by Martha I. Fernandez
Features Editor
In an effort to alleviate academic stress and meet and work with colleagues in their major, four University of La Verne students have established the Society of Physical and Life Science Scholars.
“We felt that the Science Department was under represented,” said Abel Sanchez, sophomore and board member. “We wanted to start a support group for the science majors who are dedicated to it.”
The society was conceived last fall by sophomore Sanchez, sophomore Dan Herrig, sophomore Shelvin Lal and sophomore Sarah Seidman. The group, who now make up the society board, went on to write a constitution during January and began the club. Currently, there are about 14 members.
Dr. Sheridan Merritt, professor of zoology, was chosen to be faculty adviser for the society. “Their main concern was to have an organization that would promote academic excellence and one that would help each other in their academic work in the sciences,” he said.
“They are trying to set up regular opportunities for tutoring and review before exams and are looking toward bringing speakers to campus that speak about issues in the sciences and other types of programs,” said Dr. Merritt.
The society is lead by the board of the four founding members, each with a different function. Herring acts as the tutor coordinator, Lal is secretary, Sanchez is mediator and Seidman is the group’s treasurer.
The board, along with the adviser, is also in charge of conducting interviews to allow potential members to join the society. Several requirements must be met to become a member. The student must be currently enrolled at ULV, registered for 12 units each semester of membership, be a physical or life science major, maintain a 3.0 grade point average and complete and submit a questionnaire.
If the student is considering a career in the sciences, but is not a major, membership may be granted.
“A lot of the reason we have the requirement of the science major is to have a lot of people with the same classes for tutoring and study groups,” said Seidman.
Probation may be implemented if a member’s GPA falls below a 3.0. During this period, the member must show improvement to stay in the society.
“The strictness of the GPA is because if it falls below a 3.0, chances of getting into a graduate school will be slim and that person may not be so serious. We want people to succeed,” said Sanchez.
The group also hopes of one day joining a national honor society in the sciences.
“One of the main reasons we decided to become a society is being associated with a national organization and get associated with them. That means everyone needs a 3.0 or above,” said Lal.
Enrollment in the society is year-round. Those interested need to contact a board member and set up an appointment for an interview.
“First, they need to come and express their interest to any member. We’ll give them some forms to fill out asking for name, major and classes. We give it back and set up an informal interview to get to know the people,” said Herrig.
Dues are $10 a semester. The funds are directed toward academics and social activities. A camping retreat is planned, as well as, co-sponsoring a country line dancing event with Residential Life and the Phi Theta Chi sorority.
Meetings are held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the IOC Conference Room. Visitors are welcome to attend and observe.
