FAQ - Society for Human Resource Management - UMUC
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Membership FAQs

What are the benefits to joining the UMUC SHRM Chapter?

Joining the UMUC SHRM Chapter allows you to network with other students, staff and faculty who are currently working in or are interested in entering the human resource field. Members share information, experiences and knowledge. The chapter hosts monthly events designed to help students meet local professionals and transition into or advance within the field. In addition, the chapter provides leadership and student development opportunities for members.

What is the difference between the SHRM organization and the UMUC SHRM Chapter?

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is an international association, linking individuals from around the world who share an interest in the human resource field. SHRM hosts a comprehensive Web site that includes resources, a career database, current news, research, publications and other information. The Web site also hosts webcasts, videos and other multimedia presentations on human resource topics. SHRM holds an annual conference for its members, and SHRM members are given access to a number of resources and tools.

The UMUC SHRM Chapter focuses on hosting local events and addressing the needs of our members in the UMUC community. The UMUC SHRM Chapter allows students to network with other students, faculty and local HR professionals. The chapter also offers leadership opportunities to students.

Can I join the UMUC SHRM Chapter if I am an online student, and am not local to Adelphi headquarters?

We welcome non-local students into our chapter. Within the SHRM Chapter Study Group of HRMN900, the chapter posts meeting notes and guest speaker handouts for students who cannot attend in person. In addition, the chapter plans to allow the option for students to access and participate in the meetings remotely.

Once you join SHRM, you can contact local professional or student chapters to see if they allow other SHRM members to attend their events. See the list of chapters.

Can I join the UMUC SHRM Chapter if I am a UMUC Europe or UMUC Asia student?

We welcome students from our overseas divisions to join our chapter. You will receive all the benefits available through www.shrm.org, and will have access to the SHRM Chapter Study Group HRMN900. However, the on-site meetings currently take place only at UMUC Adelphi.

Is the UMUC SHRM Chapter open to both undergraduate and graduate students?

Yes, the UMUC SHRM Chapter encourages both undergraduate and graduate students to join.

Can I apply to the UMUC SHRM Chapter if human resource management is not my main focus of study?

Any student who has a demonstrated interest in the human resource management field and is taking at least 6 credits per semester at UMUC (fall and spring) may join the UMUC SHRM Chapter.

If I am already a member of SHRM, can I join UMUC's chapter?

Yes. To join the UMUC SHRM Chapter, you can update your SHRM member record to include our chapter, #5578, through the SHRM Membership Center. You can also contact the SHRM Member Relations Team by e-mail at memberrelations@shrm.org or by phone at 800-283-SHRM.

Once you update your record, please complete the form in Step 2 of the How to Join Web page. This step is necessary in order to gain access to the UMUC SHRM Chapter Study Group in HRMN900, and to get on the chapter mailing list.

If you are currently a professional SHRM member, then you just need to complete Step 2 of the How to Join Web page. You do not need to change your information through the SHRM Membership Center.

Can I still become a member of the UMUC SHRM Chapter if I am graduating this year?

You can apply as a student member in the year you graduate. However, if you graduate before your one-year membership expires, and you do not continue on to graduate school, then you should upgrade your membership to professional status. SHRM offers a discounted rate to students who upgrade their membership status. In order to receive this discount, students must submit their application within six weeks of their graduation.

If you move directly into a UMUC graduate program upon graduation, then you can continue as a member of the UMUC SHRM Chapter.

If you are pursuing a program at another school, you should check to see if that school has a student chapter. If you do not plan to pursue your studies after graduation, you can apply to be a regular member of SHRM. You can apply to local chapters in your area and/or to the national chapter.

The UMUC SHRM Chapter welcomes alumni to attend meetings, but they are unable to run for office or vote.

What is the fee to join the UMUC SHRM Chapter?

Students are required to pay a $35 student membership fee when they join SHRM. There are no additional local fees for joining the UMUC SHRM Chapter.

Do I have to renew my membership annually?

Yes, to remain an active member of SHRM, students must renew their membership each year.

Are there leadership opportunities within the chapter?

Yes, the UMUC SHRM Chapter has elected student officer positions. The current positions offered are president, vice president, vice president of distance learning membership and secretary/treasurer. In addition, members are welcome to volunteer to present at meetings, suggest future events and provide other assistance.