ASEE Student Chapter Longevity and Programming

Since 1993, approximately 29 ASEE student chapters have been created across the U.S, but only 20 of those chapters are currently active. From limited information, it seems even fewer active chapters are making a significant contribution to the student population at their respective schools. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to ascertain the level of chapter organized programming and member involvement via a voluntary web survey given specifically to all ASEE student chapters and the more general national student member and recent graduate population. This information will be aggregated and analyzed to identify common characteristics among student chapter offerings. Additionally, we would like to compare those offerings with similar programs available at their respective schools. Common themes of programming include teaching assistant training, faculty job preparation, and sharing engineering education research.Best practices will be proposed to assist future student chapter leaders in the generation of programming and advertising strategies.  Additionally, this study will provide information to aid in identifying the potential member base for student chapters. Chan et al. (2004) have stated that an active member base is vital for the sustainability of student chapters, because of their ability to generate enthusiasm for the organization and to form a leadership pipeline for future years. Arriving at a similar conclusion, Visco and Cartwright (2001) claimed that the sustainability of ASEE student chapters is a numbers issue: there is critical minimum membership size needed for the group to thrive. This study will aid student chapters in identifying future members such that a critical membership size can be met. Torres-Ayala et al. (2010) sent similar voluntary web surveys to all student members of ASEE in a prior study, but Torres-Ayala et al. focused on the characteristics of the general population and their interaction with the national chapter of ASEE. In addition, given the short period of time ASEE members spend as students and potential student chapter members,prior studies sampled a different population. Comparing current results to past studies will also allow longitudinal trends to emerge.