Community

Chapter Resources

IEEE Chapter Resources are essential for supporting volunteers and enhancing member engagement within chapters. They provide valuable tools and guidance for chapter leaders, promoting consistency in operations and best practices. By offering training materials and professional development opportunities, these resources help members grow their skills and leadership capabilities. Additionally, Chapter Resources facilitate improved communication both within the IEEE Photonics Society’s technical chapters and with the broader IEEE organization, fostering collaboration and information sharing. 

To establish or modify an IEEE Student Chapter, students must adhere to specific petition rules. At least 6 IEEE student members must support the petition as well as an advisor (IEEE Member), which should clearly outline the chapter’s purpose, objectives, and proposed activities. Membership criteria must align with IEEE guidelines, and a faculty advisor who is an IEEE member must be identified.

The official IEEE Student Chapter petition form must be completed and submitted to the appropriate IEEE regional or section authority. Once submitted, the petition will undergo an evaluation process that may include requests for additional information or interviews. For detailed rules and guidelines, it’s best to consult the IEEE website or contact your local IEEE section.

Email petition@ieee.org with questions regarding unit formation policies or unit formation petition processes.

To submit a professional chapter petition to the IEEE, you need support from at least 12 IEEE members above student grade, all of whom must be members of the relevant Society. The petition must clearly outline the chapter’s purpose, objectives, and planned activities, as well as provide details about the chapter’s leadership structure and geographic scope. It should comply with IEEE policies and guidelines, and some societies may require a professional member to serve as an advisor.

Additionally, you must complete the official petition form accurately and ensure all required information is included. For specific criteria and requirements, consult the IEEE website or reach out to the relevant Society or local IEEE section for guidance.

Email petition@ieee.org with questions regarding unit formation policies or unit formation petition processes.

IEEE vTools is a suite of online tools designed to help IEEE volunteers manage various aspects of their roles more efficiently. It includes features for event planning, officer reporting, membership management, and chapter administration. vTools streamlines the organization of meetings and events, simplifies communication with members, and facilitates the tracking of chapter activities and metrics. By providing a centralized platform, vTools aims to enhance the effectiveness of IEEE organizational units and improve member engagement.

Learn More: https://vtools.ieee.org

The IEEE Center for Leadership Excellence is a program aimed at developing and enhancing leadership skills among IEEE members. It offers a range of resources, including training sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, designed to foster effective leadership practices within the organization. The center focuses on empowering members to take on leadership roles, improve their professional capabilities, and contribute to the growth and success of IEEE and the engineering community. 

Learn More: https://ieee-elearning.org

IEEE WebInABox is a user-friendly tool that allows IEEE officers to create and manage templated websites quickly and easily. It automates the website creation process, reducing the need for technical expertise or webmaster availability. This service is designed to help IEEE organizational units and Chapters maintain a consistent online presence, making it simpler for officers to communicate and engage with members and the public.

Learn More: https://vtools.ieee.org/updates-to-webex

IEEE OU Analytics is a tool designed to provide insights and data analytics for IEEE organizational units. It helps members track performance metrics, membership trends, and engagement levels, enabling more informed decision-making. By leveraging data, it aims to enhance the effectiveness of programs and initiatives within IEEE, ultimately improving the overall member experience and organizational impact.

Learn More: https://mga.ieee.org/volunteer-hub/volunteer-tools/ou-analytics

Working with Children Guidelines

Through outreach and education initiatives, IEEE volunteers may support STEM efforts with children in diverse ways (examples below). However, all volunteers who interact with children, i.e. in-person or online, are now required to complete online training and register all STEM events.

  • Afterschool Programs & Clubs
  • Conferences
  • Mentoring Programs
  • STEM Workshops
  • Classroom Instruction

The online training is delivered by IEEE’s partner, Praesidium. The training must be completed every three years. If you currently participate in activities that involve working with children or plan to do so, please review the following important documents. The Guidelines are referenced within the IEEE Civility Policy.

These procedures apply to events that are specifically designed for children and IEEE Photonics staff will require the training to be taken by volunteers before any grant funding will be issued.