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With nearly 80 students attending the Seattle Annual Meeting in August, a clear picture of the future of ITE was provided – and it was good. Only two years ago in Albuquerque (July 2001 where 16 students registered) Rory Grindley dedicated the year of the student. The following year in Palm Desert, participation soared to nearly 50 students at the Annual Meeting. In 2002, Julie Townsend committed to the sequel of student support and we saw the results of their collective vision – nearly 80 students in attendance participating with professionals at the Seattle meeting. At our ITE Leadership meeting in Seattle the question was raised as to how to maintain the involvement in student programs and what folks have done in the past that has worked. On the District 6 web site is an outstanding new Student Chapter Best Practices document under Students/Universities – Student Chapter Resources. There were some interesting responses at the Leadership Meeting that I would like to share with all the student chapters ranging from guiding statements to specific actions. I think if we all take a little time to do just one of these as members this year – we will find even greater rewards ahead in the pursuit of attracting the best and brightest into transportation.
- Develop and recruit strong leadership
- Establish good communication between members within the chapter and personal contact with professionals from outside the university
- Provide social activities – free pizza or food were mentioned – with technical programs (participating professionals can help with the pizza!)
- Mix up program/events – change format and type of meetings to keep it interesting
- Provide focal point activity(s) - community service, group and/or technical projects
- Seek help from local ITE sections and chapters – hosting joint meetings on campus
- Having a transportation course that requires students attend an ITE section/ chapter/district meeting as part of the non-lecture course work
- Working with ITE sections/chapters/district to obtain travel and registration subsidies to meetings (golf tournaments were commonly noted)
- Having consultants and members subsidize lunch costs of any participating students at section and chapter meetings
- Match continuing education activities together with section/chapter activities and meetings.
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