Building strong leadership skills is a cornerstone of our program at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME). We invite all Pritzker Molecular Engineering students to take on initiatives beyond the lab to gain the leadership, communication, and collaboration skills needed become a leader in science and engineering. Explore some of your student leadership and volunteering options below.
The Graduate Council
The Graduate Council is the arm of student government for graduate students. The council provides financial support for graduate travel, plans events for graduate students, and serves as the intermediary between graduate students and the administration. Each graduate division at the University (including PME) can choose at least two graduate student representatives.
PME Graduate Student Council – PME GSC
PME Graduate Student Council consists of both students nominated by their peers and those appointed by the PME Office of the Dean of Students. The council convenes to discuss issues relevant to PME academic programs and student life. GSC will convene regularly with the PME Dean, Vice Dean for Education, and Dean of Students and will engage in topics relevant to academic programs, community, and student life. GSC representatives can direct PME students to school/university resources, but GSC reps do not provide counsel or representation for individual student cases.
Altogether, there are seven members:
- PME PhD 1st year student representative
- PME MEng in Molecular Engineering representative
- PME PhD in Molecular Engineering representative
- PME PhD in Quantum Science and Engineering representative
- PME Social Events/Treasurer
- PME Dean of Students’ representative (appointed by the Dean of Students)
- PME University Graduate Council (GS) representative (directly elected by the GS)
All members of the GSC coordinate social, athletic, cultural, and professional events for PME graduate students and help solicit and facilitate peer-led initiatives and programming proposals. Events should reflect the diversity of backgrounds, interests, and experiences of our vibrant community. To build community and advance peer engagement, all members of the GSC must think broadly about initiatives that support equity, diversity, and inclusion. The student in the role of treasurer is charged with tracking student activities funds and managing the approval process for event funding requests from PME students. Talk to the PME dean of students for more information.
Student Seminar Series
This lecture series allows PME graduate students and postdocs to preview presentations, improve presentation skills, and elicit feedback from an audience of peers in a low-pressure setting. Students benefit most from this series when preparing for candidacy presentations, conferences, and dissertation defenses. You can also serve as the organizer of the talks—gaining experience managing a seminar series while serving your fellow students.
Recognized Student Organizations
As a University student, you can join and/or create Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs). RSOs apply for funding from the Student Government Finance Committee, which allocates a portion of the Student Life Fee to student activities.
Mentoring programs
As a mentor, you can share your personal and professional experiences to help support a young student. Explore the array of PME mentoring resources and opportunities to practice and develop your mentoring competencies. The Chicago Multicultural Connection and LGBTQ Mentoring Program give graduate students an opportunity to play a productive role in an undergraduate student’s life.
University Community Service Center
The University Community Service Center (UCSC) connects the University community to meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout Chicago. In this program, you can tutor students, help prepare lessons, grade papers, or lead discussions under the teacher's supervision, making a difference while gaining valuable experience and honing marketable skills.