Welcome AOU students...

The AOU welcomes student members, encourages students to attend meetings, and seeks student involvement on committees and at the annual business meeting. This webpage details how students can become involved in the AOU, the benefits of becoming a member, current projects, and other useful information for students.

Membership

Information on becoming a member of the AOU can be found on the Membership page. Students can apply for one year of free membership in the AOU, including a subscription to The Auk and Ornithological Monographs. Details, and instructions for preparing and submitting an application, can be found on the Student Membership Awards page.

Student members of the AOU enjoy other benefits as well. At annual meetings, student members can sign up for both a dinner and mentor program designed to introduce them to professional ornithologists in their area of research. Also, only members are eligible for Research, Travel, and Presentation Awards. Still not convinced? We've prepared a list of the top 5 reasons to become a student member of the AOU.

Student awards

The AOU offers several types of awards to its student members including research, travel, and presentation awards.

Research Awards Students may apply for a variety of awards and grants offered by the AOU, some of which provide support for general research in avian biology, research in specific topic areas, or research by female students. Follow the link for more information on these awards, instructions on preparing and submitting an application, and a list of previous recipients of AOU Research Awards.

Travel and Presentation Awards Full-time students who are AOU members may apply for a student travel award to help defray the expense of transportation to the annual meeting. Students may also apply to compete for one of the student presentation awards given to the best oral or written presentations at the meeting. Follow the link for more information on these awards and instructions on preparing and submitting an application.

Student involvement in the AOU

AOUStudents The AOU Student Mailing List is an electronic distribution list devoted to the exchange of information regarding ornithology in general, and the AOU in particular. It is designed to encourage a sense of community among students and aid in networking (e.g., to share rides to annual meetings, to meet up with other student researchers at field sites, etc.). The list is aimed at current student members of the AOU, but anyone is allowed to subscribe.

Note: Student members of the AOU receive announcements sent by the AOU to both the general and student membership regardless of whether or not they are on AOU Student Mailing List.

Student Affairs Committee (SAC) Established in 2003 to promote student involvement in the AOU, this committee organizes the various events detailed on this page and serves as a liaison between student members and the governing bodies of the AOU.

Student activities

The SAC organizes many student events which take place at the annual meetings. Activities include student-professional socials, workshops, an annual quiz bowl and more. All the activities allow students to become more involved in annual meetings while providing opportunities for professional development and, of course, fun! For more information on past events and on events for upcoming meetings see the Student Activities page.

Links

Check out our list of useful links for students.

Contact information

For questions about student membership and involvement in the AOU contact Melanie Colon (), Student Affairs Committee Chair. Comments on the content or layout of the website should be directed to Chris Nadeau (), Student Website Subcommittee Chair.