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Welcome, Optica Student Chapter Officers
Thank you for serving as an officer of an Optica Student Chapter. Officers play a key role in supporting their peers, strengthening the optics and photonics community on campus, and ensuring their chapter remains active and successful.
This page is designed as a central reference for Student Chapter officers. It outlines core responsibilities, required actions, key deadlines, and available support to help you lead your chapter with confidence.
Staying in Good Standing as an Optica Student Chapter
Optica Student Chapters support student leadership, professional development, and engagement in optics and photonics worldwide. This page outlines key requirements, deadlines, and resources for Student Chapter officers.
Maintaining active status ensures continued eligibility for Optica funding, programs, and opportunities.
Active Student Chapter Requirements
To remain an active Optica Student Chapter, chapters must:
- Maintain updated officers and advisors at all times
- You must have at least four officers, all of whom must be Optica members (president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary)
- You must have at least one advisor, who must be faculty at your institution
- Submit an Annual Report each year through the Annual Report process
- Chapters are notified by email when reporting opens at the end of the year
- Annual Reports help Optica assess chapter activity and improve support
- Complete required follow-up event reports for any Optica grants received
These requirements are managed through the Member Management Portal (in your Optica account under the Student Chapter tab) and the Opportunity Portal.
If your chapter has difficulty meeting any requirement, contact studentchapters@optica.org for assistance
Student Chapter Officer Transitions
Clear and timely officer transitions help ensure continuity and uninterrupted access to Optica systems and funding.
Outgoing President Responsibilities
Before the end of their term, the outgoing President should:
- Add the incoming President in the Member Management Portal
- Transfer Primary Administrator access in the Opportunity Portal to the incoming President
- Instructions on how to transfer the Primary administrator role can be found here
Incoming President Responsibilities
After being added, the incoming President should:
- Update officers, members, and chapter information in the Member Management Portal
- Add other officers as chapter members in the Opportunity Portal
Completing these steps promptly helps prevent delays in reporting, funding access, and official communications.
Student Chapter Events and Programming Ideas
Optica encourages Student Chapters to offer programming that supports career development, community engagement, and inclusive participation. The examples below are intended as guidance and may be adapted to local needs.
Career Development Programs
- Mock interviews
- Résumé or CV reviews
- Guest speakers from industry and academia
Conferences and Multi-Day Programs
- Career development and diversity-focused sessions
- Student research presentations or poster sessions
- Social activities highlighting local or campus culture
Professional and Technical Engagement
- Invited talks on current trends in optics and photonics
- Discussions on career pathways and emerging areas of the field
Community Outreach Activities
- Optics and photonics demonstrations at:
- Local schools
- Science festivals
- Community or public venues
Chapters are encouraged to use the Optica chapter map to connect with other Student Chapters and share successful event ideas.
Support for Optica Student Chapter Officers
Optica staff are available to support Student Chapter officers throughout the year. For questions, technical issues, or guidance, contact: studentchapters@optica.org
