Start a Student Chapter

How to start an ASCE Student Chapter

Don't have a Student Chapter at your university? Why not start one?

• What you need

  • An engineering or engineering technology program related to civil engineering and leading to an engineering or engineering technology degree;
  • At least 1 full-time faculty member who is an ASCE member and who agrees to serve as faculty advisor;
  • Endorsement of the application by your Civil Engineering department head or equivalent;
  • Endorsement of the application by official action of the ASCE Section or Branch in which your school is located;
  • Completion of one year of successful operation under the guidance of your ASCE Section or Branch;
  • An organized group of students with at least 12 undergraduate/graduate students (at least half-time) in an engineering or engineering technology program.

• What to do

  1. Download and review the Guide to Establishing a ASCE Student Chapter (PDF).
  2. Contact your ASCE Section or Branch and request the assistance of two Practitioner Advisors. 
  3. Work with your Advisors to develop a schedule of student-planned meetings and activities for the 12-month establishment period.
  4. Submit a Statement of Intent to Establish (PDF). Acceptance by the Committee on Student Members (CSM) of a Statement of Intent marks the beginning of the one-year establishment period before you may submit a Student Chapter Application.
  5. Hold regular and organized student-planned meetings and events for student officers and general members for a period of one year.
  6. Maintain records of the student-planned meetings and activities of the group. Activities that are part of the regular curriculum, or that were organized and led by a member of the faculty do NOT count as student-planned activities.
  7. Submit:

  Completed application (PDF)

  Chapter data file (.xslx)

  Chapter activities file (.pptx)

  Annual dues payment (contact [email protected] for details.)

  Deadlines

  • February 28 | For CSM spring meeting
  • June 30 | For CSM summer meeting
  • September 30 | For CSM fall meeting

• Learn more

  • As you plan your activities, it might be helpful to watch recordings of the Workshops for Student Chapters sessions.
  • International schools: download the Quick Guide for Students Outside the US (PDF).
  • Schools in the US or Canada: download the Quick Guide for Student Groups (PDF).