Mansfield University Home PageAlpha Phi Sigma
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Introduction
The Department of Criminal Justice Administration at Mansfield University is interested in starting up a chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the only national criminal justice HONOR society for criminal justice majors, and recognized by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences as the only official criminal justice honor society in the United States. Alpha Phi Sigma is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, and has more than 360 chapters across the country. Alpha Phi Sigma differs from Lambda Alpha Epsilon, which is a national PROFESSIONAL fraternity. This has the approval of Mansfield University’s Student Life & Leadership Office. A minimum of 10 members are required to start–up a chapter.
The Mansfield University Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma would become the 4th national honor society on campus.
The United States Government, and specifically the U.S. Department of Justice, recognizes membership in Alpha Phi Sigma as meeting one of the requirements for entrance at the GS-7 level in Federal Service.
Membership Requirements
Be a declared CJ major or minor; completed 40 credits; completed at least 4 CJ classes; have a minimum 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.2 GPA in all Criminal Justice courses.
Membership Fees
The one-time only national initial student membership fee - $40. This one-time national registration fee is the only payment the student will ever make to the national headquarters. It provides a lifetime membership, a key pin, a membership certificate and a copy of The Docket, the official publication of Alpha Phi Sigma. Locally, a $10 per academic year membership dues will be collected which stays within Mansfield’s chapter’s treasury.
How Do I Apply?
Every student meeting the minimum GPA and course requirements is invited to join. Early this Fall 2009 semester Dr. Thornsley will send out personalized letters to all students meeting the minimum requirements. If you fail to receive a letter and you believe you meet the minimum requirements, please see Dr. Thornsley personally. Students meeting the minimum requirements may also contact Dr. Thornsley personally. Transfer students must spend one semester at Mansfield before they can apply, and meet the same GPA and CJ course requirements. Look for campus announcements for a meeting for all interested potential members.
How Do I Become a Chapter “Founding Father?”
The first members submitted to the headquarters of Alpha Phi Sigma will be considered Founding Fathers. The actual Chapter number assigned will be made when the student submits his onetime only $40 national membership fee.
Honor Society Obligations
Attend bi-weekly meetings. There are absolutely no “rush” or pledging obligations. None.
Local Pennsylvania Chapters
California University of PA, Central PA College, Indiana University of PA, Juniata College, Kutztown University, LaSalle University, Lycoming College, Marywood College, Mercyhurst University, Moravian College, Penn State, Penn State – Altoona, Penn State – Fayette, Point Park College, St. Joseph’s University, Shippensburg University, Slippery Rock University, University of Scranton, Wet Chester University, York College.
Major CJ Universities Having Alpha Phi Sigma Chapters
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, Florida State University, Penn State.
Wear Alpha Phi Sigma’s Honor Regalia at Your Graduation
You can wear the following Honor Regalia at your graduation:
| Rich, royal blue and gold double intertwined Honor Cords. |  |
| A custom-made, specially designed royal blue medallion with the Alpha Phi Sigma logo. This comes with a 30” by 1.5” neck ribbon in royal blue and gold. |  |
| A gold Honor satin scarf featuring the APS key and Greek letters. |  |
Chapter Advisor
Dr. Thornsley will be the chapter advisor. He was a former faculty advisor to Alpha Phi Sigma at Troy State University.
For Further Information on Alpha Phi Sigma:
Go to www.alphaphisigma.org for more information on Alpha Phi Sigma.
Criminal Justice Club
The club’s purpose is to promote interest and understanding of the criminal justice system. The organization, open to all interested students, provides the opportunity for members to meet with professionals in the areas of law enforcement, corrections, and the court system. 
In April 2008 the Criminal Justice Club sponsored Anthony Michael Green, who was wrongfully incarcerated for 12 years in the Ohio Department of Corrections, to speak with more than 130 students and faculty attending his 2 hour presentation in Allen Hall Auditorium.
In October 2007, 12 club members visited Washington, D.C. for a weekend.
Lambda Alpha Epsilon
Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the American Criminal Justice Association, is a national professional fraternity for criminal justice students. Mansfield University is one of 256 chapters nationwide. It was founded in the mid-1970s and Mansfield’s first president was Dean Van Bibber B.A., 1976. (See “Past & Present Students”).
