By Jim Howard, Region 3 SPAC Coordinator (j.howard@ieee.org)
Currently we have had three Student Branches in Region 3 host SPAC’s for 2008, and two more are in the planning stages
(Note: Additional R3 Student Branch’s are considering hosting an SPAC and are also in the planning stages)
University of Florida hosted a SPAC on Feb 19th.
Georgia Tech hosted a SPAC on Feb 21st.
University of Florida hosted a SPAC on March 18th*.
Memphis (Christian Brothers Univ., along with several other local Universities) will host an SPAC on March 27**
USF – Date TBD
*Have not received a report on this one since it was due to be held.
**This is special SPAC with the Section heavily involved and several of the local Universities – check out their web site
- https://spac.ieeememphis.org/
Every Student Branch Should Be Planning Now to Host a
Student Professional Awareness Seminar (SPAC) in 2008
Engineers must be proficient, professionally astute, and clearly aware of their responsibility to society. Student Professional Awareness Conferences (S-PACs, pronounced "ess-paks") explore the subjects that affect engineers' careers, regardless of how well engineers prepare themselves technically.
First introduced in 1979, S-PACs are an effective vehicle to transmit the professional awareness that enhances the technical education they receive in engineering school. S-PACs permit students to learn from the varied experience of successful engineers.
The conferences have potential to increase student membership and to encourage ongoing participation in IEEE. S-PACs are becoming a strong force for improving the electrical engineering profession over the coming years.
S-PACs are structured events where students listen to experienced engineers from diverse backgrounds discuss topics from the six critical categories (listed below). Students have a chance to interact with the speakers, usually through a roundtable discussion. Typically, S-PACs are half a day, and involve two or three speakers.
Six Critical Categories for SPAC include:
· Career Growth
· Working
· Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility
· Self-Management
· Engineers and Public Policy
· The Importance of a Professional Society to You
Region 3, in combination with IEEE-USA has funds available and will supply speakers for your Student SPAC. Just contact the Region 3 SPAC Coordinator, Jim Howard, and start planning for your SPAC now.
For more information, check the web page listed below:
https://www.ieeeusa.org/volunteers/committees/spac/general_info.html