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.