HR: 1330h
AN: ED12A-0127    [PDF]
TI: Integrating Current Meteorological Research Through Club Fundraising
AU: * Gill, S S
EM: gill@cup.edu
AF: California University of Pennsylvania, Dept. of Earth Science 250 University ave., California, PA 15419 United States
AU: Kauffman, C M
EM: kauffman@cup.edu
AF: California University of Pennsylvania, Dept. of Earth Science 250 University ave., California, PA 15419 United States
AB: Earth science programs whose focus is primarily an undergraduate education do not often have the funding to take students to very many conferences which could expose the student to new research as well as possible graduate programs and employment opportunities. Conferences also give the more enthusiastic and hardworking students a venue in which to present their research to the meteorological community. In addition, the California University services largely lower income counties, which make student attendance at conferences even more difficult even though the student in SW PA may be individually motivated. This issue is compounded by the fact that the Meteorology Concentration within the Earth Science department at Cal U is composed of only two full-time Professors, which limits the amount of research students can be exposed to within a classroom setting. New research ideas presented at conferences are thus an important mechanism for broadening what could be an isolated program. One way in which the meteorology program has circumvented the funding problem to a certain extent is through an active student club. With nearly 60 majors (3/4 of which are active in club activities, the meteorology club is able to execute a variety of fundraising activities. Money that is raised can then request from student services matching funds. Further money is given to clubs, which are very active not only in fundraising, but using that money for academic related activities. For the last 3 years the club budget has been in the neighborhood of \$4500. The money has then been used to partially finance student registration and accommodation costs making conference attendance much more affordable. Normally 8-16 students attend conferences that they would otherwise not be able to attend without great expense. There are times when more than 16 students wish to attend, but travel arrangements prohibit more than 16. Moreover club money is also use to supplement student costs on a summer storm chasing intercept course.
DE: 4299 General or miscellaneous
DE: 6605 Education
DE: 6610 Funding
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting