period has been fulfilled and the chapter members are in agreement that membership should be offered, an invitation to join is extended to the pledge to unite with CERES Fraternity.
During pledge-ship a candidate for membership has become familiar with the ideals and objectives of CERES, with the customs and environment of the local chapter. She has learned to know the members, has demonstrated her scholastic ability, cooperated in group living, shared fellowship and sisterhood with those of the chapter. She knows and accepts the financial obligations required of her in CERES both locally and internationally.
When she is initiated she dedicated herself to uphold the gals and ideals of the fraternity. She is welcomed to membership with the full rights, privileges, and with the full responsibilities and obligations of all members of CERES. From that day forward she is a member. In a very real sense it represents a new beginning, for fraternal growth doesn't stop with initiation. It takes on a new meaning with more purpose and new goals.
Chapter members are expected to integrate the objectives and ideals of CERES into their own purpose and philosophy of living. They are expected to participate in the governance of the chapter and, at Conclave, in the governance of the fraternity. Chapter members are expected to become interested, responsible citizens of the fraternity, the University community, state, nation and world.
Consideration of her sisters' welfare and development becomes a prime objective for each member, not only in small matters but large ones. She will be concerned with what is kind, what is helpful, and what if just. She will expect to fulfill her commitments to CERES without regard to personal convenience. A person in the close followship of the fraternity would not presume on her sisters to carry her part of the load, be it spiritual, moral, social, scholastic or financial. Chapter members are expected to set the pace and the climate for the pledge class. There is no lesson better taught then by example. As a participating member of CERES each member will have a chance to put life, meaning and purpose into the fraternity's motto-Commitment to build.
Friendships made in the chapter will be a part of one always. Working together on fraternity projects and problems as undergraduates will be carried over and strengthened through the years, through chance meeting, planned reunions or working side-by-side in industry, research, teaching or in our communities. Fraternity life should be very rewarding, now and in the future.
Alumnae Member
Once a CERES member - always a CERES member
Upon completion of sufficient credits to qualify for graduation the chapter member moves from undergraduate to alumnae status within CERES fraternity.
Alumnae have much to contribute to the life of the fraternity. The right and privileges of alumnae remain the same as do her responsibilities to the fraternity, except that she is no longer required to pay international dues. She is encouraged to continue her activities with other alumnae in the workings of the association for the benefit of the active chapter.
Alumnae membership may also be granted to members in a number of unique situations, for persons who have not yet graduated. On action by the chapter (on two-thirds majority) with the unanimous approval of the Faculty Advisory Committee forwarded to the International Office, the Executive Director may grant alumna status to a chapter member.
Associate Member
Associate membership may be conferred by the local chapter upon any person who has attained a baccalaureate (or higher) degree or is engaged in an occupation other than that of student, who has demonstrated the qualities of character, scholarship and professional excellence to which CERES aspires and has shown interest in CERES fraternity.
Many women serve the university as members of the faculty or serve within the community or state in significant leadership positions. Among them are persons whose standards and values can be equated with those of CERES. Chapters are encouraged to seek out these women, become their friends and to consider them for associate membership. It is recommended that an Associate-elect be given every opportunity to become acquainted with the members of the chapter. She should also be aware that her questions concerning membership are welcome. Giving the prospective associate member a copy of the Membership Handbook may be helpful.
Approval (by two-thirds vote) by the chapter as well as approval by both the Chapter Advisory Committee and CERES Association Board of Directors is required to grant Associate Membership. It entitles the person to the same rights and priviledges accorded other alumnae members. The Associate is brought into membership through formal initiation.
Honorary Member
Honorary membership is conferred only by the International Executive Board, usually at a biennial Conclave. Candidates for Honorary membership may be nominated by any chapter, association or by a special committee appointed by the International President. Regardless of how they are nominated, candidates must be unanimously elected by the International Executive Board before Honorary membership can be conferred.
It is bestowed upon women who are outstanding in their profession, whose lives fulfill the objectives and high standards of CERES Fraternity and who are an inspiration to CERES members.CERES International Executive Board makes the final selection.
Honorary members are entitled to all of the right and privileges, as well as the responsibilities, of all CERES members.
Affiliate Chapter Member Affiliate chapter member status may be conferred upon individuals who will be in residence at the chapter's respective campus for less than one year. This category is applicable to foreign students, national exchange students and visitors to the campus for sabbaticals or internships. They should be individuals that the chapter wishes to recognize for significant contributions to the chapter. Candidates for affiliate membership must receive the unanimous vote of the active chapter, with concurrence of the Chapter Advisory Committee. Affiliate members are required to pay the one-time initiation fee buy not annual international membership dues
- The Pledge
- The Chapter Member
- Alumnae Member
- Associate Member
- Honorary Member
- Affiliate Member
The Pledge
The majority of members of CERES begin their life-long commitment to CERES as pledges. The position of "pledge" in this fraternity is uniquely different from most others. The pledge category can best be characterized as a preparatory stage for full chapter membership.
