CSF

CSF dues notices will be mailed by the beginning of October.

CSF dues not postmarked by January 31, will be subject to a late fee - $20 fee if postmarked by March 31, $30 if postmarked by May 31, and $40 if postmarked after June 1. Please send your dues in as soon as possible to avoid the late fee.

If your chapter has not submitted its Lists I, II, III, please do so as soon as possible. Chapters whose Lists have not been approved or submitted for two years will be suspended on June 30 to July 1. It is also important to submit your Lists so there is enough time to make any corrections required.

Paperwork for the Charles and Marian Seymour Memorial Award must be postmarked by February 18 of each year.

CJSF

CJSF dues notices will be mailed by the beginning of October.

CJSF dues not postmarked by January 31, will be subject to a late fee - $20 fee if postmarked by March 31, $30 if postmarked by May 31, and $40 if postmarked after June 1. Please send your dues in as soon as possible to avoid the late fee.

Paperwork for the Marian Huhn Award must be postmarked by February 18 of each year.

There are two awards given by the CSF and CJSF:

More detailed information on these awards can be found in the CSF Handbook and the CJSF Handbook.

• Fall Advisers' Convention & Leadership Conference: October 20, 2007, Red Lion Hotel, Redding - open to advisers and student leaders. Registration materials will be sent to advisers in early September.
• Spring Conference - South Central Region: March 29, 2008, Hosted by North Hollywood High School (site TBD)
• Spring Conference - South Region: April 5, 2008, Concordia University, Irvine
• Spring Conference - Central Coast Region: April 12, 2008, Monta Vista High School, Cupertino
• Spring Conference - North Region: April 19, 2008, Rocklin High School, Rocklin
• Spring Conference - Central Region: April 26, 2008, Gustine High School, Gustine

The contact information for ordering CSF and CJSF t-shirts and sweatshirts is as follows:

BALFOUR
CSF: www.csfbalfour.com/adviser
CJSF: www.cjsfbalfour.com/adviser

Please note that to place an order with Balfour, your chapter must be in good standing and you need to use an adviser code. If you have not received the code from Balfour, please contact the Central Office at csfcjsf@socal.rr.com

1. HOW DO I HANDLE APPLICATIONS AND DEADLINES?

The By-Laws (Article IV, Section 2) require that you establish your application period sometime during the first four weeks of the semester; its length may correspond to the size and particular circumstances of your chapter, so that there is no question of a student's having had the opportunity to apply. Be certain that the application period is well publicized both in advance and throughout its actual run. On page 25, immediately following the By-Laws, is a sample application form which the State Board of Directors highly recommends for your use; some kind of application form MUST be used, and if you use a different form, you are REQUIRED to include in it "Section A" of the recommended form in its entirety.

2. WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT MISSES THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Membership is neither automatic nor compulsory. The By-Laws (Article IV, Section 2) and every chapter's mandatory Standing Rules (Article III, Section 3) require that the eligible student actually apply for membership, and retroactive membership (after the deadline) is prohibited. However, certain extreme circumstances may justify an exception to this rule; these may include: A lengthy absence from school during the application period; an incomplete grade completed (or a previously recorded grade changed) after the deadline, which qualifies a previously ineligible student. Excuses such as forgetting or not bothering to apply, inability to find one's report card in a timely fashion, failing to heed school announcements about the application period, absence on the last day of the application period, and other mundane excuses are not acceptable. The judgment of the adviser is ALWAYS the final determination of what constitutes taking "advantage of the opportunity to become a member."

3. WHAT ARE LISTS I, II, AND III, AND HOW DO I FIGURE CSF POINTS?

Lists I, II, and III are described in precise detail in the By-Laws (Article IV, Sections 6-7). Computation of CSF points, including a variety of special cases, is explained in the By-Laws (Article IV, Sections 8-12). In these cases, we refer you directly to the By-Laws, because our only answers here would need to be verbatim reiterations of the By-Laws text.

4. WHAT IF A STUDENT TAKES A COLLEGE COURSE?

This is addressed in the By-Laws (Article IV, Section 11). But remember, the college course must be a part of the students "normal class load" at your school. A student who takes an evening or weekend course at the local community college, without the high school's knowledge or approval, cannot count the course toward CSF.

5. WHAT ABOUT SUMMER SCHOOL?

Summer school courses may be used in determining CSF eligibility ONLY IF a student has not enrolled in enough qualifying List I and II courses during the regular semester. Rules for summer school courses are very specific; refer to the By-Laws (Article IV, Section 13).

6. HOW DO I DEAL WITH VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS COURSES SINCE THEY CAN'T BE USED ON LIST I?

