Starting a Chapter and Inducting Members
How do I select LPH inductees?
Selecting the inductees can be done in a couple of ways. Some departments invite applications from the students and the student supplies all the proof of eligibility. Other departments do the record searching themselves for eligible inductees and make the selection of those who will be eligible to join.
What are the national requirements for student membership?
Student membership requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA with 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours completed and a 3.25 GPA for Communication Studies courses with 12 semester or 18 quarter credit hours completed.
How do I conduct a LPH initiation ceremony?
Usually chapter plans an induction ceremony to which parents, faculty members, and friends can be invited. Several chapters in the past have invited guest speakers such as LPH alumni, the president of their college or university, departmental faculty members, their dean, etc. Click here for the Induction Script.
How do I select LPH chapter officers?
Selecting LPH chapter officers can be done in a couple of ways. Some chapters invite students to self- nominate. Other chapters hold officer elections at their LPH chapter meetings.
What type of activities can my LPH chapter accomplish?
Activities should be a mix of social, academic, and community service.
What is required of a LPH chapter advisor?
The faculty advisor is key to a successful chapter, particularly in the beginning. Each chapter also elects a set of officers, who often take on part of the work load. Your national coordinator will also be happy to offer any help needed. General duties include:
- Completing the member induction and honor cord form
- Providing guidance to your LPH members at chapter events, meetings, etc.
- Paying the LPH chapter renewal fee of $35 by January 2 of each year in order to remain an active chapter
- Communicating updates from NCA’s National Office with your chapter
What happens if my chapter fails to pay the $35 annual renewal fee?
Orders for induction materials cannot be processed until a chapter is renewed for the year. You can renew at anytime during the year with no late fees. Submit your online renewal form and reach out to studentorgs@natcom.org if the renewal is urgent.
Can I use a departmental credit card to pay for my LPH order?
Yes. We accept university/departmental credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover) and checks as a form of payment.
How do LPH members participate in the annual NCA convention?
Your LPH chapter members are encouraged to attend and participate in NCA’s Annual Convention. There is a Lambda Pi Eta business meeting, as well as many LPH paper sessions. An awards ceremony is held during the business meeting where top papers, chapters, and advisors awards are announced. National student officers are elected every year at the annual convention.
Does LPH offer any awards?
LPH offers six opportunities for outstanding chapters and individuals to receive recognition at the NCA National Convention: Chapter of the Year, Advisor of the Year, Rookie Chapter of the Year, Rookie Advisor of the Year, and two Stephen A. Smith top paper awards.
Placing Orders
How do I order my induction materials?
Visit Award Concepts to place your order for materials.
How long will it take to receive a delivery?
Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of your order. Payment by check will delay processing the order as orders cannot be processed until the payment is in hand.
Are there any deadlines for submitting my order?
May Graduation Orders - For May graduation orders, please submit all required materials prior to March 31. Orders received after March 31 cannot be guaranteed.
December Graduation Orders - For December graduation orders, please submit all required materials prior to October 31. Orders received after October 31 cannot be guaranteed.
Also, a rush shipment option is available for an extra fee.
What needs to be included in the “ship to” information?
The “ship to” information on the order form must include a faculty name and the name of the department. Do not use P.O. box numbers as part of the address. UPS and Fed Ex cannot deliver to P.O. boxes.
What happens if an error is made to an inductee’s name?
Proof the submitted list of inductee names to be sure they are spelled correctly. If you notice an error on a certificate, replacements are available for a modest charge.
Why do I need to include my chapter name on the order form?
Your chapter name helps us find your records in the NCA database. You can find your chapter name on your framed charter and it is also included in your final chartering letter that was sent to you via e-mail. You may contact the National Office if you have trouble locating your chapter name.
Can I submit one check to cover the membership dues, honor cords, and chapter renewal fee?
No. NCA will accept one check for the annual renewal, but Award Concepts must receive a separate check for the membership materials. Please note that individual student checks will not be accepted by NCA or Award Concepts.