PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Engaging Students
J. Foster Sawyer, CPG-10000
foster.sawyer@
sdsmt.edu
Greetings friends, colleagues, and students in all membership categories of the American Institute of Professional Geologists! It is with great pleasure and anticipation of a successful and produc- tive year for AIPG that I write this initial column as the 2015 President of AIPG. It seems particularly appropriate that this message should coincide with the stu- dent issue of The Professional Geologist as I firmly believe that the future of our organization lies within college and university geoscience students and K-12 students who are just beginning to learn about the wonders of our remarkable planet and the incredible importance of natural resources from the Earth.
Given these sentiments, one of my primary goals for 2015 is to build upon the excellent progress made in recent years to engage university students with AIPG. Our student membership num- bers have grown dramatically as a result of efforts by the outstanding staff at the AIPG headquarters office, by mem- bers across the country, and by actions of the National Executive Committee. Initiating free membership for students in 2011 was an excellent step taken by former President Sam Gowan and the national board that has facilitated recruitment of nearly three thousand student members since its inception. The Foundation of AIPG Board is also work- ing to develop new programs such as the Young Professionals Program, student scholarship and internship programs, and other opportunities for students and young professionals. Another exciting development through the Foundation of AIPG is the recently launched William J. Siok Graduate Scholarship which will increase our engagement with graduate students and honors the tremendous contributions and career of recently retired AIPG Executive Director Bill Siok.
AIPG members also strengthen our student relationships by helping stu- dents to better engage with industry
through mentoring, networking, resume building, field trips to professional ven- ues, and other industry oriented activi- ties. AIPG members have historically done an outstanding job of supporting these endeavors; however, there is more work to be done. Internships, work co-ops, seminars by professional geo- scientists on university campuses, and corporate sponsored scholarships and student competitions all are excellent avenues for engaging students with industry and preparing them to enter the work force upon graduation. I encourage AIPG members to promote these activi- ties through their work environments and to share in these experiences which will greatly enrich the professional lives of students and professionals alike.
In addition to student oriented activi- ties, AIPG members need to engage fac- ulty members of geoscience departments across the nation. A great way to do that is to include them in planning and hosting AIPG conferences, leading field trips, moderating technical sessions, judging poster sessions, and many other activities. Excellent opportunities for interactions with students and faculty are coming up at the next two annual conferences, in Alaska and New Mexico and I cordially invite and encourage your participation and suggestions for increasing our university relations and student interactions at these meetings.
A significant factor associated with engaging students and university facul- ty with AIPG concerns the way in which they perceive professional certification and licensure. Students and faculty view examinations as the fundamental vehicle for demonstrating competency in a field of study, and many feel that exam- ination-based licensure, registration, or certification is viewed more favorably, if not required, by potential employers. I have personally had students tell me that rather than join AIPG, they chose instead an organization that includes an examination as part of its requirements.
There are too many issues associated with this topic to fully explore here; however, if we want to better engage the academic community we should consider a membership category that includes an examination. Such a category could have potential to strengthen AIPG and the geoscience profession at state, national, and international levels.
I’d like to close by thanking everyone in the AIPG community for their past and future support of the organization and for everything they do to make the geosciences a stronger profession. Geoscientists help to provide natural resources and energy supplies that fuel the world, and geoscience research pro- vides fascinating, critical information to better understand our amazing planet. Together we can make a significant impact on elevating our profession to the level that it deserves.
For those who need only an occa- sional search of the GeoRef database, it is easy to request a GeoRef custom search. A member of the GeoRef staff will conduct the search according to your specifications. The search results will be delivered by email.
To order a Custom Search, contact Jim Mehl at
jmp@agiweb.org, (703) 379-2480 ext 236 or Monika Long at
ml@agiweb.org.
The cost of a custom search is 225.00 plus .45 per reference.
Please mention AIPG when order- ing your custom search.
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