09/19/11 jd/jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- The National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter at Fort Hays State University was awarded Bronze STAR status at NSCS's 2010 Leadership Summit.

The NSCS is an honors organization for high-achieving freshmen and sophomores. More than 300 colleges across the country have student-run chapters.

STAR status is determined by chapter program success, community service, member engagement and campus involvement. Chapters are also required to hold an induction ceremony for new members each term.

NSCS chapters can attain one of four STAR award levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Each level is determined based on the quantity and quality of events a chapter holds throughout the year.

Members worked diligently to execute and improve long-standing NSCS programs such as Planning to Achieve Collegiate Excellence, a mentoring program for middle and high school students, and I Stand for Integrity Week, a week dedicated to supporting NSCS's integrity initiative.