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by Anna Wagner -
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Getting students involved in an AIChE Student Chapter early on is important. Gaining years’ worth of experience will set a strong foundation for the future of the chapter. However, engaging freshmen in the chapter is a challenge nearly all AIChE Student Chapters face. Here are eight ways to help engage first-year students.
1. Establish a class representative position
A freshman class representative can speak on behalf of the freshman class to ensure that the events the chapter holds are of interest to the freshmen. Additionally, this representative can organize outreach events to introduce freshmen to the AIChE Student Chapter. Lastly, this position might attract some freshmen because it is one of a few campus leadership positions available to freshmen so early on.
2. Develop a mentoring program
The exact structure could vary depending on which classes you want to have participate, but one example would be to pair a freshman with a senior mentor. Having experienced upperclassmen available to answer questions and provide guidance might attract first year students.
3. Reduce or eliminate membership dues for freshmen
If your chapter charges membership dues, make either the first meeting or semester/year free for freshmen. Students who have just been introduced to the AIChE student chapter might not be ready to commit to the organization. Reducing or eliminating membership dues will allow students to experience what the chapter has to offer first.
4. Host a welcoming info session for freshmen
The info session can introduce them to the freshmen engineering courses, the chemical engineering faculty, and of course the AIChE Student Chapter. Try planning an info session with the department. They might be willing to help promote the event through freshmen mailing lists that they have access to through the school.
5. Organize in-class announcements for the freshmen engineering courses
Go to the freshmen instead of making them come to you! Target popular first-year chemical engineering courses and make in-class announcements to promote your chapter’s call-out or first event of the semester. Try organizing a volunteer sign-up sheet to cover as many classes as possible.
6. Continue freshmen recruiting efforts throughout the year
Oftentimes student chapters will work hard to promote the chapter during the first few weeks of the academic year. But let's be honest: as freshmen, a lot of us were just trying to figure out where our classes were and not get lost on campus. Once things settle down as the semester progresses, freshmen might feel more ready to get involved with student organizations. To take advantage of this by organizing an additional call-out halfway through the academic year.
7. Organize social events targeting freshmen early on
Freshmen targeted social events will allow new students to meet each other and make new friends. Try to make your promotion as welcoming as possible, even to non-members.
8. Tutor first-year engineering courses
Organize tutoring sessions led by older chapter members. These can be regular events or can serve as review sessions before midterms or final exams. Keep tutoring sessions available to all freshmen chemE’s so that they can become familiar with your AIChE Student Chapter.
Do you have any tips or tricks to recommend? Let us know at aiche.esc@gmail.com so that we can add to the list!