Initiation Process Overview & Eligibility Requirements
Participation in an initiation ceremony is a vital part of creating an engaged membership and is key to maintaining each chapter’s health and longevity. Whether you choose to make use of KDP’s Virtual Initiation Ceremony (link – to virtual initiation event page) or host your own, it is important to create a meaningful experience for new initiates as well as existing members.
Here are KDP’s recommended steps for building an impactful initiation process to recognize and honor the achievements of new members and create lasting memories.
Recruitment
- Step 1: Set an initiation date and reserve room space if needed.
- Step 2: Identify eligible candidates through the registrar’s office
- Step 3: Use invitation email template to reach out to eligible students
- Step 4: Collect local dues to pay for initiation supplies
- Step 5: Order a Membership Certificate Package for each new member before initiation
Initiation
- Step 1: Create a program for your ceremony.
- Step 2: Determine the chapter’s backup plan for your ceremony in case an initiate cannot make the formal initiation date.
- Step 3: Approve all pending applications before the end of each calendar month.
Eligibility Requirements
To be a member, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- All candidates submit an unofficial transcript or copy of a KDP-written invitation during application (applicants will be prompted to upload this information).
- Degree-seeking students shall be enrolled in or have already completed 6 hours of education courses; have a minimum collegiate GPA of 3.0 (or the equivalent of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale if a different system is used by the institution).
- Candidates should support KDP’s mission, vision, and values.
- Alternative Certification candidates with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree shall be enrolled in or have already completed 6 hours of education courses and support KDP’s mission, vision, and values. There is no GPA requirement for someone who is pursuing teaching credentials and has earned a baccalaureate degree.
- Teachers who are in-service professionals shall submit proof of an undergraduate degree via an unofficial transcript. If the teacher is licensed and teaching and has a baccalaureate degree, there is no GPA requirement—only proof of a degree, the teacher’s current position title, and school name and district where they are teaching.