The UNM Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, Rho Delta will continue an initiative toward becoming a chartered organization by organizing a Holiday Gala at University House today.
Kappa Delta Pi is the international honor society in education and the gala will be the first formal event that the Rho Delta chapter has had in five years, said Sue Ann Lieber, chapter president.
Lieber said the event will include a general meeting, the initiation of 10 new members and a "trim the tree" fund-raiser.
"We're trying to set the precedent of formality with this event," Lieber said. "We will follow strict parliamentary procedure and begin with a discussion of the problems, strengths and opportunities of the organization."
Lieber, who was elected president in May for a one-year term, said her goal is to make Rho Delta chapter a recognized, chartered organization at UNM.
She said that having a charter will give the chapter access to University funds, media equipment for presentations and more places to conduct meetings. In addition, Rho Delta would be given a mailbox on campus and help with leadership management.
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She added that more students will have the opportunity to learn about the Rho Delta, as only chartered organizations are listed in the campus guide.
"We've been able to do our thing without the charter because we're an honors society, but everything will become a whole lot easier once this is taken care of," Lieber said.
UNM's list of criteria for gaining a charter include: electing officers, having established by-laws, participating in community service activities and having a membership comprised of no less than 50 percent undergraduate students.
"The only thing we're missing is the 50 percent," Lieber said.
Of the 10 new members being initiated today, six are undergraduates. The other four include two doctoral students and two honorary inductees.
Lieber said the Rho Delta chapter has 398 members, 99 of which are active and pay dues. She said she is not sure if the six undergraduate initiates will give the chapter the requisite balance necessary for a charter.
"The database is a mess, which is probably a function of mismanagement in the past," she said. "The chapter kind of went flat in the eighties."
Some prospective projects include a book drive, which would be held in conjunction with Reading is Fundamental Week and a partnership with the New Mexico Art League.
