Starting

a Student Chapter Overview

If you want to start a student chapter at a university, you must complete these steps:

Step One
Ask for a letter of support from the head of the department at the university where you would like to establish a chapter. Make sure the letter is on university headed paper and indicates: The name of the degree program/course The length of the program in years The course requirements (or modules)

The institution must offer a degree program in petroleum engineering or other industry related course of study.

Step Two
Submit letter to studentactivities@spe.org. We will obtain a preliminary approval from the Board Regional Director. After you receive preliminary approval, complete the rest of the steps by the deadline we give you or your charter may be delayed.

Step Three
Find the Section closest to the university. Request a letter of support. Ask them to review the Teamwork Between Sections and Chapters document.

Step Four
Select a faculty sponsor and complete the Faculty Sponsor Nomination form. Be prepared to provide contact information. Any candidate for faculty sponsor must be a member of SPE.

Step Five
Fill out the Petition for Charter. Include contact information for at least 15 SPE student members who want to form the chapter, the proposed faculty sponsor, and the department head. Keep in mind that to form a chapter, you must have a minimum of 15 new or current SPE student members attending an institution. Students who are not yet SPE members may join online. Students who are already members must keep their membership current by renewing each year.

 Step Six
Call a meeting of all student members who want to form the chapter and elect the following officers: president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. You may elect additional officers if needed. Be aware that officer positions are provisional until the Board of Directors approves the chapter.

Step Seven
Complete the Student Chapter Officer Report form after the election.

Step Eight
Gather these documents and attach them to an email: Letter of support from your local chapter Petition for Charter Faculty Sponsor Nomination form Student Chapter Officer Report form

Step Nine
Submit email to studentactivities@spe.org.

Approval Process
After you have submitted all forms, we will present your chapter petition to the SPE Board of Directors. Since the Board only meets three times per year, you must submit all information by the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait up to 4 months for the next Board meeting. Upon Board approval, the chapter will receive USD 100.00 financial assistance grant and chapter stationery to begin chapter operations.