What is Chi Alpha Epsilon?

Chi Alpha Epsilon is a national honors society, created to highlight the academic achievements of students admitted to college through non-traditional criteria. 

History

XAE was formed in 1989, at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.  Its founder, Dr. Elbert Saddler, wanted to acknowledge the success of the students in the school's Academic Development Program.  There are now more than 150 chapters of XAE.

Purpose

The primary purpose of XAE is to credit students with outstanding academic achievements.  Its existence gives students something to strive for and turns its members into role models.  In addition, the society can serve as a significant political force, promoting educational opportunity programs nationwide.

The Secret Ceremony 

Every fall, new members are inducted into XAE.  This induction takes place in the form of a secret ceremony-- only those who have attended know what the event is really like.  While no specifics can be revealed here, we can say that it is a very moving event.  It is an active induction process, one that makes students feel as if they are part of something truly special and unique.