Student Chapter Guidelines
What is a Student Chapter?
A MetSoc Student Chapter is a group of students from a university who are interested in metallurgy, materials science, mineral extraction and related fields.
Chapters organize technical talks, industry tours, networking opportunities, social events, and professional development activities while connecting students with industry professionals and fellow members across Canada.
Why Get Involved?
Getting involved in a MetSoc Student Chapter is an excellent way to develop leadership skills, expand your professional network, explore career opportunities, and connect classroom learning with real-world industry experience. Whether you attend events, volunteer, organize activities, or serve on the executive team, your chapter can help you make valuable connections that support your future career.
New to CIM or a Student Chapter?
Watch this orientation video to learn about student membership, chapter involvement, available opportunities, and ways to make the most of your experience.
Please note that some event information in the video may no longer be current.
Student Chapter Benefits
MetSoc Student Chapters have access to funding, industry connections, and recognition programs designed to support student engagement and professional development.
Newly approved Student Chapters receive $200 CAD in start-up funding to help launch activities, events, and initiatives on campus.
This is upon approval of the MetSoc Board of Directors. The funding will be forwarded to the Chapter’s faculty advisor.
This start-up allowance does not apply to those institutions where MetSoc-CIM Chapters existed prior to the formation of the Student Chapter.
Student Chapters can host a CIM Distinguished Lecturer, giving students direct access to industry leaders and technical experts. CIM covers the lecturer’s travel expenses, making it easy for chapters to organize a high-quality presentation or seminar.
CIM Distinguished Lecturers are chosen based on their accomplishments in scientific, technical, management, or educational activities related to the minerals industry.
Request your Distinguished Lecturer today!
MetSoc will allocate $25 CAD per student member for one approved field trip (to a maximum of $800 CAD per institution per year).
In order to receive the funding, the Student Chapter faculty advisor must provide a list of participants along with a summary report of the field trip to the MetSoc’s membership coordinator. Funding is limited; first-come, first-served.
Fill out the field trip funding form to apply.
The Student Chapters of the Year contest recognizes Student Chapters for their programming efforts and level of member participation. The Chapter’s report is used as the submission for the competition. Each Chapter must submit by June 1 of the year. Winning Chapters receive a $500 CAD cash award and a certificate will be awarded to the “Chapter of the Year.”
🎓 CIM Student Membership
A CIM Student Membership costs $20 annually and gives students access to networking opportunities, industry resources, and exclusive member benefits.
Students are responsible for maintaining an active membership. Many CIM and MetSoc awards, scholarships, and student programs require current membership status.
Looking for additional information?
Download the CIM Student Membership Guide to learn more about student membership, chapter activities, and available opportunities.
Starting and Managing a Chapter
Step 1: Recruit at least 10 students and have a CIM Student Membership.
Step 2: Select a faculty advisor who is a CIM member.
Step 3: Obtain approval from your institution and complete the MetSoc Chapter Petition Form.
Step 4: Submit your chapter petition and bylaws to metsoc@cim.org. See STUDENT CHAPTER REFERENCE MANUAL for guidelines.
Step 5: Receive approval from the MetSoc of CIM Board of Directors. The aforementioned documents will be presented to the MetSoc Board for approval. Your faculty advisor will be officially informed of the actions of the Board. Upon approval of the MetSoc Board, the Student Chapter will be issued and a start-up allowance cheque for $200. The chapter must obtain a University bank account where the money will be forwarded to the faculty advisor to deposit there on the Chapter’s behalf.
In motioning to appoint a faculty advisor, students wishing to form a Chapter must nominate a faculty member for this position. Any faculty member to be considered for nomination must be a member of CIM and teaching at the institution where the Chapter is to be established. Faculty members should be given the opportunity to accept or decline the nomination.
The Responsibilities of the Faculty Advisor
The faculty advisor’s contributions to the Chapter are two-fold; the faculty advisor offers professional guidance and practical advice. Specifically, the faculty advisor will:
- Serve as the official liaison between the Chapter, the institution and the administrator, at the CIM National Office.
- Advise the Chapter on the implementation of its programs and the pursuit of its objectives.
- Attend as many of the Chapter’s meetings as possible.
- Ensure that the Chapter understands the role of CIM as a technical/professional organization.
- Counsel Student Chapter members in matters regarding CIM policies, and on how to best take advantage of the services and funding available.
To keep your Student Chapter active, submit an Annual Report by June 1 each year, including:
- List of student members
- Faculty advisor name
- Summary of chapter activities
- Financial statement
These reports also help MetSoc recognize outstanding chapters and determine award eligibility.
Read the STUDENT CHAPTER REFERENCE MANUAL to learn about the functions, roles and responsibilities of each executive member of the chapter and an example of bylaws for a chapter.
