Chi Epsilon Pi (ΧΕΠ) (Also known as XEP) is a national honor society for outstanding students in the field of meteorology/atmospheric sciences. The purpose of the society is mainly twofold: to serve as a means for awarding distinction to students who have high scholastic ability and promise of achievement in meteorology; and to promote student interest in advanced study of meteorology and related sciences. The society is now known to have a well-defined national organizational structure. The chapters exist at various institutions, which usually have a notable meteorology program; however, the existence of a chapter is not known to be defined by common criteria.
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History
The first official chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi was founded at the University of California, Los Angeles in 1951. From there it developed into a national organization.
Universities with Chapters
University of California, Los Angeles
The UCLA Chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi, the founding chapter, has existed since 1951. The chapter consists mainly of graduate level inductees; however, undergraduate membership is permitted.[1]
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
The ERAU Chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi has been in existence since 2004. The chapter consists of undergraduate students majoring in Applied Meteorology. Students must be a sophomore and have a high GPA. The honor society provides tutoring to students as well as giving talks to elementary and high school students about meteorology. An annual banquet is held every spring to induct the new members.[2]
Florida International University
The Florida International University Chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi was founded in September 2016, with a future addition of a student AMS Chapter to complement the new chapter.
Florida State University
The FSU Chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi has existed since 1966. It is funded and organized by the Department of Meteorology and holds officer elections each academic year. The main criteria for membership incorporate the number of hours and GPA attained in higher level meteorology courses. These criteria are designed to honor graduate and senior undergraduate level students. Other criteria exist for junior level and special students. Students are inducted each spring.[3]
University of Missouri
The MU chapter of the Chi Epsilon Pi had its first induction ceremony in April 2007.
University of Miami
The University of Miami chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi was established in 2005.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The UNCC chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi was established in April 2008 and held its first induction ceremony on April 25, 2008
Valparaiso University
The chapter of Valparaiso University was established in the spring of 1999. The Valparaiso University chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi is dedicated "to recognizing high achievement in meteorology and promoting the understanding of meteorology as a science, both at Valparaiso University and in the wider community." [4]Publications
O'Brien, James J., 1964: Chi Epsilon Pi, Meteorology Honorary Society, Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 45, 280-281. [5]