Start a Chapter

SACNAS welcomes students enrolled in any community college, four-year institution, or graduate program to organize a SACNAS chapter at your institution. A SACNAS chapter can significantly compliment an existing program serving underrepresented students in science or existing student group on campus.

Benefits

  • Local support for students for mentoring, academic success, personal networking and social community
  • Leadership development and networking that complement your academic career and resume
  • Access to a national network of students and professionals
  • Opportunities to apply for funding that support chapter activities and events
  • Opportunity to host, organize, and participate in SACNAS regional meetings
  • Recognition at the National SACNAS Conference

Effective organization, structure and a committed advisor lay the foundation for chapter success. The Student Chapter Policy was developed to assist students in establishing their chapter. In addition, the Chapter Program Guide has been created to provide new and veteran chapters additional resources for success. A copy of the Chapter Program Guide may be emailed to you at your request. It is recommended that individuals interested in forming a student chapter begin by reading both the Chapter Policy and Chapter Program Guide.

Begin Chapter Application Process

Chapter Requirements

Membership: SACNAS membership is required of all students involved with chapters. SACNAS offers one year of waived membership for all chapter students and advisors. Chapter students are eligible to receive this benefit one time only (SACNAS verifies chapter participation through the chapter's advisor or president). Students who are in the process of creating a chapter will have their membership waivers procssed AFTER the chapter application has been approved by SACNAS national.

Annual Reports: Submission of annual reports is a requirement for chapters to retain active status. The SACNAS Chapter Committee use annual reports to recognize chapters for conference awards.

Chapter Approval Process

When chapter application materials are submitted to the national office, confirmation is sent to the chapter of its successful delivery. The Chapter Committee reviews all documents. Any revisions required by the Chapter Committee are then provided back to the chapter. Upon receipt and review of revisions, the chapter is formally approved. SACNAS then provides a Welcome Package to help establish the group at their institution.

Support for Chapters & Chapter Applications

See our chapter resources or contact programs assistant René Moreno or via phone at 877-SACNAS-1 (722-6271) for support in the application process and to learn the best practices for leading a chapter.