Below is a proposed timeline which is a solid foundation for starting and managing your Chapter. Please reach out to Member Care with any questions: membercare@nstem.org
978.381.9305
- Decide on Co-Advisors: Co-Advisors need to be approved by Advisors/Directors
- Chapter Fee Payment: Regardless of how your NSTEM Chapter fee was paid, you have full access to the NSTEM site and your dashboard. However, if payment has not been received within 60-days, access to the site and dashboard will be turned off until payment is received
- Review/increase minimum requirements: You may increase the required minimum requirements GPA for STEM classes for your members
- Create or update your bylaws: To create/edit your bylaws, click on the link on your dashboard
- Recruit students: Find fun inventive ways to increase student interest in your Chapter using the NSTEM brochure, presentation, and promotional flyers located on your dashboard
- Student applications (if applicable): A student member application template is on your dashboard to help determine student membership eligibility; NSTEM does not require these applications
- Chapter communications: Check out our communication templates (congratulations letter, etc) that we have created to help enhance communication with your student members and their families
- Send member codes to your members to create student dashboards: Send “discount code” (which is your Chapter’s exclusive “member code”) to your student members and their families for them to set up their dashboards which is connected to your dashboard
- We encourage you to create your Advisory Council: Your Advisory Council can help you manage your Chapter and provide oversight for events and enrichment activities
- Decide on Membership Fee: You do not have to charge a membership fee, however this may help in the first year before you start fundraising; remember, we suggest the fee be no more than $20 per student annually
- Chapter roster: Submit your NSTEM student member roster and keep it up to date; it offers numerous benefits to both your student members and your Chapter
- Student welcome packet: Once you have submitted your NSTEM student member roster, each member will receive an electronic welcome packet including a certificate for every year they are a member of your Chapter
- Hold Chapter Officer elections (unless chosen by Advisor): Advisor and Co-Advisor can decide to hold elections for Officers or if applicable, appoint them; Officers can be a huge asset in managing your Chapter
- Order NSTEM induction/graduation/recognition supplies: Our shop has an array of certificates, membership cards, pins and graduation supplies for your induction and graduation ceremonies to recognize your outstanding student members (please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of custom merchandise)
- Hold induction ceremonies: Hosting an induction ceremony offers several benefits including increased opportunities for student recognition, enhanced student engagement, and the chance to involve families, supporters, the community, and new eligible members
- Plan dates/locations for meetings: Scheduling meetings and events in advance can assist you and your members in coordinating with other activities, allowing for better planning
- Plan fundraising events: Active fundraising is a crucial part of a Chapter, supporting project-based learning, speakers, materials, and initiatives; Chapter t-shirts are always a cohesive addition to any Chapter
- Monitor and approve member’s internal and external STEM enrichment activities: Your members submit their STEM activities through their dashboards linking up to yours for approval, helping you monitor their progress; also enrichment activity hours can be obtained through Summer activities, camps, virtual opportunities, etc.
- Suggest resources from the NSTEM Resource Library: Need ideas for engaging activities, grants, scholarships, PD, awards, curriculum? By logging in, Chapter leadership, members and their families have full access to our NSTEM Resource Library; check it out!
- Suggest NSTEM’s PBL Showcase in Spring: Watch for information about our Project Based Learning Showcase which is a great way for students to show off their STEM projects
- Hold graduation ceremonies: Recognition of NSTEM member graduates is a great way to encourage students to continue their education in STEM based subjects; holding a graduation ceremony can be held simultaneously with induction ceremonies
- Watch your email for the NSTEM Inspiration Email Series for lots of great information: Our Member Care team has created a comprehensive email series sent to Chapter leadership every two weeks full of outstanding, important, and useful information to help you manage your Chapter and membership
Please reach out to Member Care with any questions: membercare@nstem.org 978.381.9305
