Alpha Epsilon Lambda

Alpha Epsilon Lambda

Alpha Epsilon Lambda

Mission & Overview

Rowan University's Upsilon chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda, the Honor Society of Graduate and Professional School Students, aims to:

  • Confer distinction for high achievement
  • Promote leadership development
  • Promote scholarship and encourage intellectual development
  • Enrich the intellectual environment of graduate education institutions
  • Encourage high standards of ethical behavior

AEL Pledge

I hereby do solemnly covenant that I shall uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Epsilon Lambda and its ideals, customs and traditions in full confidence; That I shall support in loyal service of our Society; And that intellect and duty shall ever be close to my heart for all my days to come.

Membership Requirements

New Members

To become a member of AEL, you must be a degree seeking graduate student with a minimum of 15 completed credit hours and an official Rowan cumulative graduate GPA of 3.85 or better. A record of leadership in school or community is also a focus of the organization.

Graduate students who are eligible for membership in AEL will receive a letter of invitation via their Rowan student email. Eligible students who wish to pursue membership are required to complete and submit an application to the Office of Graduate Studies via email address: ael@rowan.edu. All applications are subject to review by the selection committee.

Students who are accepted for membership are invited to participate in an induction ceremony which is held during the fall and spring semester of each academic year. First time inductees are required to pay the National Chapter of AEL lifetime membership dues in the amount of $20.00, in addition to the Rowan University Upsilon Chapter dues in the amount of $25.00 per academic year. Dues must be paid online through the Rowan Online Marketplace.

Continuing Members

The requirements to remain an AEL member once inducted are:

  • Attendance at least once per year at a chapter meeting held in the fall and spring of each academic year.
  • Participation in at least one service project per year (service projects occur fall and spring semester)
  • Payment of annual Rowan University Upsilon chapter dues in the amount of $25.00. Dues must be paid online through the Rowan Online Marketplace.

Membership Benefits

Becoming a member of Rowan's chapter of AEL provides many benefits, among them:

  • You become a part of a prestigious local and national organization that will provide many opportunities for social and professional networking
    • Networking is possible not only through AEL meeting and projects; but also, all members qualify to have access to the AEL membership directory. (We hope to have this available electronically in the near future.)
  • You have an opportunity to give back to the community by participating in AEL service projects.
  • You earn the right to include AEL honor cords as part of your official academic regalia.
    • Only AEL members are eligible to purchase and wear the Alpha Epsilon Lambda silver and red honor cords at Rowan's Graduate Commencement ceremony. (You must be an active member of the organization at the time of graduation in order to wear honor cords at graduation.)
  • Joining provides you with an academic distinction that you can include on your resume or CV.

Officers

  • President: The President is the primary leader of the organization with the responsibility to plan and conduct meetings.
  • Past President: Provide guidance when needed to current executive board and serve as alumni representation for the organization.
  • Vice Presidents: The Vice Presidents are each responsible for specific areas within the organization
    • Membership: Coordinating and tracking new and current members, including directory information
    • Service: Conducting the agreed upon service initiatives for the organization
    • Events: Coordinating the chapter events, including meetings/induction ceremonies
    • Communication: Update Facebook and website, coordinate outreach efforts
  • Our current executive board:
  • President: Ms. Kimberly Poolos
  • Past President: Ms. Stephanie Brigandi
  • Vice Presidents:
    • Membership: Ms. Shirley Farrar
    • Service: Ms. Natalie Kautz & Ms. Roxanne Wade
    • Events: Ms. Altonia Bryant
    • Communication: Ms. Michele Togashi

If you are interested in serving on the executive board, please contact us via email at ael@rowan.edu.

Schedule of Meetings & Events

Summer Semester

During the summer term, the board meets to discuss upcoming plans with those members who volunteered at the spring meeting to serve as officers. Any AEL member is welcome to join us and details about open meetings will be emailed.

Fall Semester 2022

  • September 6th: 1st day of face-to-face classes for fall semester. Welcome back!
  • November: Fall Service Project – TBD
  • November : Induction Ceremony & Semester Membership Meeting, TBD
  • December 15th-21st: Finals Week

Spring Semester 2023

  • January 17th: 1st day of face-to-face classes for spring semester
  • March 13th - 18th: Spring Break (no classes except for online/hybrid courses)
  • March/April: Spring Service Project – TBD
  • May: Induction Ceremony and Semester Membership Meeting, TBD
  • April 29th - May 5th: Finals Week
  • May 8th - 12th: Commencement Week

    Contact Information

    The Division of Global Learning and Partnerships serves as the administrative liaison for AEL, providing oversight and assisting the organization with operating within the Rowan University system.

    J.J. McNelis, Rowan Global Graduate & Professional Studies serves as advisor for Rowan University's Upsilon chapter of AEL.

    Dr. Sheri Rodriguez, Associate Director of Graduate & Professional Studies serves as co-advisor for Rowan University’s Upsilon Chapter of AEL.

    For questions, please contact: ael@rowan.edu.