FAQ
Is Alpha Gamma Sigma a fraternity or sorority?
Alpha Gamma Sigma is neither a fraternity or a sorority. We are an academic Honor Society. AGS or “Alpha Gamma Sigma” is a California statewide scholastic honors society for community colleges. The purpose of this organization is to foster, promote, maintain, and recognize scholarship. We annually award scholarships to members and also encourage chapters to provide opportunities for participation in service activities and toaward scholarships. The Greek Letters in our name were selected because they are the initials from Greek words whose meanings represent the motto of AGS: "Add to good character, knowledge, and judgment."
ALPHA stands for "Arete" meaning "Excellence"
GAMMA stands for "Gnosis" meaning "Knowledge"
SIGMA stands for "Sophrosyne" meaning "Wisdom"
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Why join Alpha Gamma Sigma?
Alpha Gamma Sigma offers students the opportunity to get involved in the community, meet new people, and have fun! We offer college scholarships for members, leadership positions, and active participation in Alpha Gamma Sigma looks great on applications! Only members of Alpha Gamma Sigma are eligible to wear the golden Alpha Gamma Sigma sash at graduation to acknowledge your hard work and are eligible for permanent membership in the statewide Alpha Gamma Sigma organization.
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Do I have to take Honors classes?
No, we are not connected to the Honors program. However, some members of the Alpha Gamma Sigma club are enrolled in Honors classes.
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Why do we have to pay a membership fee?
Applicants have to pay a membership fee because the contributions go toward the statewide organization to maintain good standing for our Alpha Gamma Sigma chapter at RCC.
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What do we do with our service hours?
Completing at least 50 service hours invites you to the ASRCC service awards banquet. Service hours may also be recorded on university transcripts or for your own personal use, such as scholarship opportunities.
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Does AGS go on your transcript?
Members in good standing may include AGS on their transcript.
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What does it mean to have the AGS seal on your transcript?
Having an Alpha Gamma Sigma seal on your transcript means that you have not only spent your academic career working hard to get good grades, but it
also means that you are community-oriented, having contributed a portion of your time and effort to improve your community.
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Do you have to attend meetings?
It is strongly suggested and you are encouraged to attend meetings. However, attendance at them is not mandatory, but seven meetings (general or executive) may count as seven events out of your required twelve events as part of your membersip agreement and requirement for membersip.
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Why did I receive a letter in the mail?
Because of your academic accomplishment of a 3.0 GPA, you were placed on the Dean’s List, and a letter was included to inform you about your eligibility to apply to Alpha Gamma Sigma.
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How do I become a Permanent Member?
A member may apply for permanent membership by having maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and by having been a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma for at least one term, or by having been a continuing member who has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and has been a member for at least two terms may also apply. All applicants have to have completed a minimum of 60 semester units of recognized college courses, with a minimum of 30 of those units completed at a community college. Alpha Gamma Sigma members who achieve Permanent Member status are so designated on their official transcript, receive a California Alpha Gamma Sigma State Permanent Member Certificate, and an Alpha Gamma Sigma gold seal for their diploma. Permanent Members may also purchase a gold kase membership pin.
