Through engagement in an SPIE Student Chapter, students strengthen their leadership, communication, and networking skills for career advancement.
What is an SPIE Student Chapter?
SPIE Student Chapters* are groups based at educational institutions across the globe that play a critical role in fostering leaders in the fields of optics and photonics.
Collectively and individually, SPIE Student Chapter members play an instrumental role in moving the study of optics and photonics forward. Chapter members collaborate with colleagues, mentor younger students, connect with industry, and perform outreach in the community to pave the way for future advances in light-based technologies.
SPIE Student Chapter members have access to an ever-expanding network of scientists and engineers who can serve as resources, references, and collaborators. SPIE helps provide the structure and programs for chapters to ensure students lay the foundation for a successful career.
Ready to get started? Submit an SPIE Student Chapter Application by 1 May (with additional deadlines on 1 October and 1 February) and find all the details below.
Apply to be an SPIE Student Chapter
*Referred to as clubs in China
What is the purpose of an SPIE Student Chapter?
The purpose of the SPIE Student Chapter is to connect students interested in optics and photonics to a global network of scientists and engineers and prepare them for successful and diverse careers in the fields. A Student Chapter provides its members with the opportunity:
At the discretion of the chapter student members, certain chapter activities and events shall be open for all students at the educational institution, especially when recruiting new members.
Through its organized efforts in study, research, discussion, and networking, the chapter shall promote the fields of optics and photonics, disseminate knowledge, and further the professional development of students.
How do I form an SPIE Student Chapter at my educational institution?
Educational institution requirements
The educational institution must have at least one of the following:
Membership requirements
Applicant requirements
Applicant(s) must be current SPIE Student Member(s) at the educational institution. Potential chapter advisors are not permitted to apply on behalf of students.
Disclaimer
Even if the above educational institution, Membership, and applicant requirements are met, the formation of an SPIE Student Chapter is not guaranteed. There may be reasons as to why an SPIE Student Chapter may not be approved. These reasons often include a lack of previous Member engagement with SPIE and/or a lack of research specific to furthering optics and photonics technologies or applications.
What are the application and approval processes for an SPIE Student Chapter?
There are three separate timelines to submit SPIE Student Chapter Applications each year, with deadlines on 1 May, 1 October, and 1 February.
Once submitted, applications are reviewed after each deadline (three times per year) by the Early Career and Students Subcommittee and the Membership and Communities Committee. If approved, successful candidates will be notified of official approval within two months after the application deadline.
Please contact students@spie.org with questions.
What does SPIE provide to support a new SPIE Student Chapter?
Each new chapter will receive a unique banner and graphic logos with its school's/institution's name. These can be used to promote chapter events, enhance the chapter’s website, or serve as graphics to create branded giveaways. The first banner is provided at no cost to new chapters, but additional banners must be paid for by the chapter, typically using the Student Chapter Activity Grant.
Chapters in good standing are eligible to apply for up to $1,500 in funding each year to conduct chapter activities via the SPIE Student Chapter Annual Report and Activity Grant Application.
SPIE defines a student as someone engaged in studies, who has not yet attained their terminal degree. Post-docs are not eligible for Student Membership and discounts but are encouraged to join SPIE as Early Career Members.
SPIE accepts checks (in USD), money orders, purchase orders, and bankwire transfers.
Some chapters may prefer to conduct bulk Memberships instead of individual SPIE Membership renewals in order to pay for all Memberships at once using one payment method. This is an option for all chapters who wish to pay for 10 or more Memberships. In order to do this, please complete our bulk Membership renewal form. You may also include new Members on this form, so long as all fields are completed. Once completed, please send the form to students@spie.org. We will review the information and send an invoice for payment.
Yes, you can open a bank account to pay for SPIE Membership fees from one source, or manage funds.
US chapters looking to open a bank account must complete and submit IRS Form SS-4 directly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to receive their EIN. On an annual basis, US chapters need to file the 990-N tax form. This form is very short, but if not filed for three consecutive years, the organization will automatically lose its tax-exempt status.