Student Chapter Information

Resources

• Chapter List

  Check out the list of compliant University and High School student chapters.

  

   

• Annual Renewal Information

  Each Student Chapter is required to renew its Charter with the BMES national office on an annual basis.  Renewal is completed by submitting a Chapter Development Report (CDR) to BMES on April 15, making this task mandatory.

  Review the guidelines and award eligibility for Chapter Development Reports.

  

• Chapter Committees & Programs

  Recommendations for Establishing Committees and Programs

  Chapter Committees

  In general, committees exist to put emphasis on various chapter activities.  When appointing committees, the officers should be mindful of expectations and goals.
  
  When organizing Chapter Committees, it is important:

  1. The purpose and objectives of the committee are well defined.
  2. The members of the committee understand their respective responsibilities.
  3. The committee has clearly defined goals.

  Possible Chapter Committees:

  Membership Committee

  The Membership Committee serves to promote the growth of the chapter through membership recruitment throughout the student body. 

  Program Committee

  The purpose of the Program Committee is to coordinate, promote, and supervise all the program activities of the chapter. 

  Mentor Program Committee

  The purpose of the Mentor Program Committee is to help younger/newer students identify mentors from the senior level/upper class students.

  Constitution and Bylaws Committee

  This purpose of the C&B Committee is to review and make recommendations for changes to the Student Chapter’s C&B.  

  Special Committees

  Other committees may be established as required.  Their functions will be delegated by the Chapter President.

  Chapter Programs

  Student chapter programs can be divided into three types: technical, professional, and social. 

  • Technical programs focus on biomedical engineering technology—its advances and development.
  • Professional programs provide students with information on interviewing and resumes, as well as the profession’s expectations beyond the technical information learned in school.
  • Social programs give student members an opportunity to interact outside the structured learning environment.

  Providing a balanced approach to chapter programs should benefit the student, the chapter, BMES, and the educational institution.  They also provide a basis for an award system to recognize outstanding student chapters.

• Awards

  BMES recognizes our student chapters' outstanding contributions to the biomedical engineering field by awarding those who demonstrate leadership, commitment, growth, integrity, and ingenuity.

  In order to be considered for one of the awards, you must be a compliant student chapter and you must submit a Chapter Development Report (CDR) by April 15.

  

• Job Board

  Take advantage of our job seeker account features to help you do your research, find the right job opportunity, and get your experience and skill set in front of your ideal employer.

  

• Mentorship

  The mentorship program pairs student biomedical engineers with an established professional (mentor) who has agreed to be in communication with the chapter for guidance or help on a specific program, activity, or student chapter workshop.

  The program provides participants with the following benefits:

  • one-on-one interactions with a more senior biomedical engineer who will serve as a project mentor
  • an opportunity to receive evaluation and advice from their mentor
  • a continuing opportunity to expand their mentoring, collaboration, and networks

• Chapter Constitution & Bylaws

  Once your Student Chapter Charter is accepted, you will receive a welcome letter and a copy of the  Student Chapter Constitution.

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  NOTE: The following is a sample Constitution and Bylaws furnished as a template for BMES Student Chapters. Established chapters should review this sample for general conformance with their existing Constitution and Bylaws and update those as necessary. Strict adherence to this sample is not mandatory, provided the provisions of the national Society’s Constitution and Bylaws are not violated and the general intent of this sample Constitution 
  is retained.

  Constitution
  Article I — Name
  This organization shall be known as the BMES Student Chapter at [University Name], hereinafter referred to as the “Chapter.” The Chapter operates under the charter granted by the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and must comply with the BMES Constitution 
  and Bylaws.

  Article II — Purpose and Objectives

  The purpose of the Chapter is to support the professional, academic, and personal 

  development of students interested in biomedical engineering.

  The Chapter aims to:

  • Promote the field of biomedical engineering through education and collaboration

  • Encourage student participation in BMES activities and membership

  • Provide professional development opportunities for members

  • Foster collaboration between students, faculty, and industry professionals

  • Support outreach activities that increase awareness of biomedical engineering

  Article III — Membership

  Membership in the Chapter shall be open to students enrolled at [University Name] who are interested in biomedical engineering and who maintain BMES student membership when required by national guidelines.

  Members must:

  • Be currently enrolled students at the institution

  • Remain in good standing with the university

  • Adhere to BMES policies and the Chapter Constitution

  All members are subject to the BMES national Constitution and Bylaws.

  Article IV — Relationship with the University

  The Chapter shall operate as a recognized student organization within [University Name].

  The Chapter must comply with all university policies governing student organizations while also maintaining compliance with BMES national policies.

  Article V — Officers

  The Chapter shall be governed by elected student officers.

  The minimum officer structure shall include:

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

  Additional leadership positions may be created as needed to support chapter activities.

  Article VI — Amendments

  This Constitution may be amended by a three-fourths vote of members present at a regular or special meeting, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been distributed to members at least ten days prior to the meeting. Any amendments should be submitted to BMES national leadership for recordkeeping.

  Bylaws

  Article I — Dues

  BMES national membership dues are determined by the Biomedical Engineering Society.

  The Chapter may collect optional local dues or voluntary contributions to support programming and activities.

  Article II — Nominations

  A nominating committee may be formed to identify candidates for Chapter officer positions.

  The committee should:

  • Confirm that nominees are willing to serve

  • Present a slate of candidates prior to the election meeting

  • Accept additional nominations from the membership when appropriate

  Article III — Elections

  Elections shall be held annually.

  Best practices include:

  • Holding elections near the end of the academic year

  • Providing a transition period between outgoing and incoming officers

  • Ensuring candidates are eligible to serve for the duration of their term

  Article IV — Meetings

  The Chapter shall hold regular meetings during the academic year.

  Meeting notifications may be distributed through email, digital communication platforms, or other appropriate channels. Meeting schedules should be determined by Chapter leadership.

  Article V — Programs

  Chapter programming should support the professional and educational goals of members.

  Programs may include:

  • Technical presentations

  • Industry speakers

  • Career development workshops

  • Field trips or lab tours

  • Outreach events

  • Social gatherings

  Article VI — Duties of Officers

  President – Oversees all chapter activities and presides over meetings.

  Vice President – Supports programming and member engagement.

  Secretary – Maintains meeting records, communications, and membership lists.

  Treasurer – Manages chapter finances and financial reporting.

  Article VII — Committees

  Committees may be created to support chapter initiatives such as membership recruitment, program planning, outreach, and mentorship.

  Article VIII — Faculty Advisor

  The Faculty Advisor must be a BMES member in good standing and serves as a mentor and resource to chapter leadership while ensuring compliance with BMES and university policies.

  Article IX — Rules of Order

  Meetings may follow Robert’s Rules of Order or another agreed-upon parliamentary procedure to ensure fair and orderly discussion.

  Article X — Amendments to Bylaws

  These Bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of members present at a meeting where the proposed amendment has been communicated in advance.