Alpha Epsilon Delta, the National Premedical Honor Society, was established at the University of Alabama in 1926. AED's objectives were and continue to be  the promotion of premedical scholarship, the establishment of contacts between medical and premedical students and health professional educators, and to nurture a support mechanism for students with similar health  profession interests. AED provides its members with an opportunity to enhance individual characteristics such as initiative, leadership and self-education through participation in activities sponsored by each individual  chapter. The Virginia Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta at James Madison University has both Associate and National Membership categories. Membership requirements in each category are as follows:  Associate Membership    1.  Attendance at two thirds (2/3) of the semester meetings. Excused absences are granted         by the President and Chapter advisor for bona fide conflicts only. Excuse forms are         available in the Center for Pre-Health resources - CISAT Modular Bldg. 100.    2.  Must actively serve on one of the following committees:                Vital Sign                Fundraising                Extern                Community Service                Social                Publicity                Premedical Library                Tutoring/Test Files                Grant    3.  Must participate in at least two chapter sponsored activities. These opportunities will be         announced by the Executive Board during the weekly meetings. National Membership     1.  Must be an Associate Member (in Good Standing) or meet Associate Qualifications    2.  Must have established a Premedical Evaluation File in the Center for Pre-Health         Resources. This file must contain a letter of recommendation from a science (chemistry,         biology, or physics) professor here at James Madison University.    3.  Must have completed >25 hours of volunteer community service. This service must have         been completed after high school graduation and documented by the organization with         which it was complete.    4.  Cumulative GPA must be > or = 3.25    5.  BCPM GPA must be > or = 3.25    6.  Must be a second semester sophomore or higher.