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Chapter Operations Manual

 

 

Introduction

The Chapter Operations Manual is your go-to source for information about how to conduct your chapter activities and get involved in the variety of programs offered by SPE. You can learn more about your individual role and find the forms and deadlines associated with your duties.

Any questions can be directed to chapters@spe.org.

President & Vice President

President
The president is the leader of the chapter, assuming all responsibilities not otherwise delegated.  You should have: 

  • good leadership and communication skills
  • the ability to work with, and motivate various personalities
  • a solid understanding of the goals and mission of SPE and the chapter’s role in relation to the global nature of SPE

Responsibilities

  • Preside over chapter meetings
  • Communicate regularly with other officers; chapter members; sponsoring section; faculty advisor and SPE staff regarding chapter plans, needs, or challenges
  • Attend chapter meetings, meetings of the sponsoring section, and the SPE Leadership Workshop
  • Ensure the annual report and financial statements are submitted by 1 April
  • Ensure your chapter complies with all SPE policies
  • Conduct election of chapter officers and ensure that SPE is notified of the results

Vice President
The vice president assists in accomplishing all organizational duties and typically serves as president the following year. 

Responsibilities

  • Chair the program committee and other committees as necessary
  • Act on behalf of the president on all chapter business during the absence of the president
  • Work with the president to ensure chapter maintains required membership levels and submits reporting by 1 April

Manage Programs

As chapter president, you oversee that plans for the year are drafted and executed. Various committees and officers may help implement these plans. Your job is to work with your faculty advisor and sponsoring section to ensure that each program plan is specific and detailed enough to facilitate its completion.

Aside from local chapter events, you should consider taking advantage of programs offered by SPE International.

Ambassador Lecturer Program
Student paper contests

Membership Roster

Officers in good standing are able to download membership rosters at any time. The information on the rosters may be used only for programs endorsed by SPE.  Use or reproduction of the information for commercial purposes or for programs not endorsed by SPE is strictly prohibited and subject to legal action. All data contained within the reports is updated daily.

Rosters include the following useful pieces of information:

  • Paid and unpaid members of your chapter
  • Identification of any new members for the current month
  • Date each member joined SPE (election date)
  • Anticipated graduation date
Documents

Officer Roster

Chapter Resource Form

Secretary

Responsibilities

Record Minutes

Record the official business of the chapter through the writing, retention, and distribution of minutes. Minutes should be taken for all meetings of the chapter officers. Minutes should only include action taken and not verbatim discussion. At each meeting, the minutes of the previous meeting should be reviewed and approved by the group.

Minutes often resolve misunderstandings, so they should be accurate, objective, complete and clear. Minutes of meetings should contain the following:

  • Name of the organization or committee
  • Place and date of the meeting
  • Names of officers and members present
  • The statement that the minutes of the previous meeting were amended or approved
  • A list of reports that were presented and accepted
  • All the main motions that were made, with statements as to whether they passed or not and by what vote count

Maintain officer roster

You are responsible for ensuring SPE has accurate record of officers and their contact details. Changes should be sent to chapters@spe.org, as they occur, to ensure no lapse in service. All officers must be SPE members in good standing. You can review the officer roster SPE has on file for your chapter through Membership Builder.

Supplies

Chapter Logo
An official chapter logo is available to all chapters by request to chapters@spe.org. Only the official SPE logos may be used, strictly adhering to SPE Policy on Logo Use.

Podium Sign/Stationery
Submit the completed Chapter Resource Form to chapters@spe.org to request a podium sign and stationery at no cost to the chapter. The limited sheets of stationery and envelopes are imprinted with the chapter logo.

SPE Connect

Chapters are encouraged to post innovative activities on the Student Community of SPE Connect. This promotes collaboration and the exchange of knowledge with student members from all over the world.

Treasurer

Responsibilities

  • Receive and disburse chapter funds as approved by the faculty advisor
  • Complete annual financial statement to include with the annual report
  • Provide financial reports and make recommendations on the management of your chapter’s finances
  • Reconcile all chapter accounts and prepare annual operating budget

Rebates

Student chapters receive rebates from SPE to fund ongoing chapter operations, such as the publication and distribution of newsletters, officer travel to society-sponsored events and membership development programs. Rebates are only available to active chapters who are operating as of 1 January and submit the annual report by 1 April.

Chapters receive USD 10 per student member as of 31 December, up to a maximum of USD 2,000. Funding is disbursed in early May and held on account at SPE until proper payment information is received.

Fundraising

Chapters may engage in fundraising activities providing that the chapter does not obligate SPE to debt or defamation. The following resources are a good place to begin with seeking monetary support:

  • Your sponsoring section
  • Local companies
  • Your university

Faculty Advisor

As a member of the university community and SPE, the Faculty Advisor provides a critical link between the student chapter, the university, and the sponsoring SPE section. As an active Faculty Advisor, your SPE membership dues are complimentary.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure that at least one meeting per year is held between chapter officers and the university department
  • Guide the formation and implementation of goals, objectives and programs
  • Remind the chapter to remain aligned with the SPE vision
  • Counsel chapter members in matters regarding society policies
  • Attend officer meetings
  • Promote interaction and cooperation with other university groups
  • Attend the sponsoring section board meetings, when possible
  • Ensure chapter officers are aware of and accomplishing their responsibilities

OnePetro Subscription Grant

To support active SPE chapters, Faculty Advisors can apply for a grant to receive OnePetro access for the university.  This program is intended for universities with an SPE student chapter, where limited funds prevent the university from purchasing access.

Faculty Resources

SPE supports faculty from around the world through SPE-sponsored grants, awards, and participation in our programs and activities. Through these programs, SPE hopes to aid faculty in educating the next generation of petroleum engineers and industry leaders. Learn more.

Membership

Because the scope of activities related to membership recruitment, retention, and volunteerism is so extensive, the chapter should consider utilizing a committee for these duties.

Responsibilities

  • Know the requirements of SPE membership and how to apply
  • Ensure that both members and non-members are fully aware of all the advantages of SPE membership
  • Organize member recruitment drives
  • Inform the chapter board about membership statistics
  • Encourage members to volunteer

Recognition

Outstanding Student Chapter
The award for Outstanding Student Chapter recognizes exceptional merit. Learn more.

Gold Standard Designation
Gold Standard designation is available to all student chapters that have accomplished an admirable level of activity. Learn more.

Past President Certificate
You can order this certificate as a way to say thank you to a past chapter president. Complete and submit the Past President Certificate Form to chapters@spe.org.

Faculty Advisor Recognition
Recognize your Faculty Advisor for outstanding support. Complete and submit the Faculty Advisor Certificate Form to chapters@spe.org.