Theory courses, equivalent in academic caliber to courses on List I should be included on List II, while performance/practicum courses (e.g., Dance, Play Production, Orchestra, Studio Art, etc.) should be included on List III. Keep in mind that any course taken IN LIEU OF Physical Education may not be used for CSF qualification.

7. WHAT IS A LIFE MEMBER? WHAT KIND OF AWARDS DO LIFE MEMBERS GET?

The requirements for Life Member (also called "Sealbearer") status are clearly stated in the By-Laws (Article V, Section 1). The REQUIRED awards for Life Members are the pin and the embossing of the chapter seal on the diploma; sealbearer status MUST also be recorded on the student's permanent academic record card and on all transcripts issued after such status has been achieved. All other awards are optional (Article VI, Sections 1-2). The chapter MAY provide other awards and may also distinguish between active and inactive membership (Article IV, Section 3) in the granting of other awards.

8. WHAT ARE ACTIVE AND INACTIVE MEMBERS?

An active member not only fulfills the academic requirements for CSF membership, but also participates in chapter activities at a level predetermined by the chapter adviser and officers; it is expected that such participation should exemplify the CSF motto of "Scholarship for Service". Inactive members are still entitled to consideration for the required awards (Article VI, Section 1), but may be excluded from other optional awards and chapter privileges (e.g., field trips, banquets, chapter scholarships, etc.). Chapters which distinguish between active and inactive membership should publicize the distinction and its consequences regularly among their members.

9. WHAT DO I DO WITH A STUDENT WHO TRANSFERS FROM A SCHOOL WITHOUT CSF?

Procedures for dealing with transfer students (whether or not their former schools had CSF chapters) are clearly presented in the By-Laws (Article IV, Section 14). Transfer students qualify for Life Membership and other awards no differently from other students. Article IV, Section 15 addresses the same question for exchange students.

10. WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT GETS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE, BUT IS A CSF MEMBER OR AN ACADEMICALLY QUALIFIED APPLICANT?

The adviser and the principal together have the right to debar from semester membership (or deny an otherwise qualified applicant) if that student is deemed "an unworthy citizen" (Article IV, Section 17).

The frequently asked questions are presented here for your convenience and quick reference. They are also included in the CSF Handbook - as are the bylaws referenced here.

Question: WHAT IS CJSF?

Answer: The purpose of the California Junior Scholarship Federation, a state-wide organization of over 600 chapters, is to foster high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship on the part of students of California's public and private junior high and middle schools.

Question: WHAT IS THE CJSF CONSTITUTION?

Answer: The Constitution is the official California Junior Scholarship Federation document governing CJSF which contains vital information for advisers.

Question: WHAT ARE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CJSF ADVISER?

Answer: The CJSF adviser's responsibilities to his/her chapter and school are:

1. to publicize the requirements for membership so that eligible students may apply;
2. to plan for the election of CJSF chapter officers;
3. to assist in planning and evaluating the academic year's activities;
4. to review with chapter members the chapter's Standing Rules;
5. to assist committees' and officers' efforts to obtain outside resources such as speakers, films, programs, etc.
6. to recognize, encourage, and stimulate creativity and excellence;
7. to open avenues of service to talented students;
8. to acquaint the entire student body with the functions and service of CJSF;
9. to recognize scholarship and award winners through awards, assemblies, and school-community press;
10. to acquaint Honor members with associate membership in CSF;
11. to select Marian Huhn Memorial Award candidates;
12. to be responsible for annotating on cum folders Honor membership;
13. to be responsible for placing the Honor Award gold seal on diplomas;
14. to maintain an updated CJSF file of all pertinent information concerning the chapter;
15. to offer assistance to new advisers.

Question: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CJSF MEMBERSHIP?

Answer: Requirements for membership are explained in the CJSF By-Laws, Article IV. Chapters may not deviate from these requirements.

Question: CAN A STUDENT WHO QUALIFIES FOR MEMBERSHIP ON THE BASIS OF COURSES LISTED UNDER ARTICLE IV, BE OTHERWISE DEBARRED FROM MEMBERSHIP?

Answer: Yes. A D or F earned in any subject (including P.E.) automatically debars one from membership.

Question: HOW DO STUDENTS EARN MEMBERSHIP?

Answer: First, students apply for membership through the appropriate school-designated procedure. Then, the adviser analyzes the semester/trimester report card of the applicants. Membership is based on grades earned during the preceding semester/trimester. Students must reapply every semester/trimester during the first four weeks of each semester/trimester, or within a time specified by school by-laws within the first four weeks of each semester/trimester.

Question: WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LOCAL CHAPTER TO THE STATE?

