Leadership Roles - Material Advantage
You learn leadership by being a leader. That’s one of the major benefits of serving as a student chapter officer – having the opportunity to learn and sharpen your skills to become a better team member, a better manager, a better leader.
The advisor establishes and maintains the continuity of the student chapter. The advisor’s actions are guided by a clear understanding of the materials field in a societal context as well as familiarity with the benefits of participation in an established professional community. The advisor should be an enthusiastic supporter of students’ efforts and will make many important contributions at planned events and activities throughout the chapter year. More than one faculty member may serve as advisor; however, one person should be identified as the primary contact.
Primary contact with society headquarters
Receives chapter materials for distribution to officers
Receives chapter rebate for distribution to Treasurer
Advises chapter officers and committee chairs on the formation and implementation of goals, objectives and programs
Ensures that the chapter understands the role of ACerS-AIST-ASM-TMS as a professional organization
The quality of leadership provided by a chapter’s officers significantly influences the level of involvement and participation of other members and interested individuals, and the success of the chapter as a whole. The officers of a student chapter are usually comprised of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The last two positions may be combined in a small chapter. Student officers should be elected at or prior to the annual business meeting of the chapter.
Understands the Rules of Government for student chapters and the chapter bylaws
Acts as the primary interface between the student chapter, the faculty advisor, the department, the university and the societies
Establishes a clear set of objectives and an operating plan for the chapter year
Takes responsibility for fulfillment of the chapter’s established objectives
Trains the next class of elected officers
Works closely with the faculty advisor to ensure ongoing communication
Presides at all meetings of the chapter and its Executive Committee
Is familiar with accepted parliamentary procedures
Delegates committee responsibilities and makes committee appointments as outlined in the chapter’s bylaws
Coordinates communication with society headquarters
Coordinates and assures chapter reporting and record keeping functions
Appoints a nominating committee to select a slate of candidates (prior to election) to serve as officers for the following year
Directs the major chapter activity of the year
Serves as chair of the chapter’s Program Committee
Serves as an ex-officio member of all major committees
Leads the chapter in the absence of the Chair
Maintains all chapter records
Keeps minutes for all chapter Executive Committee meetings
Acts as an official correspondent for the chapter
Fulfills all reporting requirements including monthly meeting and annual reports
Submits information to society headquarters to highlight chapter activities
Receives and deposits all funds paid into the chapter
Disburses funds as authorized by the Executive Committee
Prepares financial reports for chapter meetings
Submits financial information for annual report