Want to start a student chapter at your college/university?

oSTEM Student Chapters are founded on four important relationships: 

  1. Chapter to Members/Student Body 

Creating events and programming that support LGBTQ STEM students at your institution and in your community. This can be LGBTQ-focused workshops, panels of queer professionals, hosting information sessions with sponsors, fun socials, and much more.

  1. Chapter to the Community

Volunteering in the community with K-12 programs and collaborating with other student organizations focused on the LGBTQ and STEM communities.

  1. Chapter to other Chapters

Participating in the online chapter network by posting and helping to answer questions, collaborating on regional events like pride parades or conferences, and representing your chapter in your regional council.

  1. Chapter to oSTEM, Inc. Executive Committee

Attending the annual conference and participating in workshops, panels, poster presentations, chapter-focused events, affinity groups, and opportunities to speak directly with companies and organizations that are interested in LGBTQ STEM students and professionals.  


Checklist for Starting a Chapter:

  1. Recruit at least three officers and one faculty/staff advisor.
  2. Register as an official student organization at your college or university (Letters of support can be provided on request.)
  3. Establish an email listserv/distribution list for your chapter members.
  4. Join as a Global Member of oSTEM through the Join Now button on the oSTEM homepage.
  5. Once you have an account, fill out the New Chapter Application, which will require info from the officers, advisors, etc. After the Membership Team processes your application your chapter will appear in the oSTEM chapter list in the Member Area with personalized logos for your chapter, and an official chapters.ostem.org email address. Go ahead and have your entire membership sign up and join the chapter so you can assign leadership roles and join in on discussions in our Engagement area!
  6. Review and follow all organizational guidelines for use of the new chapter logo.  This is in the handbook, but more information will be provided.

You can also check out our oSTEM Chapter Handbook for additional information!

 

START A NEW CHAPTER


Want to start a professional chapter in your city?

In addition to our academic chapters, we began launching professional chapters in Spring 2018.  For more information, please check back here or sign up for our interest list here

You can also learn more about the benefits of professional membership and how to start a chapter in your city with this recording in our oSTEM On Air - YouTube channel.


If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to the Membership Team at membership@ostem.org.