About Us
Who are we?
The University of Rochester chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) is dedicated to supporting any student who is interested in physics, as well as dedication to the enhancement of the appreciation of science by the University community and the public in the greater Rochester area.
Purpose & Mission
The SPS exists to help students transform themselves into contributing members of the professional community. Course work develops only one range of skills. Other skills needed to flourish professionally include effective communication and personal interactions, leadership experience, establishing a personal network of contacts, presenting scholarly work in professional meetings and journals, and outreach services to the campus and local communities.
What do we do?
- SPS Tutoring. SPS members provide physics tutoring during the semester for students in introductory physics sequence courses.
- SPS Lunches, or Tea & Cookie Time with Professors. Offering students the opportunity to meet professors outside the standard class room setting.
- SPS BBQ. An annual BBQ at Genesee Valley Park at the end of April where students, professors and staff blow off some steam and prepare for the final crunch of the year.
- Student run projects! Want to create a Zeusaphone? Create a Laser Harp? Participate in outreach or fundraisers? Have an idea and want to get people involved? Well the possibility is yours! Become a member and contact the SPS executive board. From there we can work to make your ideas a reality be considering SPS programs and awards.
Locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, the SPS offers the opportunity for these important enrichments to the student's experience. - SPS National
National SPS
There are many reasons to join the Society of Physics Students national organization. Upon payment of your $24.00 national dues ($30.00 for membership dues to international addresses), you will receive:
- Physics Today (monthly).
- The SPS Observer (quarterly).
- Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics (JURP) (online).
- Career placement services, such as the SPS Jobs site, and Careers Using Physics (CUP) website.
- Eligibility for SPS scholarships, internships, research & travel grants, fellowships and other awards.
- Information and announcements about regional, national and international SPS meetings.
- Information and announcements about SPS research sessions at professional society meetings.
- Free membership with one AIP Member Society for undergraduates only, for up to three years.
If you're looking to become a national SPS member, consider their website, under the section How do I Join?
To become a member of our University organization, please follow the link here. From there you can sign up for our mailing list! (It's free and all U of R undergrads are welcomed!)