Why Should You Join the TAMU Chapter of Sigma Xi?
- Honor. You have to be nominated and elected, based on research accomplishment.
- Networking. Meet peers in other disciplines and colleges. Develop collaboration and grant opportunities. Get connected around the world with > 500 chapters, 70,000 fellow Sigma Xi members.
- Broadened professional horizons. Sigma Xi is interdisciplinary
- Grassroots activities - The functional unit of Sigma Xi is the local chapter..
- Subscription to the premier interdisciplinary journal, American Scientist. It is on-line too. Free pdf downloads.
- Science news. Free access to electronic newsletter, book reviews, scientist interviews.
- Discounts. Available from Barnes and Noble, Nature, Annual Reviews, GEICO insurance, Hertz
- Free e-mail alias. Use for forwarding e-mail
- Student grant access. Up to $1,000 for student projects.
- Mentoring. Program to match students and early career scientists with senior members now involves over 10,000 matches.
- Impact on university policies, programs, and procedures. Sigma Xi could help you achieve your agenda.
Local Chapter Initiative Possibilities
We have an active chapter that is looking for ways to enrich the science teaching and research culture of this university. Below is a list that indicates the kinds of activities the chapter is interested in supporting. We invite you to volunteer for one or more such activities. If you have other ideas, let us know.
- Hold luncheons with local officials on issues of local interest (environmental protection, technology incubators, etc.)
- Hold noon luncheons periodically
- Institute a mentors program for freshman science majors
- Create a problem-based learning course in research ethics (SUNY @ Buffalo chapter has developed one)
- Designate and counsel deputies at college or departmental level
- Put distinguished scientist lectures on CD or the Web
- Sponsor a science newsletter or magazine
- Arrange special recognition for student members (Honor Cords, list membership on graduation program, note membership on transcripts)
- Institute and coordinate K-12 outreach programs
- Sponsor an on-campus “Science, Technology, and YOUth” weekend event with lectures, tours, demos for school children
- Supervise distribution of surplus equipment to public schools
- Arrange public discussions, forums on science or educational policy matters
- Arrange discussions, forums on science or educational policy matters with university administrators
- Sponsor new-faculty orientation, mentoring, faculty development programs
- Sponsor off-campus faculty retreats
