Chi Alpha Epsilon

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 Academic Development Program. Recognizing that students who share similar experiences could serve as significant models for others, a Greek letter honor society was proposed by Dr. Elbert Saddler. Dr. Saddler, a university psychologist and counseling coordinator for the ACT 101 Program, identified eligible students and alumni to form the nucleus who are now the founding members of XAE. Educational Opportunity Programs, and developmental programs at many colleges and universities across the United States have hailed its formation and in 1996, The National Association for Developmental Education (NADE) has officially endorsed Chi Alpha Epsilon as an honor society for developmental education students. The Council for Opportunity in Education is also encouraging participation.

Purpose

Chi Alpha Epsilon was formed to recognize the academic achievements of students admitted to colleges and the universities through non-traditional criteria or who utilize developmental and educational support services. Its purposes is to promote continued high academic standards, foster increased communication among its members, and to honor academic excellence achieved by 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 chapter encourage other students toward this accomplishment.

The honor society also has the potential to be a significant political force in the support of funding for developmental studies and educational opportunity programs nationwide.

Membership

Membership in Chi Alpha Epsilon is offered through Stony Brook University Gamma Theta Chapter to eligible EOP students and alumni. Gamma Theta Chapter was chartered on December 6th of 2001 to 32 founding members.   Thus, students should hold a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. for two consecutive full-time semester, or 3 or 4 consecutive part-time semesters, and are admitted to Stony Brook University Education Opportunity Program (EOP), as well as students who participate in the Student Support Services, Federal Grant Programs are eligible for membership. EOP alumni who graduate with a 3.0 or better cumulative average prior to the formation of the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter may, once a chapter is founded, be organized into graduate chapters.

For further information, contact Christina Wolin, EOP/AIM Senior Academic Advisor/Counselor at christina.wolin@stonybrook.edu or 631-632-8202.