Alpha Gamma Sigma () (AGS), founded in 1926 by Dr. William T. Boyce at Fullerton College, is the honor society of the California Community Colleges system. It was conceived as "an intellectual stimulus, comparable to that of Phi Beta Kappa in the higher colleges" for what were then called junior colleges in California. AGS supports its members in defining and reaching their goals by encouraging achievement and community service, building social and professional networks, and providing the information and focus needed for success. Motto Α - Alpha: Arête, good character or virtue or "excellence" Γ - Gamma: Gnosis, knowledge Σ - Sigma: Sophrosyne, good judgment or "wisdom" Hence the AGS motto: "Add to good character, knowledge and judgment." Campus AGS Chapters Colleges that have chartered Alpha Gamma Sigma chapters can be seen on the Chapter Membership page of the AGS Website. All chapters must remit part of their local dues to AGS Inc. for the support of scholarships and some administrative expenses. To remain in good standing, chapters must also submit annually to AGS, Inc. a list of those students who have achieved "Permanent Member" status. Each chapter sets requirements for participation that include meeting attendance, educational enrichment activities, and school or community service. Most community colleges with chapters award transcript recognition to students who have met those requirements. Membership Eligibility Students enrolled in a California community college with an active AGS chapter are eligible for membership if they have: completed, within the past two years, of 12 graded units, in a maximum of 3 semesters or 5 quarters, at any recognized institution of higher education and earned a grade point average of 3.0 or better from the previous semester and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, or have Life Membership (3.5 GPA or better) in the California Scholarship Federation (the state's high school honor society). Permanent Membership Students may earn Permanent Membership if they have: completed 60 semester or 90 quarter units in degree-applicable courses, at least half of which were completed at a community college, with at least 54 semester or 81 quarter units graded rather than Pass/NoPass, and maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and been an active member for at least one term or maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and been an active member for at least two terms, and applied for this status through their local chapter's