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  MEMBERSHIP MANUAL    
Transition of Students Members
Student members plays a vital role in the operation and objectives of our Society. They represent not only a major source of new members, but more importantly, new thinking, new spirit, and new vitality for the organization. The value of student members cannot be overrated. However, attention is needed in helping a student make the transition to active Society membership upon graduation. Headquarters action starts the success and member awareness and help is vital. Briefly, the new transition procedure works like this:
  • About three months before he/she graduates, Headquarters notifies the student by letter that their membership is being reclassified from Student grade to Associate. A copy of this letter is sent to the Section Chairman of the student's current known mailing address.
  • The Section being notified of the new member, takes several actions:

      1. Have a representative contact the graduate, preferably in person, and invite him/her to Section meetings and social functions. One person on the Section Membership Committee - assigned as "contact person" - should work to get the person actively involved in Section operations. There is nothing like a team assignment to make a person feel useful, welcome and productive.

      2. As with all new members, be certain that his/her name is on the Section mailing list.

      3. If the new member is also new to the area, use the "buddy system" to smooth the new Associate's way in relocating as well as within the office environment. If available, a volunteer SNAME member working in the same office would be an ideal "buddy".

      4. If the Section notified does not actually locate this new Associate, it is important that Headquarters be informed to start the search process.