Membership Eligibility

Student Membership

The student membership includes students at the following academic levels:

  • Undergraduate Associate of Arts Degree and Baccalaureate Degree Candidates in gerontology/aging studies or related fields. (Related fields means a concentration in gerontology or aging studies within a discipline or professional degree program other than gerontology);
  • Graduate Degree Candidates. Candidates for graduate degrees in gerontology or related field of study;
  • Certificate in Gerontology/Aging Studies Candidates. Certificate programs may be at the associate of arts, baccalaureate or graduate levels.

Undergraduate Students must meet the following criteria for membership:

  • Currently enrolled in a gerontology or aging studies program leading to an associate of arts or a baccalaureate degree or award of a certificate or other credential in gerontology. The student can be majoring or minoring in gerontology to qualify.
  • Enrolled in the second term (or later) of declared gerontology studies.
  • Undergraduate students must have an overall grade point average at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale
  • Shown capacity for and commitment to leadership and achievement in gerontology and their related fields of professional study

Graduate Students must meet the following criteria for membership:

  • Currently enrolled in a gerontology or aging studies program leading to graduate and professional degrees and/or professional certificate programs in gerontology/aging studies
  • Completed the equivalent of not less than one full academic term of courses as approved by the degree-granting institution;
  • Graduate students must have an overall grade point average at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale
  • Shown capacity for and commitment to leadership and achievement in gerontology and their related fields of professional study

Faculty Membership

The faculty membership includes faculty involved in teaching, research, and service in the field of aging in institutions of higher education.

Professional Membership

The professional membership includes those who:

  • Possess at least an associate degree
  • Were elected into the society while they were students or did not have a chapter to affiliate with while they were in school
  • Exemplify high standards of professional service to older adults

Professional members have all the rights and privileges of active membership including the right to vote and hold office.

Emeritus Membership

The Emeritus member shall include those who have retired from their career OR have a minimum of 15 years paid membership into SPO. Members wishing to apply for Emeritus status shall complete an Emeritus application and submit it to the Board for consideration. Emeritus membership dues go toward the President’s Paper Award.

Designations of Emeritus membership include:

Emeritus Member and Emeritus Fellow. All former Board members, Chapter Presidents, and Chapter Advisors will receive the Emeritus Fellow designation. All other members will receive Emeritus Member status upon Board approval. Members granted Emeritus status shall be designated as Emeritus Member or as Emeritus Fellow by the Board after reviewing the members Emeritus Application.