The University of California, Irvine Chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a student-run organization under a charter granted by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) in August of 1969. The purpose of SPS is to enhance the learning experience of those studying physics, including both majors and non-majors as well as undergraduates and graduates. Thus, membership is open to anyone who is interested in any aspect of physics.AIP currently has over 600 chapters of the Society of Physics Students at colleges and universities nationwide with more than 6,500 members. In addition, our chapter is allowed to induct top students into the national honor society, Sigma Pi Sigma. Currently, this honor society has over 38,000 members. The national organization of the Society of Physics Students is funded by annual dues ($13 each member) and donations. The money in turn provides each student with the SPS Newletter and an annual subscription to Physics Today. In addition, the SPS national office provides grants for undergraduate research, scholarships, and the Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics.
Our Chapter is engaged in many different activities year round, including the following:
- Weekly special topic lectures by members of the scientific community, typically university professors. These talks are accompanied with complimentary food and drink for those in attendence.
- Free tutoring for lower division classes. Many members of SPS that are enrolled in upper division classes help pass on their knowledge and experience by voluntiering a few hours each week to tutor. The tutoring hours are open to all students in lower division physics classes.
- In Spring 1996, SPS will host a High School Physics Conference. This conference will challenge high school students to experience physics through their participation in several tests, games, and demonstrations.
- In the past, SPS has organized weekly Softball games on Lower Crawford Field.
- Occasionally, SPS will organize a movie night to see one of the new blockbuster films at the Newport Theatre.
Although SPS is a student-run organization, it has only been made possible due to the support and guidance of the physics department. Just one of the few ways the Department of Physics and Astronomy provides support to SPS through the allocation of a student lounge in Physical Sciences II. This has been a major element in preserving the continuity of the chapter. The room allows the members to build comradery, work together, and tutor during the school year.
Each member has a different reason for joining. Whether it is to learn more about research opportunities, to find advice about classes or professors, to receive help from fellow students, or just to hang out with some who know what you are going through, we are all here with the common thread that it is our desire to learn more about physics.
Officers for the Academic Year 1995-1996
- President: Cawley Vaccarella
eapu392@ea.oac.uci.edu
- Vice-President: Jim Kreuziger
jim@optics.ps.uci.edu
- Treasurer: Ali Mokhberi
eapg316@ea.oac.uci.edu
- Secretary: Mark Velasco
.
Faculty Advisors:
- Prof. Dennis Silverman
- Prof. Riley Newman
For more information about SPS at U.C. Irvine please contact one of the officers or call our office at (714) 824-2867.