The Geography Club at ASU welcomes any student (in-person or online) interested in geography. The club goes on geography themed field trips, and encourages geographic knowledge and awareness, as well as networking between students, staff, and alumni. The club also consists of the ASU branch of Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU), an international geography honor society. Gamma Theta Upsilon was founded in 1928 and became a national organization in 1931. Members of GTU have to meet specific academic requirements to be inducted.
Faculty contact: Ryan Heintzman (rheintzm@asu.edu)
SunDevilSync: https://asu.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/geographyclub
Instagram: @geographyasu
Membership
Eligibility for Membership
Persons seeking membership must be initiated through an established chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon. A chapter is also maintained for Alumni after graduation. There are two classes of membership. Initiates must have completed a minimum of 3 geography courses, have a GPA of at least 3.3 overall and in geography, and shall have completed at least 3 semesters or 5 quarters of college course work.
Honorary Members
A chapter may extend honorary membership to anyone whom it feels has, by exploration, research, lecturing, publishing, teaching, or any other way contributed to marked advancement in any phase of geography. The fees for Honorary membership are paid by the local chapter.
Why should you join GTU?
Gamma Theta Upsilon membership is earned through superior scholarship; it is an honor, and a professional distinction. Members receive a handsome certificate, suitable for framing. No further membership dues are paid to the national organization after the initiation fee. Many members choose to remain active in GTU after graduation, by joining Omega Omega, the Alumni Chapter of GTU.
Benefits of GTU Membership
Our chapter mainly organizes field trips and hikes to interesting geographical destinations around the state. Other potential activities include speakers, social events, and community service activities, depending on what the group wants to organize. Membership provides a network where you can become better acquainted with other geography students and can meet and talk with geography faculty informally. Members can improve their expertise in the field of geography by learning things not normally dealt with in the classroom. Members are eligible to apply for Gamma Theta Upsilon scholarships. Membership in an academic honor society is evidence of your dedication and competency in your career field. Some employers give hiring preference and higher salaries to honor society members.
The Geographical Bulletin
This scholarly journal is 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.
Educational Fund
An Educational Fund was established to support publications, scholarships, and other activities. Scholarships Four scholarships are awarded annually to Gamma Theta Upsilon members: two to undergraduates; one to a senior entering graduate school; and one to a continuing graduate student.
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. Chapters should contact the AAG for information about the Visiting Geographical Scientist Program.