WIA Student Clubs
Application Process & Requirements
Student Club applications will open September 21st and run through October 14th, 2022.
Below are some of the basic requirements for a WIA Student Club. To renew an existing club, the WIA student club must still be in good standing for all the items outlined below.
1. STUDENT CLUB MEMBERS
Recruit at least 10 students as club members. Your club should be open to all people with a foucs on supporting women (cis and transgender) and nonbinary students. These Student Club members are not required to be active WIA Global members but will need to become a member if they want to participate in WIA Global Membership Exclusive events, apply for WIA scholarships, or participate in the WIA Mentoring Program.
2. ELECTING OFFICERS
Among all student members, student leaders/officers are selected. The positions include but are not limited to:
- Lead (Main Point of Contact)
- Co-Lead
- Community Building Manager – Optional
- Talent Development/Event Manager – Optional
3. WIA CONTACT EMAIL
To keep communication streamlined and help with Club Information during leadership handoff we require a Student Club Email address.The email will need to follow this format “[email protected](SCHOOL).EDU or @Gmail.com” only.
4. FACULTY ADVISOR
If required by your school, find a faculty advisor to oversee the student club for the current academic year.
5. SCHOOL BYLAWS
If required by your school, make sure this club is recognized by the school as an official student club with clear bylaws.
6. CLEAR GOALS AND PLANNING
Define the club goals and plans for events and activities while keeping 50/50 by 2025 in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I can’t find 10 students to join the club?
A: That’s okay! Let us know and we will see how we can help you promote. WIA memberships are not required to join the WIA Student Club, but will be required to participate in any WIA hosted events, Mentorship Programs, and the Scholarship Program.
Q: My school is not located in the US, but I would like to open a Student Club. Can I still apply?
A: Yes! We encourage international students and schools to apply to have a WIA Student Club. While we will still operate during the US standardized school year, we will open applications for international schools upon request. Please reach out to [email protected] if you are applying outside of the standard US Clubs application period.
Q: How do I go about asking WIA’s help to find a speaker?
A: We have a request for a speaker form for all WIA student clubs to fill out after the WIA student club is approved by the WIA Board. Upon receiving the request, WIA Education will assist you in any way possible. Once a speaker is sourced, we will make sure you have their contact information for planning if necessary. Please note that WIA requires all events with speakers sourced from WIA to be open to other WIA student clubs.
A: Absolutely! Please ensure you follow our WIA branding guidelines provided to Approved Student Clubs. WIA’s Signoff is REQUIRED. Please do not confirm or promote any Program that has not been approved by WIA first: ([email protected]
Q: Can I still host events during the summer and winter breaks?
A: Absolutely! Just keep WIA Education posted.
Q: Is there any WIA local chapter that we can work with and ask for support?
A: WIA has many local chapters and if your school is located in one of these, we would definitely connect you with the chapter leaders once your club is approved by the WIA Board.
Q: I am a student leader but I am incredibly overwhelmed with my own school work, can I resign?
A: Yes, your schoolwork comes first. In this case, ask your peers to see who can step up to help with running the WIA student club. Once a new officer is elected, please contact WIA Education and let us know so that we can continue to provide support for your fellow students/members.
Q: Is it possible to collaborate with other WIA student clubs to host events together?
A: Of course and we strongly encourage you to do so at least one event of the year. This is to help you and your fellow club members to expand your network outside of school. Approved Student Clubs will have access to a database with the contact information of other Student Club leaders.
Q: It’s in the middle of the semester/quarter, can I still apply to get my WIA student club approved, or do I have to wait till the start of the semester/quarter?
A: You can apply to start your WIA student club at any time! Just contact WIA Education.
Q: Will we receive WIA swag to hand out to our club members?
A: WIA Swag will be provided as we have it available. We will send swag out in bulk and alert our clubs via email when it is available. There will not be a request form.
Q: Can I make our own WIA swag?
A: Yes but please make sure you follow our WIA branding guidelines which is provided to Approved Student Clubs. WIA’s Signoff is REQUIRED. Please do not confirm or put any money towards swag that has not been approved by WIA first: ([email protected] AND [email protected]).
Q: What are the exclusive events for WIA student club members?
A: This is hosted by WIA Education and the topic depends on the needs of the students as well as support from the industry. The information and invitation will only be sent to the WIA student club members. Due to multiple locations of WIA student clubs, these exclusive events will only take place virtually so everyone can attend.
Q: There is already an animation club at my school. Can this WIA student club be a part of it?
A: Yes! We only ask to add “A WIA Student Club” as the subtitle if you are unable to change the animation club’s name.
Q: I am a faculty/educator, how do I go about helping my students to start a WIA student club?
A: Thank you so much for your support of your students! Please spread the word to your students and engage their interest in starting a WIA student club. If you have identified potential student leaders, please direct them to fill out the application form, once available. However, please note that the WIA Club should be, but not limited to, student-run. Please reach out to WIA Education at [email protected] and we would love to chat about how to collaborate.