SPS has more than 800 chapters at colleges and universities and each chapter is unique in terms of interests of members, setting, and goals. The most important aspect is that your chapter is a focal point for the students, faculty, and department health. We provide resources for outreach events, research projects, travel to conferences and national labs, and science writing. Whether you are looking to connect with the larger physical science community or planning an event at a local school, SPS is here to help.
This annual handbook is designed to give chapter officers and advisors key information they need to help their chapters get the most from the SPS experience. A copy is mailed to each chapter advisor at the beginning of the academic year.
These documents outline the foundational principles, organizational structure, and governing rules of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma.
SPS is open to all SPS members and those with an interest in understanding and advancing the physical sciences community. To foster a positive experience, all SPS and ΣΠΣ participants are expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct at all events and venues.
Suggested Chapter Calendar: Ideas for a Year of Physics Fun
Beginning of Semester
Membership Drive: Participate in Freshman Orientation Program to acquaint freshmen with SPS. Have a booth to encourage bulk registration for national membership.
Visit introductory physics classes
Put up SPS posters and meeting announcements
Request SPS Sock Kit
September
Kick-off social (Ex. Faculty-Student Picnic or get-acquainted event)
Fundraisers: Sell books donated by faculty, used textbooks, bumper stickers, chapter designed T-shirts, raffle tickets, car wash, etc.
Planning for big events and outreach: Marsh W. White Award, Future Faces of Physics Award, and Sigma Pi Sigma Undergraduate Research Award proposals, brainstorm outreach events
Post fall mailing materials
Collect dues and fill out bulk membership form (for discount)
Update SPS National chapter information
Consider planning a fall induction ceremony for Sigma Pi Sigma
October
Talk by outside lecturer at meeting
Bad physics movie night
Attend SPS Zone meeting or plan to attend regional meeting
Arrange to attend a national research meeting
Hold a fundraiser for SPSCon
Organize a reunion with local Sigma Pi Sigma alumni
November
Apply for any and ALL SPS Fall Awards! Funds for outreach, research, scholarships, and more are available.
Start your SPS Internship Application
Tour a physics/astronomy research laboratory (industrial, government, or academic)
Thanksgiving potluck
December
Business meeting: Nominate a chapter member as a candidate for associate zone councilor
Program planning for spring social events (set dates, budget, etc.)
Host an end-of-the-semester party
Identify a spring tour at a nearby lab or facility
January
Submit student applications for SPS summer internships
Plan chapter road trip
Prepare a member outreach event
Hold fundraising event for spring events
February
Arrange a talk by faculty member at monthly meeting
Host a bad physics movie night
Submit SPS Scholarship applications
Apply for SPS and ΣΠΣ service awards
March
Talk by outside lecturer at monthly meeting
Tour of physics or astronomy research laboratory (industrial, government, or academic)
Sponsor physics department open house
Business meeting: Cast chapter vote in SPS elections
Attend SPS zone meeting
Submit SPS Spring Awards Applications
Submit research and scholarly reports for publication in JURPA
April
Sigma Pi Sigma reception, talk, and induction banquet
Talk by outside lecturer at monthly meeting
Business meeting: Election of chapter officers for next academic year, preliminary planning for chapter program for next academic year
Submit new officers to SPS database
Business meeting: Nomination of chapter officers for next academic year
Find a creative way to thank and celebrate your SPS advisor
May
Large social event: faculty/student picnic and soccer game
Submit Chapter Report before everyone leaves for the summer and apply for Blake Lilly Prize
Plan a fall meeting date to start off the new year
Celebrate graduating seniors
Develop goals for next year
Email the new AZC and ZC to introduce your SPS chapter and officers
Get recognized for your good work! Chapters reports are the prime opportunity to showcase the activities of your chapter. Taking time to reflect on the year’s events and prepare a report is important for the health, success, and growth of the chapter. By looking back on your year, you will remember things to celebrate and keep for next year, and also see areas for improvement. In addition, your report and chapter information update is very important for the records of the SPS national office in the development of the annual SPS information handbook and new programs. Please take the time to tell us all about SPS (and Sigma Pi Sigma) at your school. Your chapter activities may be featured in one of the SPS publications, or here on the SPS website.
Looking for a new demonstration for an outreach event? Or want to jump start your chapter on outreach? These demonstrations, outreach kits, and Jeopardy! templates have been developed by SPS to help you make a difference in your local communities. Each demonstration includes parts lists, instructions, key physical concepts to explain, and demonstration videos, where appropriate.
Zone meetings bring together students from SPS chapters within geographical zones. They are a fun and effective way for undergraduates to meet other students, present their research, and interact with practicing scientists. Every SPS zone meeting takes on a unique style and culture, shaped by the traditions of the schools in the region. Some zones meet regularly with regional professional society meetings with significant support from leaders in those societies (e.g., Texas sections of APS and AAPT, and Southeast section of APS). Other zone meetings are more spontaneous and primarily planned by students.
