2006 Nu Rho Psi became an independent tax-exempt [501(c)(3)] public charity incorporated in the state of Ohio, US. The first Nu Rho Psi National Council was elected in 2011. The first charters were awarded in 2006 to Baldwin Wallace University (application dated 16 Jun 2006), Baylor University (application dated 6 Nov 2006) and Macalester College (application dated 8 Dec 2006). A full history of Nu Rho Psi can be found for download, here. Membership requirements Membership is by invitation and is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are making the study of neuroscience one of their major interests and who meet the other academic qualifications. Nu Rho Psi is also open to qualifying neuroscience faculty and alumni of neuroscience programs. Requirements for membership include: Major, minor, other emphasis in neuroscience Completion of at least 3 semesters of the college course Completion of at least 9 semester hours of neuroscience-related courses Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in neuroscience courses The National Council of Nu Rho Psi awards charters to colleges and universities in the United States that have qualified based on their neuroscience curriculum, faculty expertise, and student research opportunities – among other factors. Students and faculty are elected to membership by the chapter at participating institutions, according to the provisions in the national Nu Rho Psi Constitution and locally adopted by-laws. Any chapter, at its discretion, may establish higher academic standards for eligibility, but may not require lower standards for eligibility. Membership in Nu Rho Psi is open to qualified candidates regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race handicap or disability, color, religion, or national or ethnic origin. The current one-time membership induction fee is $40.00 for students and $50.00 for faculty. At the discretion of individual chapters, there may be additional chapter dues which are determined at the local level. No further fees go to the national organization as membership is for life. Membership benefits Nu Rho Psi membership provides recognition of verified academic excellence in the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. Students who become members of Nu Rho Psi are selected based on their superior scholarly accomplishments as well as their excellent work in the laboratory. Nu Rho Psi membership is for life and it is often a springboard for the networking and collaboration of like-minded colleagues throughout the U.S.A. interested in the study of the brain. Nu Rho Psi members are