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SACNAS Chapters FAQ
What are the
benefits of becoming a SACNAS member or establishing a
SACNAS Chapter?
As a student, becoming a member of SACNAS offers the opportunity to network
with prominent scientists, professionals and educators. Student members are
also offered participation in the SACNAS bi-weekly e-nouncements that
provide the most timely information about job, grant, internship, and fellowship
opportunities. Additionally, student members are eligible to apply for travel
and lodging scholarships to attend the SACNAS Annual Conference. As a SACNAS
chapter member, these benefits are multiplied by being a part of a year-round
community of students who share similar goals and experiences. Additionally,
chapter members have the opportunity to share information and support, gain
experience in being part of a professional organization and develop leadership
skills. Membership in student and/or professional societies is on important
aspect of building one's resume/CV.
Does joining SACNAS preclude me
from joining other student science organizations?
No. In fact, as an individual there are many benefits to joining
multiple groups. For example, multiple memberships can offer insight into
different ways to conduct outreach, fundraising, etc.
Can we combine other science clubs/organizations
with our SACNAS chapter?
Yes. In fact, it is encouraged that SACNAS chapters work with other
student organizations to promote networking and academic development. By
combining with multiple groups to form one chapter or for a single event
or activity, you often have access to opportunities that may not be offered
or possible for one organization independently.
Can we combine students from
different academic institutions to become a chapter?
Yes. SACNAS encourages that chapters allow students from other local
academic institutions to participate as chapter members. When forming a joint
chapter with more than one institution, SACNAS highly recommends that the
two institutions be close enough geologically to ensure that all members
can regularly attend chapter meetings.
What happens if we cannot recruit
five people to be in the chapter?
Do not give up! If you do not have enough interested students to
form a chapter, try advertising that you are forming a SACNAS chapter to
encourage any interested students to attend a meeting to introduce SACNAS,
the mission and your chapter's purpose. If you are still finding it difficult
recruiting students, try asking students from another local college or university.
If you continue to have difficulties, contact the SACNAS office for assistance.
Do I have to be student to
be a member of a SACNAS chapter?
Yes. At present, SACNAS has not developed the criteria for professional
SACNAS Chapters. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to participate
as student chapter members.
What happens if we fail to
submit an annual report?
If your chapter fails to submit the annual report, your group may
run the risk of losing its chapter status. Privileged use of the SACNAS name
and logo will be revoked. If you wish to re-instate your SACNAS Chapter in
the following year, your group will be asked to submit a new application/petition
for review.
Will chapters be provided space
to meet at the annual conference?
SACNAS will hold a session "Starting a SACNAS Chapter" during the National
Conference for students to get information on how to start a chapter
(please see the Agenda located in the National Conference section of the
website). Student chapter members will be welcomed to attend and share their
chapter experiences. This will be the only designated space provided during
the conference. However, if you are interested in requesting a space for
chapter related activities, please contact National
Headquarters .
Are student chapter
members required to give poster presentations if they are provided travel scholarships to attend the National SACNAS Conference?
No. SACNAS does not require travel scholarships recipients to present research at
the SACNAS National Conference, though this is great opportunity for professional
development. If you are interested in travel scholarships and/or student presentations
you must complete the required materials online. If you are interested in presenting
and would like financial assistance, you must complete both travel scholarships and abstract submission forms. Acceptance as a presenter does not automatically
grant you financial assistance and vice versa.
Can student chapter websites link
to the National SACNAS' homepage?
Yes. If your chapter has a website, make sure to include the URL
on the petition. If your chapter does not have a website, but plans to develop
one, the chapter's National Liaison should contact SACNAS Headquarters with
the updated information.
Will chapters be represented on
the National SACNAS Board of Directors?
Yes. The Board's Membership Committee represents student chapter
affairs. Should your chapter have an issue to present to the Board of Directors,
you will be asked to submit a proposal to the National Headquarters.
Will SACNAS provide assistance (financial
or otherwise) to support chapters' regional meetings?
While grants restrict SACNAS from distributing funds to student chapters, SACNAS
provides a staff person to assist your chapter with non-financial resources
upon request.
Will SACNAS Chapters have
to provide dues to SACNAS headquarters?
No. SACNAS does not require chapters to submit dues at any time.
However, each individual chapter member will be responsible to keep a current SACNAS
membership and renew dues annually.
What are some activities that
a local chapter could do/plan?
Some student chapters have organized mentoring and tutoring programs
for local K-12 students in their areas. Other activities your chapter may
consider:
- Organize tours to labs, facilities and other universities
- Plan a series of speakers from various scientific fields
- Participate in school science fairs
- Organize meetings with other chapters
- Organize chapter to attend conferences
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