Participation: The Solution to the AIME Student Chapter Problem

American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, Inc. This paper was prepared for the 42nd Annual Fall Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, to be held in Houston, Tex., Oct. 1–4, 1967. Permission to copy is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copied. The abstract should contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper is presented. Publication elsewhere after publication in the JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY or the SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS JOURNAL is usually granted upon request to the Editor of the appropriate journal provided agreement to give proper credit is made. Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines. Abstract For many years AIME student chapters have struggled with periodic ups and downs. An analysis of problems which confront these chapters is presented in the hopes that the discussion will help chapters recognize and solve their problems. Possible solutions and guidelines for more effective chapter operation are thoroughly discussed. The importance and responsibilities of the student members, officers, and faculty advisor are reviewed. The factor which characterizes a dynamic AIME student chapter is the PARTICIPATION which the chapter receives from its members and the degree to which the chapter PARTICIPATES in SPE and AIME activities. Introduction In the history of The Society of Petroleum Engineers we have never taken a more active interest in the activities of students than now. Yet we are just beginning to realize the potential of the AIME student chapters. When we try to be so vitally interested in the student, we cannot neglect this most intimate and continuous contact with him. It often seems that bad things get worse and good things remain the same. Perhaps this happens with the AIME student chapters as well. In a poor, weak, nearly defunct chapter, the lack of incentive curtails any interest or desire to attempt improvement. Perhaps if the operation of a strong, active chapter is investigated, it will be possible to provide others with an awareness of, an interest in, and possible solutions to the problems facing AIME student chapters. Therefore, let us take a look at some of the characteristics and ideas inherent in a dynamic chapter and glance briefly at some of the problems that cause a chapter to weaken and to remain weak. THE PROBLEM or "Through the Looking Glass Darkly" In an active, dynamic chapter, the members want to attend meetings. They feel privileged when they are asked to work on chapter projects. It is relatively easy to generate enthusiasm in the organization. The student chapter almost creates its own progress, yet this does not make the successful chapter immune to decline.