Building strong leadership skills is a cornerstone of our program at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME). We invite all University of Chicago 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.
University Graduate Council
The University Graduate Council (Grad Council) is the arm of student government for graduate students. Grad 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 the UChicago PME) can choose at least two graduate student representatives.
UChicago PME Graduate Student Council
The Graduate Student Council (GSC) at UChicago PME consists of both students nominated by their peers and those appointed by the UChicago PME Office of the Dean of Students. All members of the GSC coordinate social, athletic, cultural, and professional events for UChicago PME graduate students and help facilitate peer-led initiatives. 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 diversity and inclusion.
The GSC will provide budgetary stewardship for UChicago PME student activities funds. The GSC will appoint one of its elected members as Treasurer to track funds for student activities and manage the budget and approval process for event funding requests from UChicago PME students.
In addition, the GSC will convene quarterly with the UChicago PME Dean, Vice Dean for Education, and Dean of Students to discuss topics relevant to academic programs, community, and student life.
GSC representatives can direct UChicago PME students to School/University resources, but GSC reps do not provide counsel or representation for individual student cases.
Mentoring Programs
As a mentor, you can share your personal and professional experiences to help support a young student. Explore the array of UChicago PME mentoring resources and opportunities to practice and develop your mentoring competencies.
Student Seminar Series
Currently on Hiatus
This lecture series allows UChicago PME graduate students and postdocs to practice presentation development and delivery skills while eliciting 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. Students can also serve as the organizer of the talks— gaining experience managing a seminar series while serving fellow students.
Recognized Student Organizations
The University of Chicago is home to over 350 Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs). UChicago PME-affiliated RSOs include the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Society of Molecular Engineering, and the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers.
RSOs are a vital part of the campus community at the University of Chicago and host several campus traditions throughout the year. Each student organization works with an adviser from the Center for Leadership and Involvement to help achieve their goals and provide quality co-curricular experiences for their members.
UChicago students may join and/or create Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs). RSOs apply for funding from the Student Government Finance Committee, which allocates a portion of the Graduate Student Services Fee to student activities.
Student Engagement at UChicago
At UChicago, civic engagement is an institution-wide commitment that draws upon our strength as an economic anchor and on the power of education, research, and innovation to create real, lasting impact and opportunity, in Chicago and beyond. The University Community Service Center (UCSC) connects the University community to meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout Chicago.
To learn more, including about the Neighborhood School’s Program, visit the Office of Civic Engagement’s website.