organization for those interested in this field. To strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences other than those of the classroom and laboratory. To advance the status of geography as a cultural and practical discipline for study and investigation. To encourage student research of high quality and to promote an outlet for publication. To create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in the field of geography. Chapters and Membership Local Chapters are chartered by Gamma Theta Upsilon at colleges and universities. A petition for a new chapter must be submitted by the faculty member who will serve as chapter sponsor or by the department chair and a letter of support from the department chair (if not the petitioner) or an appropriate administrator is required. As of December 2012, there are 163 active chapters. Once a chapter has been established, members can be initiated into the society. Initiates must have completed a minimum of 3 geography courses, must have a GPA of at least 3.3 overall and in geography, and must have completed at least 3 semesters or 5 quarters of college course work. Scholarships Five scholarships (four for undergraduates and one for a graduate student) are awarded on an annual basis. In evaluating scholarship applications, consideration is given to cumulative GPA, geography GPA, letters of recommendation, the applicant's contribution to local GTU chapter and the department, as well as the applicant's own appraisal of how the scholarship will help him or her personally and professionally. The Scholarships are: The Buzzard Undergraduate Scholarship The Maxfield Undergraduate Scholarship The Rechlin Undergraduate Scholarship The Richason Undergraduate Scholarship The Buzzard Graduate Scholarship. Previous recipients of the Scholarships can be found at http://www.gammathetaupsilon.org/scholarships-awarded.html. Geographical Bulletin The Geographical Bulletinis a peer-reviewed scholarly journal published twice a year by GTU. Articles concerning any area of geographical interest are solicited from students and faculty. Initiates receive two free issues after initiation and may subsequently renew their subscription. Visiting Geographical Scientist Program (VGSP) The Visiting Geographical Scientist Program, funded by GTU and administered by the Association of American Geographers (AAG), provides an opportunity for chapters to host a distinguished geographer on their campus. The visiting geographer will give a lecture on a topic in geography and meet with faculty, students and administrators. References External links Gamma Theta Upsilon, The International Geographical Honor Society ACHS Gamma Theta Upsilon entry Gamma Theta Upsilon chapter list at ACHS