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Starting a Chapter
How to Establish a New College Chapter
Thank you for your interest in forming an AISES College Chapter.
AISES believes that our student chapters are an essential ingredient if we are to carry out our mission. Therefore, we want to make it as easy and simple as possible to become a chartered chapter. However, we also believe that for AISES college members to fully benefit from chapter membership, the chapters must be effectively organized. Therefore, it is essential that those wishing to form a chapter go through the described process that will help in putting together a strong, effective and efficient organization that will better meet the needs of its members.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Establishing a College Chapter is easy!
Membership
Each AISES College Chapter must have a minimum of eight members to remain in good standing. All chapter members must be individual members of AISES. College student membership dues are $25, renewable each year. Therefore, to become a Student Chapter, the chapter members listed on the petition (hereinafter referred to as the organizers or organizing committee) must be AISES members. AISES Membership Applications may be filled out online. Visit the Membership section of the website for more information. Verification of membership may be sent along with the petition. If there is uncertainty about the membership status of an organizer please, call AISES at (505) 765-1052 or send e-mail to membership@aises.org with any questions. If there are fewer than eight AISES members among the organizers, no action can be taken and the Application/Petition for the Establishment of a Student Chapter will be returned. Exceptions to this requirement will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Selecting a Chapter Advisor
Each Student Chapter must have at least one advisor. The advisor(s) may be a member of the faculty or staff who is selected according to the criteria established by the Student Chapter. This person must sign the Application/Petition for the Establishment of a Student Chapter. Although there are no particular requirements that a person must meet in becoming an advisor, the organizers are advised to choose someone who demonstrates a dedication and commitment to the chapter's students and AISES' mission.
A chapter must demonstrate that it will operate in accordance with the AISES Code for the Governing of Student Chapters (Code). A copy of the Code, signed by the presiding officer and advisor must be included with your application. This indicates that it was adopted at a regularly scheduled meeting of the organizing committee, the number of votes for and the number against adoption and the date of adoption. Although, it is preferred that the organizers establish their own chapter by-laws based on the Code, it is acceptable to gain experience operating under the Code before attempting to draft amendments better suited to the individual chapter's needs.
AISES Code of Conduct
The Petition must be accompanied by the minutes of the organizing committee meeting in which it adopted the AISES Code of Conduct. A petition that does not include this acceptance will not be considered for chapter membership.
Letter of Recognition from School
Finally, the organizers must enclose a letter or other evidence showing that their college or university has certified their chapter as a duly recognized student organization. It is up to the individual chapters to ensure that they meet and comply with their college and university requirements for recognition as a student organization.
Cover Letter
After completing these requirements, please submit your application along with a cover letter see Sample Cover Letter and all supporting documents to:
AISES Higher Education Department
P.O. Box 9828
Albuquerque, NM 87119-9828
Attn: College Relations
If all is in order, it will go to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration. You will be promptly notified after a decision has been made.
The following documents and/or forms are required as part of the application for recognition as an AISES College Student Chapter:
Thank you, once again, for your interest in AISES. If you have questions, please contact:
Tina Pino
AISES Program Officer
Phone: 505-765-1052 x105
E-mail: tina@aises.org
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Application/ Petition for Establishment of a Chapter
