Step-by-Step Guide to Join the International Federation of Alpha Sigma Nu
Step-by-Step
Chartering an international, federated model of Alpha Sigma Nu (AΣN)—the Jesuit Honor Society—requires a thoughtful and intentional, culturally sensitive, and mission-aligned approach. Below is a step-by-step guide tailored for Jesuit universities interested in chartering a chapter, with attention to contextual and cultural considerations.
Charter a Chapter – Step-by-Step Overview (.pdf version)
- Mission: Alpha Sigma Nu honors students who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty to Jesuit ideals, and service. (Read the full Mission and Vision here.)
- Values: Rooted in Jesuit education—cura personalis, magis, and service to others.
- Cultural Fit: The host institution should share these values and have a Jesuit identity or affiliation.
- Central AΣN Office: Maintains global standards, branding, and oversight.
- Regional Chapters: Operate semi-autonomously under a shared constitution.
- International Council: Include representatives from each region to ensure cultural representation and shared decision-making.
Each university must:
- Submit an application including letters of intent endorsed by the university president or rector.
- Demonstrate alignment with Jesuit educational values.
- Propose a faculty advisor and initial organizing committee.
- Outline a plan for member selection, events, and service initiatives.
- Maintain core AΣN standards:
- Invitation to the top 15% to 20% of students who have completed half of their credits.
- Demonstrated commitment to service and Jesuit values.
- Allow cultural and contextual flexibility:
- Adapt service definitions to local needs.
- Recognize different academic structures (e.g., grading systems and scales).
- Trademark the Alpha Sigma Nu key logo, if deemed necessary and possible, in collaboration with regional province and/or university counsel
- Determine how “Jesuit,” is trademarked in the region or Conference
- Determine and bid local price points for member materials for induction, and graduation if desired
- Virtual and in-person training for Chapter Advisers, Coordinators, and student leaders provided by the Central International Office.
- Topics include:
- Jesuit pedagogy and Ignatian spirituality
- AΣN history and expectations.
- Event planning, including the induction ceremony, and chapter sustainability
- Host a formal induction ceremony with AΣN regalia and rituals.
- Invite local Jesuit leaders, faculty, and community partners.
- Publicize through university and AΣN channels.
- Annual reporting on:
- Membership demographics.
- Activities and service projects.
- Financial and operational health.
- Regular check-ins with and by the AΣN International Office.
- Peer mentoring between regional chapters.
- Encourage joint service projects, academic exchanges, and leadership summits, if/when possible.
- Create a digital platform for (cross-)chapter communication, publicity, and resource sharing.
- Celebrate Jesuit Global Citizenship (ex. Magis Futures, World Union of Jesuit Alumni) through shared initiatives.
