I. Introduction
This guide to the operation of student chapters of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) is for use by the student chapter and the chapter
sponsors. A strong student program, involving both graduate and undergraduate students, is a vital part of the overall operation of the Society.
Questions and situations not covered in this guide should be referred to the Chair of the SEG Student Affairs Committee for resolution.
Objectives of the Society of Economic Geologists are:
- To advance the science of geology through the scientific investigation of mineral deposits and mineral resources and the application thereof to minerals exploration, mineral resource appraisal, mining, and mineral extraction endeavors
- To disseminate basic and applied scientific information arising from investigations of mineral deposits and mineral resources through Society publications, meetings, conferences, symposia, field trips, short courses, workshops, and lecture series.
- To advance the status of the profession of economic geology and maintain a high professional and ethical standard among Society members.
II. Affiliation with SEG
Students desiring to form a student chapter of the Society of Economic Geologists must submit a request for such affiliation to the Chair of
the SEG Student Affairs Committee for review and endorsement. Upon endorsement, the request is forwarded to the SEG Executive Director for review
and approval by the SEG Executive Committee. Student Membership in SEG is not a requirement for membership in the Student Chapter, but is encouraged.
III. Membership Requirements
SEG Student Chapter Members:
- Any student in good standing and studying one of the earth sciences is eligible for membership in the SEG Student Chapter at that institution.
SEG Student Membership:
- An applicant for Student Membership in SEG must be a full-time student in earth science at a degree-granting college or university and must be sponsored by a Fellow of the Society or by the Head of the Earth Science Department.
SEG Membership:
- An applicant for Membership in SEG must hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent, with a major in geology or one of the earth sciences from a degree granting college or university and must be engaged in research or exploration related to the geology of mineral deposits, or be engaged in teaching geology. A Member enrolled as a graduate student in geology is eligible for Student Chapter membership.
IV. Benefits of SEG Student Chapter and SEG Memberships
- A student chapter member has the opportunity to participate in Student Chapter activities, including field trips, seminars and other activities organized by the student chapter, typically with financial assistance provided by SEG. Commonly these events are attended by professional economic geologists from industry, government and other academic institutions.
- Through its activities, the Student Chapter provides direct access to the economic geology community at large for its members who as individuals might not otherwise have such opportunities.
- Student Chapter members may develop leadership and management skills through participation in Chapter activities.
- On-line access to the journal, Economic Geology, published eight times a year, is provided to all SEG Students Members, as a benefit of membership. The journal is recognized as the foremost publication of its kind in the world.
- The SEG Newsletter is published quarterly for the entire SEG membership. The Newsletter presents features of current interest to economic geologists, contains news of Society affairs around the world, and announces upcoming events.
- All SEG members may purchase SEG publications at discounted prices. Members pay reduced registration fees at SEG meetings, including those held in conjunction with other organizations. Registration fees for Student Members are generally lower than those for members, and significantly lower than those for non-members.
- Student Members have all the benefits of SEG membership, but do not vote on matters affecting the SEG Constitution, and may not hold elective office or sponsor candidates for membership. Student Members may serve on SEG Committees on the same basis as SEG Members or Fellows.
V. Student Chapter Operations
Operations of a Student Chapter are under the direction of the Chapter Executive Committee which consists of the four elected officers - President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer - and Student Chapter Sponsors. Committees necessary to implement chapter activities may be appointed by the Chapter President.
Meetings should be held at least monthly during the academic year. Business may be transacted at these meetings provided a quorum is present. The vitality of a Student Chapter is generally proportional to the quality of its programs. Student programs may be drawn from many sources, including local faculty, graduate students, and representatives from industry, government agencies, and other academic institutions. Student Chapters have commonly participated in joint programs of mutual interest with other geologic organizations, and have sponsored special seminars, symposia and field conferences.
As SEG is a non-profit organization, registered as a 501-(c)(3) organization under the code of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, SEG student chapters are prohibited from engaging in any activities where "profits" or surplus proceeds are distributed to officers, shareholders, partners, individuals or others, rather than to the organization for future use for scientific or educational purposes.
The Student Chapter may set annual dues for membership in the Student Chapter, providing that the amount of any such dues shall be approved by a majority of the Student Chapter members.
VI. Student Chapter Faculty Sponsor
Continuity of a Student Chapter depends on having an active Faculty Sponsor, who must be an SEG Fellow, and who provides advice and guidance to the Student Chapter. The Faculty Sponsor assures that the Student Chapter functions within the parameters of the SEG Constitution and Bylaws, and provides a repository for the Chapter's records and funds at times when the host institution is not in session.
VII. Local SEG Sponsor for a Student Chapter
The Student Chapter will propose an SEG Fellow not affiliated with the Student Chapter's institution to act as a Local Sponsor. This Sponsor will work with the Faculty Sponsor to assure that the operations of the Student Chapter conform with established SEG policies and standards. If the nearest SEG Fellow not affiliated with the institution is too distant to provide support to the Chapter, this requirement can be waived by the SEG Executive Committee.
Download a copy of these Operations Guidelines (PDF document)
Download a copy of the Student Chapter Bylaws (PDF document)
Download a copy of the Student Chapter Annual Report Form (PDF document)
Download a copy of the Student Chapter Funding Guidelines and Application Form (PDF document)