Student Chapters

As part of ISPE's commitment to strengthening the future of pharmacoepidemiology, it makes provisions for students and academic institutions to be an active part of the organization. Student Chapters are an important way to create a forum for the development of student-focused opportunities and participation in ISPE's mission. ISPE promotes that Student Chapters be formed at academic organizations to complement the mission of the Student Council. Please reach out to ISPE or the Student Council if you have any questions about student chapters.

Here are some frequently asked questions to help shape your understanding of the ISPE Student Chapters. You can also navigate to the list of Student Chapters or to the Student Chapter Application details.

Questions about ISPE Student Chapters

1. Who should form an ISPE Student Chapter?
   All academic centers with special programs of education and training in pharmacoepidemiology are encouraged to form student chapters.
2. What are the qualifications for an ISPE Student Chapter?
   All academic centers with special programs of education and training in pharmacoepidemiology are encouraged to form student chapters. To qualify as an eligible center for an ISPE Student Chapter, such centers must offer graduate or post-graduate training in epidemiology, health outcomes, health economics or a related discipline and ensure that trainees receive instruction in pharmacology and therapeutics either before or during their pharmacoepidemiology training.
3. How are ISPE Student Chapters formed?
   Please review the details in the ISPE Policy Manual on the website. In short, an application form, a letter from of approval from the University, and a letter to ISPE outlining how requirements are met must be submitted. The materials can be sent via email or mailed. Proposals for student chapters will be voted upon by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee of the Board. If approved, an official letter is sent for confirmation.

   Application Process

4. Who is eligible to serve as the Faculty Advisor?
   One senior member of the faculty of the program must be designated the faculty advisor. This faculty advisor must be an ISPE member, preferably a Fellow, and must demonstrate the capability to hold this role through involvement with ISPE and pharmacoepidemiology. 
5. How many faculty liaisons are needed for the Student Chapter?
   Each student chapter must designate one faculty member to serve as faculty advisor.
6. How will the student chapters be governed?
   The student chapters will be governed by a democratic process. Chapter officers, including a President and Vice-President, are elected by the membership. It is recommended that the Student Council terms are designed to overlap, so that the entire leadership group does not change at the same time and continuity can be maintained.
7. What is the minimum number of students required to form an ISPE Student Chapter?
   The minimum number of students required to form an ISPE Student Chapter is one.
8. What proportion of the members of the Student Chapter must also be ISPE members?
   At least 25% of the members of an ISPE Student Chapter must also be ISPE members. Half of the Student Chapter officers must be ISPE members. The Faculty Advisor must be a current ISPE member, too. Application information can be found here.
9. Can students from more than one institution join together to form a Student Chapter?
   When multiple programs are located near each other, student chapters may elect to collaborate and meet together for shared activities. If they prefer, multiple co-located student groups may join together to form a joint student chapter.
10. If students from more than one institution join together to form a Student Chapter, how many faculty liaisons are needed?
    When multiple programs are located near each other, student chapters may elect to collaborate and meet together for shared activities. If they prefer, multiple co-located student groups may join together to form a joint student chapter. Under these circumstances, each participating program must have a designated faculty advisor.
11. Is there a budget or financial support for Student Chapters?
    There is no budget designated for Student Chapter activities. However, student members of ISPE may be eligible for scholarships and reduced-cost memberships. Please check the website for further details.
12. How is active Student Chapter status maintained?
    Student Chapter officers and the Faculty Advisor are required to submit a report in June for the July meeting. An email will be sent to Chapter Presidents with submission details.

Student Chapter Listing

Please reach out to ISPE (info@pharmacoepi.org) or the Student Council (sispechair@gmail.com) if you have any questions about student chapters.