Answer: Each chapter pays state dues based upon enrollment in those grades qualifying for CJSF membership when requested by the State Treasurer. Delinquency in payment of dues may result in the suspension of a chapter's charter.

Question: ARE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS REQUIRED TO PAY DUES TO THEIR CHAPTERS?

Answer: Payment of local dues is left to the discretion of the chapter.

Question: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP RECORDS ON MEMBERSHIP?

Answer: Card files (3" x 5") are very helpful. They are an easy source for checking total semester memberships. A computer-generated alphabetical list (by grade) may also be helpful.

Question: WHAT IS AN HONOR MEMBER?

Answer: An Honor Member is a student who has qualified and applied for membership in:

• at least four semesters, including one in the ninth grade, or
• three semesters with two in the ninth grade, or
• two trimesters in the ninth grade and four trimesters in the seventh and eighth grades combined.

In a school with grades seven and eight, an Honor Member is a student who has qualified and applied for membership in:

• three semesters, or
• two trimesters in seventh grade and two trimesters in eighth grade.

The official Honor Membership pin must be given to qualifying students. All other types of recognition are optional.

Question: WHAT IS THE GOLD SEAL?

Answer: The gold seal is gummed and embossed with the CJSF emblem. The gummed seals are obtained from Balfour, the official supplier of CJSF materials, and may be applied to an Honor Member's diploma, school document, or CJSF certificate.

Question: WHAT DOES THE CHAPTER NUMBER MEAN?

Answer: The state is divided into five regions. The number is the numerical order of membership (345) followed by small letters (345jcc). The j indicates CJSF affiliation (rather than CSF which is high school), and the other letters signify the region of the individual chapters: c = Central; cc = Central Coast; n = North; sc = South Central; s = South. It is imperative that the adviser know the chapter number and use it on all correspondence.

Question: WHAT DOES THE ADVISER ANNOTATE ON THE CUM FOLDERS OF MEMBERS?

Answer: Have a very small stamp (CJSF Honor Member) made. When Honor membership is verified at the end of the semester/trimester, stamp the permanent record card. This is very important when transcripts are sent to high schools. Schools with computerized permanent record cards can have this information added to student records by a computer clerk.

Question: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CJSF MEMBERSHIP?

Answer: CJSF grooms the student for CSF membership. Membership also brings with it the opportunity to participate in activities which benefit the school, the community, and the student.

Question: IN WHAT SERVICE ACTIVITIES DO CHAPTERS PARTICIPATE?

Answer: These will vary greatly according to the different regions of the state.

Question: WHO ARE THE STATE OFFICERS AND WHAT ARE THEIR DUTIES?

Answer: (See Article V of the Constitution.) The State Board is charged with the responsibility of maintaining the CSF/CJSF organization throughout the state. Elected from CSF/CJSF advisers, State Officers fulfill two year terms.

Question: WHAT IS THE ANNUAL STATE ADVISERS' CONVENTION?

Answer: The annual meeting of all the chapter advisers of the state is held on the fourth Saturday in October, alternating between the northern and southern part of the state. Each adviser is encouraged to attend this meeting as often as possible. This gives all advisers an opportunity to exchange ideas and gain information about CJSF. Immediately prior to the Advisers' Convention, the State Board meets to conduct official business.

Question: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF REGIONAL CONFERENCES?

Answer: The purpose of regional conferences is to bring the student members of local chapters into active and friendly relationships, to obtain constructive expressions of student opinion, and to further intellectual interests of the participants and the ideals of CJSF. At this time, the Marian Huhn Memorial Award nominees for the region are introduced and the winners are announced. Regional conferences give advisers the opportunity to exchange ideas and to gain information about CJSF.

Question: WHERE DOES THE ADVISER OBTAIN CJSF MATERIALS?

Answer: Balfour is the official supplier of all CJSF materials. Offered are gold Honor pins, gold Honor seals, Honor certificates and envelopes, membership cards, officer pins and guards, and Honor medallions. Chapters in good standing may contact Balfour at www.cjsfbalfour.com/adviser. You must have an adviser code to order. Balfour will send information or you may email the Central Office to obtain the code."

Question: WHAT INFORMATION WILL THE ADVISER RECEIVE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR?

Answer: Numerous mailings are sent during the school year. They are the CSF/CJSF Bulletin, invitation to the State Advisers' Convention, dues notice, President's Newsletter, Registrar's Newsletter, CJSF Regional Representative's Newsletter, CJSF Marian Huhn Memorial Award nomination application, invitation to regional conference, and ballot.

The frequently asked questions are presented here for your convenience and quick reference. They are also included in the CJSF Handbook - as are the bylaws referenced here.

The standing rules for CSF chapters can be found in the CSF Handbook.