Attracting Members
University of Colorado (Kristina): The most membership signups were at Society Fair. Already had laptops at your booth to sign people up, and they have their parents with them.
Also, the SWE Counselor is working on a mentoring program between professional and collegiate members. Professional members are invited to talk about resume critiquing, etc. similar to mini-workshops held at regional or national conferences. W are having troubles publicizing it. See here for a resource to help.
University of Missouri (Katie): Scholarships are given at end of the year. The funds are from hosting one of the career fairs and having donations. There are also companies who are willing to sponsor scholarships for $500-1000. Write letters to companies asking for sponsoring.
Washington University of St. Louis (Heather): Evening with Industry event only for SWE paid members. There was also education about the SWE Online Career Center, going to National Conference, Webinars, professional development.
Colorado School of Mines (Islin): There is a SWE Kickoff barbeque for freshmen where they become members after the first lunch meeting.
Retaining Members
Washington University St. Louis (Lisa): There is a noncompetitive rewards system based on points for attendance and participation. The more points you get, it can help you at officer elections or go to national conference. It’s more important to go to National Conference as you get older. It’s a new program.
Colorado School of Mines (Islin): Speakers are varied for weekly lunch meetings. If a speaker has spoken the year before, usually they don’t speak again the following year. We also have awards for perfect attendance, Service to National SWE, etc. at the end of the year.
University of Missouri (Katie): SWE Big Sis/Lil Sis Mentoring program between upperclassmen and freshmen/sophomores. Each pair goes to events together.
Feel free to post more about what your section does!