Moreover, the basic tenet of CERES tends to provide for a more homogenous group than many other Greek organizations. If the chapter truly considers the concepts of Ceres during its membership procurement process it should result in a pledge class that possesses very similar backgrounds, very similar beliefs and values.
And if they chapter considers seriously the CERES motto, Commitment to Build, it will develop an effective pledge education program that will turn these potential members into strong, purposeful chapter members who will gain from and contribute to the life of CERES fraternity.
The Chapter Member
When the pledge-ship period has been fulfilled and the chapter members are in agreement that membership should be offered, an invitation to join is extended to the pledge to unite with CERES Fraternity.
During pledge-ship a candidate for membership has become familiar with the ideals and objectives of CERES, with the customs and environment of the local chapter. She has learned to know the members, has demonstrated her scholastic ability, cooperated in group living, shared fellowship and sisterhood with those of the chapter. She knows and accepts the financial obligations required of her in CERES both locally and internationally.
When she is initiated she dedicated herself to uphold the gals and ideals of the fraternity. She is welcomed to membership with the full rights, privileges, and with the full responsibilities and obligations of all members of CERES. From that day forward she is a member. In a very real sense it represents a new beginning, for fraternal growth doesn't stop with initiation. It takes on a new meaning with more purpose and new goals.
Chapter members are expected to integrate the objectives and ideals of CERES into their own purpose and philosophy of living. They are expected to participate in the governance of the chapter and, at Conclave, in the governance of the fraternity. Chapter members are expected to become interested, responsible citizens of the fraternity, the University community, state, nation and world.
Consideration of her sisters' welfare and development becomes a prime objective for each member, not only in small matters but large ones. She will be concerned with what is kind, what is helpful, and what if just. She will expect to fulfill her commitments to CERES without regard to personal convenience. A person in the close followship of the fraternity would not presume on her sisters to carry her part of the load, be it spiritual, moral, social, scholastic or financial. Chapter members are expected to set the pace and the climate for the pledge class. There is no lesson better taught then by example. As a participating member of CERES each member will have a chance to put life, meaning and purpose into the fraternity's motto-Commitment to build.
Friendships made in the chapter will be a part of one always. Working together on fraternity projects and problems as undergraduates will be carried over and strengthened through the years, through chance meeting, planned reunions or working side-by-side in industry, research, teaching or in our communities. Fraternity life should be very rewarding, now and in the future.
Alumnae Member
Once a CERES member - always a CERES member
Upon completion of sufficient credits to qualify for graduation the chapter member moves from undergraduate to alumnae status within CERES fraternity.
Alumnae have much to contribute to the life of the fraternity. The right and privileges of alumnae remain the same as do her responsibilities to the fraternity, except that she is no longer required to pay international dues. She is encouraged to continue her activities with other alumnae in the workings of the association for the benefit of the active chapter.
Alumnae membership may also be granted to members in a number of unique situations, for persons who have not yet graduated. On action by the chapter (on two-thirds majority) with the unanimous approval of the Faculty Advisory Committee forwarded to the International Office, the Executive Director may grant alumna status to a chapter member.
Associate Member
Associate membership may be conferred by the local chapter upon any person who has attained a baccalaureate (or higher) degree or is engaged in an occupation other than that of student, who has demonstrated the qualities of character, scholarship and professional excellence to which CERES aspires and has shown interest in CERES fraternity.
Many women serve the university as members of the faculty or serve within the community or state in significant leadership positions. Among them are persons whose standards and values can be equated with those of CERES. Chapters are encouraged to seek out these women, become their friends and to consider them for associate membership. It is recommended that an Associate-elect be given every opportunity to become acquainted with the members of the chapter. She should also be aware that her questions concerning membership are welcome. Giving the prospective associate member a copy of the Membership Handbook may be helpful.
Approval (by two-thirds vote) by the chapter as well as approval by both the Chapter Advisory Committee and CERES Association Board of Directors is required to grant Associate Membership. It entitles the person to the same rights and priviledges accorded other alumnae members. The Associate is brought into membership through formal initiation.
Honorary Member
Honorary membership is conferred only by the International Executive Board, usually at a biennial Conclave. Candidates for Honorary membership may be nominated by any chapter, association or by a special committee appointed by the International President. Regardless of how they are nominated, candidates must be unanimously elected by the International Executive Board before Honorary membership can be conferred.
It is bestowed upon women who are outstanding in their profession, whose lives fulfill the objectives and high standards of CERES Fraternity and who are an inspiration to CERES members.CERES International Executive Board makes the final selection.
Honorary members are entitled to all of the right and privileges, as well as the responsibilities, of all CERES members.
Affiliate Chapter Member Affiliate chapter member status may be conferred upon individuals who will be in residence at the chapter's respective campus for less than one year. This category is applicable to foreign students, national exchange students and visitors to the campus for sabbaticals or internships. They should be individuals that the chapter wishes to recognize for significant contributions to the chapter. Candidates for affiliate membership must receive the unanimous vote of the active chapter, with concurrence of the Chapter Advisory Committee. Affiliate members are required to pay the one-time initiation fee buy not annual international membership dues
