By Irene Papakonstantinou
The Golden Key National Honor Society, founded in the United States in 1977, is a non-profit organization that gives students career assistance and scholarships.
But to gain access to the exclusive club, students must pay a one-time $80 fee.
In February, Ryerson mailed application forms to 2,000 undergraduate full-time students who have a grade point average of 3.43 or higher.
“The response to Golden Key has been positive,” says Linda Grayson, Ryerson’s v.p. administration and student affairs. “[The society] offers students a variety of scholarships and networking opportunities that they might not otherwise receive.”
Ryerson, which decided to open a chapter this year, joins six other Canadian universities including the University of Toronto and McMaster University. There are almost 300 Golden Key chapters worldwide.
To be accepted into the honour society, chapter advisor Frank Cappadocia, of student services, says students much achieve marked placing them in the top 15 per cent.
“In the future, we plan to take the top 15 per cent of each faculty,” said Cappadocia.
This year, the honour society is offering 10 scholarships worth $10,000 (US). Another three scholarships will be offered to Ryerson Golden Key members. The value of the scholarships has not been determined yet, said Cappadocia.
The society also has a list of 550 American companies and non-profit organizations that guarantee Golden Key members’ applications will be reviewed for job placements. The organization is working on a similar list for Canada.
Ryerson will hold a ceremony welcoming students into the society April 7.
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