Student Branch Chapters
A Student Branch Chapter (SBC) requires a minimum of six IEEE Student Members or Graduate Student Members of an IEEE Society. SBCs are established by submitting a petition to the parent IEEE Student Branch and Society connected to represent and fulfill the members’ needs. SBCs can only be established at a college, technical institute, or university that has a Student Branch.
A joint SBC made up of members from more than one Society or Student Branch can be established. The petition will need at least six signatures (at least three signatures for each Society or Student Branch involved). When creating a petition for a joint SBC, please select the “Section Chapter/Affinity Group Status Change” petition.
More information about creating an SBC or joint SBC can be found in the IEEE Member and Geographic Activities Operations Manual.
Resources Available to SBCs
PELS Best Student Branch Chapter Award
The PELS Best Student Branch Chapter Award recognizes excellent service by a PELS SBC (or joint SBC connected to PELS) to its student members and the power electronics community.
Distinguished Lecturer Programs
The PELS Distinguished Lecturer (DL) program is an exciting offering available to SBCs. Each year, PELS selects a few members of the profession to serve as DLs to celebrate their high achievements in the power electronics field. This supports PELS SBC activities by providing high-profile speakers for local SBC events.
PELS also offers a Regional DL (RDL) program to support members and local SBCs in various regions around the globe. The selected RDLs give lectures during local PELS SBC events within their region and in a local language, if available.
Financial Support
PELS offers a one-time payment of USD 500 to newly established SBCs and USD 250 to newly established SBCs. The SBC Chair should submit an application to request the funds. Funds will be sent to the IEEE Section the SBC is connected to, so the SBC Chair will need to coordinate with the IEEE Section’s Treasurer to receive it.
SBCs in good standing can also receive USD 250 or more as operational funding to support their activities. To receive this funding, the SBC Chair should complete the application sent to their email and provide a report on their activities over the past year.
Student Guidebook
This guidebook is a reference for students who are eager to establish a new SBC, in leadership positions of a newly founded SBC, and new leaders in an existing SBC. It concisely answers several questions SBC leaders may have.
Toolkits
SBCs can request a PELS-themed toolkit by submitting a request form. SBCs are also eligible to receive another toolkit two years from their previous request.
