The purpose of establishing an Student Chapter is to provide students with opportunities to develop relationships with fellow students, faculty and professionals. Each member is significant in achieving and maintaining a successful Student Chapter. The process for establishing and maintaining a Student Chapter is outlined in this section.
Step 1: Hold an Informational Meeting
To see if there is sufficient interest in forming a Student Chapter, a well planned organizational meeting should be held. Because it is often difficult for students to communicate, a strong initiative from a faculty member is often required. The faculty member, in conjunction with representatives from the local Chapter or Section should "call" this meeting. This can be in the form of announcements to classes with environmentally related subject matter, newspaper announcements, posting of flyers, and e-mail blasts to appropriate students. Both the faculty member and the local Chapter or Section must be sufficiently committed to agree to serve as the Faculty Advisor and Chapter/Section Liaison respectively.
At this meeting, the purpose of A&WMA, member benefits (See Appendix C), and the benefits of forming a Student Chapter should be presented. Some reasons for forming a Student Chapter are:
The agenda should be well organized and the representatives of A&WMA should be well versed on the procedures, rules, timing, etc. of forming a Student Chapter (See Policy Notes below).
During this meeting a poll (preferably by signing a roll with addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses) should be taken to determine if there is general interest and desire to start a Student Chapter. Membership forms should be available and applications (along with appropriate payment of fees) should be taken at this meeting. If ten students indicate that they are willing to become Student Members of the Air & Waste Management Association and are willing to actively participate in the formation of a Student Chapter, then initiate Step 2.
Step 2: Notify A&WMA of Your Intent
If you find that there is enough interest, notify A&WMA Headquarters and advise them that you are pursuing the creation of a new Student Chapter. A&WMA Headquarters will provide assistance and guidance in identifying the required documents, routing for signatures (including contact names, addresses and phone numbers), and deadlines for Section Council meetings.
Step 3: Form an Ad Hoc Steering Committee
Step 4: Hold an Organizational Meeting
Once the Steering Committee has completed its tasks, an organizational meeting should be held to complete the petition (if it is not already complete) and to vote on the draft bylaws and slate of officers.
Step 5: Submit Documents for Endorsements and Required Approvals
Before a charter is granted to a new Student Chapter, approval must be given by the Section, Sections & Chapters Council and the A&WMA International Board of Directors. Written endorsements are passed on from the Section to the Sections & Chapters Council, and then to the Board of Directors. The Chapter/Section Liaison representative should track this process and keep the Student Chapter members informed of the progress or lack of progress. All paperwork must be received at Headquarters at least 30 days in advance of the Sections & Chapters Council meeting at which the Student Chapter will be proposed. Required paperwork includes:
Send materials to:
Manager, Member Services
A&WMA
One Gateway Center, Third Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Questions?? Call: 1-800-270-3444
Policy Notes: