JSM Student Opportunities

Lara Harmon, ASA Community Coordinator

Students, will you be joining us at JSM 2017? We hope to see you there! We’re in Baltimore this year, and we’ve got plenty of opportunities lined up for you to get involved and learn more about what the ASA offers.

Would you like to …

Attend a Continuing Education (CE) course for free?

JSM’s CE courses give conference attendees a chance to dive into a new topic, brush up skills they already possess, and benefit from the knowledge of experts they might never otherwise have the chance to learn from in person. You can take advantage of all these benefits for free! As a CE monitor, you will help the course run smoothly while also observing course content and meeting course attendees and instructors. Interested? Contact Rick Peterson, the ASA’s professional development and chapters and sections manager. Keep an eye on the JSM 2017 website for a list of CE courses.

Meet presenters and get experience managing a session?

Session chairs introduce and support session presenters. The work of these volunteers helps keeps sessions on topic and running on time. It also gives the chairs the opportunity to meet and work directly with session presenters. Our session chair slots are full for JSM 2017, but you can volunteer to be an emergency backup. To learn more about what session chairs do, visit the JSM 2017 website, scroll down to the “Chairs” bar, and click to see the details.

Learn more about student chapters?

The ASA established a student chapter program several years ago, and it’s taken off—we now have more than 50 student chapters, thanks to your energy and enthusiasm! This year, we’re planning our first JSM student chapter event. Join us to learn from the experiences of a panel of student chapter presidents and faculty advisers, and then break out into small groups to share your own ideas as we brainstorm about the future of student chapters. Time and place TBA. Contact Lara Harmon, marketing and online community coordinator if you’re interested in helping with setting up and moderating the event.

Meet fellow student members from across the country (and the world)?

If you’ve been to JSM before, you’ve probably experienced the JSM student mixer. It’s not to be missed! Join students from across the U.S. and abroad, both first-time attendees and seasoned pros, as we gather for drinks, snacks, and a free raffle on July 31 from 6–8 p.m. Prizes in past years have ranged from stats software packages to an Xbox 360 (so you might want to leave a little room in your carry-on luggage if you plan on attending)! We always appreciate a little extra help handing out raffle tickets before the mixer; if you’re interested, contact Lara Harmon.

Relax and put your feet up while helping children in need?

Networking and walking from session to session (to session to session) can wear you out, mentally and physically. If you need a break, check your program for IMPACT Baltimore activities. Head over to the exhibit hall at the times shown in the program and you can help make no-sew blankets for children in need. Last year, ASA members used up all the blanket-making materials we brought, and we’re hoping to repeat our success this year. The blankets are easy to make and all supplies are provided, so grab some friends and do your daily good deed.

Dance?

Deviate from the standard conference routine and get to know your fellow ASA members in a casual environment. After meeting up with your peers at the Monday student mixer, we give you the chance to dance on Tuesday! A JSM tradition, the dance party invites you to mingle and chat or get out on the floor. Either way, you can relax, catch up on others’ JSM experiences, and share your plans for the rest of the conference.

We hope you can come!