This manual is a guide to the operation of student chapters of The American Association of Petroleum Geologist (AAPG).
The purpose of this Association is to advance the science of geology, especially as it relates to petroleum, natural gas, and other energy mineral resources; to promote the technology of exploring for, finding, and producing these materials from the earth; to foster the spirit of scientific research throughout its membership; to disseminate information relating to the geology and the associated technology of petroleum, natural gas, and other energy mineral resources; to inspire and maintain a high standard of professional conduct on the part of its members; to provide the public with means of recognition of adequately trained and professional responsible petroleum geologist; and to advance the professional well-being of its members.
A strong student program, both graduate and undergraduate is a vital part of the Association. Additionally, student chapters also provide a means of contact with the geological profession both inside and outside of academia.
That contact, facilitated through the Student Chapter Program, is of benefit to the AAPG, to the university and to students.
Members of the Student Chapter must be members of the AAPG. In applying for membership, the applicant must obtain a sponsor, preferably a professor. According to the latest graduation year (BSc, MSc, or PhD) indicated on student application, the student member status on this year will automatically be advanced to associate membership. Student status can be retained for a maximum of six years if joined while earning an undergraduate degree, and a maximum of four years if joined while earning a graduate degree. If the expected graduation date changes, the student member must notify AAPG to extend student status.
There are two types of rebates for Student Chapters:
REMEMBER: Student Chapter members must be members of AAPG as stipulated in the Bylaws.)
Choosing a Faculty Sponsor (or Co-sponsors) who is committed to helping and maintaining a Student Chapter will ensure the continuity of a Student Chapter. The Chapter must choose a faculty sponsor. The Faculty Sponsor must be an Active or Associate member of AAPG and will serve as the liaison between AAPG and the Student Chapter. Additional duties of the Faculty Sponsor are to be aware of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules of AAPG and assure the Chapter’s adherence to them; to assure that the Chapter prepares and delivers their reports to Headquarters as per the schedule; and to be a repository for the Chapter’s records.
The success (or failure) of a Student Chapter is often related to the participation (or lack of) of the faculty sponsor. Even the most energetic of Student Chapter Presidents’ need the support and encouragement of the faculty sponsor. When selecting your sponsor(s) we suggest you talk with them beforehand such that they may be aware of, and be willing to accept the responsibility.
Local socieites by Regions (international)
The nearest local AAPG affiliated Society should be invited to sponsor the Student Chapter and, if it accepts, it should appoint a person to be the Local Society Sponsor for your Student Chapter. The Local Society Sponsor will serve as the liaison between the Society and the Student Chapter. The Chapter may consider asking the sponsoring society’s liaison to serve on the Chapter Executive Committee.
Students are encouraged to attend the meetings of the Sponsoring Society. In addition to their monthly meetings, they may provide you with speakers and/or field trip leaders. Local societies often sponsor short courses, seminars or field trips, which you may participate in, sometimes for greatly reduced rates. The local society may also provide an excellent forum for your Chapter members. Sponsor a one-day seminar of thesis research for the society or put together poster sessions for their monthly meetings.
Members of the Sponsoring Society may be interested in attending your technical programs or field trips.
There may be some universities where the nearest affiliated society is too far away to provide support, in which case the student chapter will operate without a Society Sponsor. If there is no affiliated society to sponsor the student chapter, a local geologist can be asked to be a Professional Affiliates to provide support which normally comes from the affiliated society’s Sponsor.
In keeping with the purposes of the AAPG, Student Chapters are encouraged to provide a strong technical program to its membership. We recommend having a monthly speaker at your monthly meetings. These can be faculty members, geologists from the Sponsoring Society or might be requested from AAPG’s two speaker programs, the Visiting Petroleum Geologist and Distinguished Lecturer programs. Information can be obtained from the AAPG Education Department or the AAPG Web site.
AAPG has a standing committee for Student Chapters and this committee offers several technical short courses and/or field trips at the annual convention especially for students. For information on or assistance with any of these AAPG services, contact AAPG headquarters or a member of the Student Chapter Committee.
Appoint someone to serve as a program chair and another student to serve as a field trip chair. Assign the duties for writing reports to the President or Secretary.
The bylaws require you to submit two reports, one about mid-year and one at the end of the academic year. These reports are vital to AAPG in that they provide AAPG with its only tangible data regarding the success of the program.