Erie Community College, State University of New York

Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society

Founded at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Chi Alpha Epsilon was launched in 1990 in response to an increasing need to acknowledge the continuing successes of students in the university’s Academic Development Program. Recognizing that students who share similar experiences could serve as significant models for others, Dr. Elbert M. Saddler proposed a Greek letter honor society. Dr. Saddler, a university psychologist and counseling coordinator for the ACT 101 Program, identified eligible students to form the nucleus who are now the founding members of XAE. Program directors at colleges and universities across the United States have hailed its formation and, in 1996, the National Association of Developmental Educators (NADE) endorsed Chi Alpha Epsilon as the Honor Society for developmental program students.

Purpose

Chi Alpha Epsilon was formed to recognize the academic achievements of students admitted to colleges and universities through non-traditional criteria or who utilize developmental and educational support services. Its purpose is to promote continued high academic standards, foster increased communication among its members, and honor the academic excellence of those students admitted to college via developmental/opportunity program pathways or for those who participate in student support services. The involvement of eligible alumni further enables networking for members. Programs sponsored by the society’s chapters encourage other students toward academic accomplishment.

Membership

Membership is Chi Alpha Epsilon is offered through local campus chapters to eligible students and alumni. Students who hold a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. for two consecutive full-time semester, and who were admitted to the college/university via developmental or higher education opportunity type programs, as well s students who participate in the Student Support Services, Federal Grant Programs, are eligible for membership. Alumni who graduate with a 3.0 or better cumulative average prior to the formation of a campus chapter may, once a chapter is founded, be organized into graduate chapters.