Becoming a member in NHS is a five-step process.
1. Declaration of Intent — The first step in becoming a member of NHS is to declare intent to become a member by attending an informational meeting about the society and filling out a Student Information Packet. The information meeting will detail the goals and expectations of the society and explain what it means to be a member so that potential members have a clear understanding of the commitment they will be making. At the meeting, potential members will pick up a Student Information Packet which they will fill out and return to the NHS sponsors for review by the Faculty Council. Submission of this packet before the deadline is the student’s declaration of intent.
2. Faculty Review — Students who deliver their Declaration of Intent by the stated deadline will go through a faculty review. This begins with verification of the student’s GPA. In addition, teachers, administrators, and staff are solicited to provide insight about the nominated students. The goal here is to give adults in the building the opportunity to speak favorably about deserving students.
3. Faculty Council Review — After the faculty has an opportunity to speak on behalf of the potential members, a comprehensive review of each nominated student is then conducted by the NHS Faculty Council. This committee is comprised of a core group of designated teachers representing each of the school’s academic departments (five members total). The review examines each student’s GPA, essay responses, supplied additional information, faculty comments, and any other available pertinent information. When conducting the review, the committee utilizes the NHS membership criterion as the key benchmark for evaluation: scholarship, service, leadership, character.
4. Invitation — Students who the faculty council and GWHS staff believe will be strong, positive, and committed members of The Society will receive a letter inviting them to participate in the annual NHS Induction Ceremony. Letters are distributed at the beginning of the spring semester.
5. Induction — Students are not members of NHS until they attend an Induction Ceremony. GW holds one ceremony each year, and attendance is mandatory, so students should plan accordingly. The ceremony is a pleasant occasion and family members are encouraged to attend. Specific information about the ceremony is included in the invitation letter.