Membership Benefits

Why should I become a student member of the AOU?

1. Free membership available

The AOU provides student membership awards in the form of a one-year AOU membership to qualified undergraduate or graduate students interested in pursuing a career in ornithology. Students must have no current or prior membership in the AOU. In 2005, 152 students received free membership to the AOU. For more information see the Student Membership Awards page.

Spencer Sealy giving AOU students a workshop on reviewing manuscripts.

2. Meetings

AOU meetings are well-attended by both American and International researchers, and consist of talks and discussions about cutting-edge research in ornithology. Students also have the opportunity to meet professional ornithologists through the Student-Professional Ornithologist Dinner and the Mentor Program, two of the many activities at the annual meetings. Only student members can take advantage of these opportunities to spend time one-on-one with professionals. While it is possible to meet people and network on your own, the luncheon and mentoring programs REALLY facilitate these interactions, which are a critical part of any scientific meeting. Any student may attend the annual meetings, but student members of the AOU may register at significantly reduced prices. Are you planning on attending a NAOC or AOU meeting in the future? Save money by becoming a member first.

3. Travel Awards

Full-time students who are AOU members may apply for a Marcia Brady Tucker Travel Award to help defray transportation expenses to the meeting. Numerous travel awards are given to students presenting posters or talks at the AOU conference.

Julie Garvin, a member of the AOU SAC, presenting a poster at the 2005 AOU meeting in Santa Barbara, CA.

4. Research Grants

AOU Research Grants Fund was established to provide research funds for student members of the American Ornithologists' Union without access to funds from major granting agencies. Each year, 28-30 grants of a maximum of $1800 each is awarded to AOU students.

5. The Auk

All members of the AOU receive The Auk, one of the foremost journals in ornithology. In addition, Ornithological Monographs are sent to members as new volumes are published. This is especially valuable for students whose institutions do not offer online access to these resources.