SWE has many resources which can assist both your section and you, personally. Many of these resources are online (such as SWE Communities) but there are also key individuals who can assist you. Today we’ll focus on who you can go to for help, both on and off-campus. (Come back to the blog on or around October 20^th for information about making the most of SWE web resources.)

Depending on whether you need help with any on-campus, Regional SWE, or National SWE issue, there are many people ready and willing to assist you. Never be afraid to ask for help, especially from the following people:

• Faculty adviser: He or she will help cut through school-related red tape, serve as mentor for your academic or professional career, act as liaison between section and your College, and generally offer school-specific support. It is recommended that your faculty advisor be within your College as they will be most familiar with College faculty, staff, and administration. Plus, another engineer will be able to offer more specific support than a faculty member from the Art History department.

• College of Engineering Dean: He or she is the head of your College and can offer financial and other assistance. Need funds to travel to Nationals? Why not present to your Dean the value of sending a handful of your members? Deans often have funds set aside for retaining students, diversity initiatives, or student organizations. You’ll also work with him or her to hold events within your College, so it’s a good idea to ensure you have a good working relationship.

• Student government: Many schools have funding available to them through student government. This is typically done through a subsidy of a particular program such as conference travel, outreach event, or guest speaker. Deadlines for the next school year are often before the previous one has completed, so be sure to start looking for information around March. Also, elected student officials (such as College of Engineering Senators) can assist your section in publicizing events and passing (school-related) policy initiatives.

• SWE Counselor: This professional SWE member is geographically located nearby your section. She can offer assistance with SWE-related issues that are more locally focused than the RCR role. She’s also an excellent resource for career assistance and may be willing to serve as your mentor. Remember, your SWE Counselor is elected by your section so you should be working with someone whom you are already familiar.

• Region Collegiate Representative (RCR): Amy and Amy Jo are responsible for ensuring your voice is heard at the Region and National level. Having a problem you think is better than your section? Want advice on how to hold an event? Email them (swe.rcr.b@gmail.com). They’re also your go-to guides for filling out quarterly Section Reports, Annual Reports, and Annual Financial Reports.Region Collegiate Newsletter Editor (RCNE): Yes, that’s me. While I don’t formally represent you at higher levels of SWE, I am more than happy to provide you the same assistance as Amy and Amy Jo. I can also assist your section with developing a website or newsletter. My email address is rcne-b@swe.org or you can ask me a question in the comments on this post.

• Other collegiate sections: There’s no need to re-invent the wheel. Another section may have the perfect Outreach event all set up that you could emulate at your school. Talk with other sections nearby or across the country. Share Best Practices via email or in person at National Conference. If you’re facing a problem, it’s likely another collegiate section has as well.

• Local professional section: Most collegiate sections are partnered with a professional section. That section’s members can assist you with providing volunteers for events, guest speakers, career guidance, and a countless number of things. Additionally, most professional sections encourage collegiate to participate in their events.