Becoming a Member
Members of ARCS Foundation Orange County are women committed to advancing science in America. Women who join our Chapter do so to contribute to the support of outstanding students at UC Irvine.
ARCS Foundation Orange County is one of 16 ARCS Foundation Chapters nationwide. The Orange County Chapter currently has more than 50 members dedicated to making a difference in students’ lives and in the future of America.
Activities throughout the year are opportunities to learn more about scientific research and advances, including presentations by our scholars.
We enjoy the company of other forward-thinking and interesting women who commit their time, money, and talents.
Member Benefits
- Be a catalyst to the scientific, technological, medical and economic development of Orange County.
- Make a difference in the life of an outstanding American student.
- Attend lectures and social events that include behind-the-scenes visits to sites of cutting-edge scientific and technological research.
- Participate in scientific field trips to venues not generally open to the public.
- Meet and mingle with ARCS Foundation scholars, scientists and university faculty.
- Develop friendships with other women leaders in Southern California.
Field trips and programs are popular with members and their guests. ARCS scholars are regularly invited to our programs to give a brief presentation of their research, which informs members about their work and helps scholars and members keep in touch. And members attend ARCS scholar alums’ dissertations as they prepare to earn their PhDs.
The Membership Process
Membership in ARCS Foundation Orange County is by invitation. A member sponsors women interested in joining after they have attended two meetings or events to become familiar with the Chapter.
Steps to Membership
- An Orange County Chapter member invites a prospective member to an event and introduces her to other members, including the Orange County Board.
- After the guest has attended two events, the sponsor may request a membership application on her behalf.
- The Vice President of Membership sends a letter and application to the prospective member.
- The Membership committee reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the Orange County Board for review and approval.
- A letter of acceptance is sent to the prospective member.
Active Membership Obligations and Privileges
- Shall attend a minimum of two events each year (can be meetings, field trips or other activities)
- Shall actively serve on at least one committee each year
- Shall have voting privileges
- Shall pay annual dues
- Shall buy two tickets to the Scholar Awards Dinner each year
- May serve on the Board of Directors
- Shall make a donation to the scholarship fund each year
- May request a leave of absence, but must pay dues
- May sponsor and co-sponsor prospective members each year*
*Sponsors are encouraged to mentor their new members throughout the first year, introducing them to members, making sure they are aware of events and actively involving them in ARCS.
