Student Branches

How does my university become a student branch?

All universities must fill out an application to become a student branch. If a school’s application is reviewed and approved, the new student branch will initially be granted a Provisional Charter for three (3) years. During this three-year period, the Student Branch will need to demonstrate they are viable as upperclassmen transition from the university and the underclassmen must take responsibility for the success of the Student Branch. Additionally, the commitment of the Chair/Dean of the department and the Faculty Advisor to the Student Branch will be assessed by the Regional Deputy Director of Education. Following the three years of Provisional Charter, the AIAA Student Branch Committee will determine if the university will be recognized as a fully vested Student Branch.

What are the requirements in the application process for starting a student branch:

• The school must be accredited by ABET, Inc. (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) or by the appropriate regional accrediting body.
• The Dean of the Engineering College or School, or an equivalent academic official, must write a letter of endorsement giving the school’s official recognition of the group.
• At least one school faculty member, who is an AIAA Professional Member, or a local professional AIAA member must serve as Faculty Advisor to the student branch. The faculty advisor must provide a letter on university letterhead acknowledging that they have reviewed the AIAA Student Branch Faculty Advisor Roles and Responsibilities document  and accept these roles and responsibilities.
• At least fifteen (15) students must have enrolled as student members of AIAA.
• The prospective branch must submit proof of accreditation of the school’s engineering programs.
• The prospective branch must submit a set of bylaws. The student branch bylaws template can be found here.
• The prospective branch must submit a succession plan indicating how the branch will continue to grow and maintain their status with AIAA.
• The AIAA Student Branch Committee, Regional Engagement Activities Division, and Council of Directors must review and vote on your application for a charter. If the application is approved, your educational institution will be granted a charter.

When is the application period for chartering a student branch?

A school can apply to become a student branch at any time during the year, but there are two deadlines per year (Spring and Fall) when the applications are reviewed and approved by the appropriate committees.

How long is the application and review process?

The application is several pages long (see above the list of documents required as part of the application package). Once the application is submitted, several volunteer groups review whether your university can be provisionally chartered. Applications are reviewed twice during the academic year as indicated by the deadlines shown below.