Student Membership

The NEHS National Constitution delineates several formal obligations of membership:

The first obligation is as much a duty of the chapter as it is a member obligation. Article 8, Section 3 indicates that all members must be inducted at a special ceremony to become active members of the chapter. One remains in the condition of being a ‘successfully selected candidate’ (i.e., not a member) until this ceremony is undertaken. A variety of resources are available online to assist chapters in planning

• Maintaining standards (Article 7, Section 1). Once selected and inducted, all members are expected to maintain the standards by which they were selected. The implication here is that members are well informed concerning what those selection standards were as published in the description of the local selection process. Annual reminders for students and parents delivered through the script of the chapter’s Induction Ceremony are also helpful.
• Dues (Article 7, Section 4): Members may be asked to pay annual chapter dues. The constitution limits this amount to $20 per student per year. For this amount and any other obligatory expenses incurred by members, the school should be able to provide alternative sources of funding for those students who may be incapable of paying. The authentic inability of a member or his/her family to pay such financial obligations should not be the reason for the disciplining of any member. Note: Dues are not a required function for any chapter, but if established by the chapter in accordance with all local school policies, can become an obligation of all members.
• Meetings (Article 11, Section 1): A schedule of chapter meetings should be developed and well publicized. Chapter officers should work closely with the adviser to see that the agendas for all meetings are well thought out and planned for. Chapters may require members to attend these meetings. Develop fair policies for ‘excused’ and ‘unexcused’ absences using local school attendance guidelines as a model.
• Chapter projects (Article 11, Sections 2): All chapters are required to sponsor chapter projects in which all members participate, assuming that the projects meet the criteria as outlined in the constitution. Chapters often offer multiple projects during the year for members to choose from in order to fulfill this obligation.
• Additional obligations (Article 7, Section 5): If additional obligations exist for members of the chapter, such obligations should be included on a separate list of Member Obligations shared regularly with members and their parents, or should be spelled out in the Chapter Bylaws for all members to see. It is recommended that chapter bylaws be presented to each member annually or included in the chapter’s Member Handbook as a reminder of these and all member obligations.

The publication of member obligations is the responsibility of the chapter. It is recommended that in addition to publishing the Chapter Bylaws for each member that chapters include member obligations in the general chapter description that appears in the school’s student handbook, faculty handbook, parent newsletters or any other official publication of the school or school system. Helping all potential candidates and their parents understand what will be expected of them if they are selected will assist a candidate in determining if he/she has sufficient time to dedicate to this honor.

It is also beneficial for parents to understand the commitment of time and energy required once their student becomes a member of the chapter. Chapters can outline all member obligations and include such a list either in the Candidate's Packet of information or in a new member packet or handbook, and then request (or require) that the student and parent/guardian sign the form affirming their understanding of the nature of all member obligations. Having such a document on file will support the school's position should a student be called up for disciplinary action when it is apparent that he/she is not meeting some or all of the member obligations.