Student Subunits advance the objectives of the United States Aquaculture Society (USAS) through the involvement of its student members. Students are significant constituents of the USAS membership, and student excellence is an essential component of the USAS strategic role in assuring the progressive development of aquaculture in the United States. Student Subunits are vital to the organization. They further USAS outreach, bringing the benefits, activities, and news of USAS to students at their institutions. Student Subunits also provide increased opportunities for student involvement in USAS and World Aquaculture Society activities and help students to organize and participate in aquaculture-related activities on a local scale.
Student Subunits are defined by academic institutions, must comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the educational institution of affiliation, and are maintained under the auspices of the USAS Board of Directors. A petition to create a Student Subunit must be signed by at least six (6) USAS members in good standing at the educational institution. Each Student Subunit is responsible for the adoption and amendment of its own bylaws, the election of its own officers and directors, and the conduct of its own affairs.
USAS may provide up to $500 in start-up funds if requested when a potential subunit submits its formation package. In addition, each active subunit is eligible for a student travel award covering the cost of one early bird student registration to the annual Aquaculture America or Triennial AQUACULTURE conference each year.
Currently, there are nine (9) USAS Student Subunits: Auburn High School, Auburn University, The College of the Florida Keys, Kentucky State University, Lake Superior State University, The Ohio State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Florida, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
An annual report of activities and events (including, but not limited to, trips, conference participation, awards received or given, fundraisers, workshops, collaborative efforts, guest speakers, meetings, socials, etc.) conducted by each USAS Student Subunit must be submitted to the Student Subunit Committee by January of each year. This USAS Student Subunit Showcase session highlights the accomplishments outlined in those reports.