Student Groups
The new ISACA Student Groups (ISG) encourage education beyond the classroom, and allow students to network and learn from each other. Students in ISGs are encouraged to become ISACA Student Members and interact with professionals in the field at events sponsored by local chapters. By participating in both university and chapter events, students gain knowledge and experience that puts them far ahead of the competition when their careers begin.
Many ISACA chapters award scholarships to students pursuing careers in Information Systems Auditing, IT Governance, Information Security and other related fields. Awards may include cash, ISACA membership and other benefits. Check your local chapter for more information.
For Universities—Starting an ISACA Student Group
An ISACA Student Group is an on-campus student group. Depending on university guidelines, students in the group may or may not be members of the local chapter and ISACA International. Each ISG is affiliated with and supported by a local chapter of ISACA, and ISACA membership is promoted to all students.
ISACA has created a four-stage maturity model to help with the implementation of ISGs on university campuses. Goals are to:
- Interest students in ISACA
- Form student groups on campus linked to ISACA’s chapter structure
- Promote ISACA membership
Review these stages and decide where your school needs to start!
Stage 1—For schools that want to build awareness of ISACA
Stage 2—For schools that have student interest and awareness of ISACA, but no student group
Stage 3—For schools that have an inactive or minimally active ISACA Student Group
Stage 4—For schools that have an active ISACA Student Group
ISACA International will continue to provide all student members with benefits designed to meet their needs. ISACA will provide a standard ISACA student group logo to all approved student groups.
Although each student group formed may run differently depending on the requirements of the respective university, sample guidelines can serve as a guide when forming their student group.
For Chapters—Helping Your Local University get an ISG Started
The Chapter’s Academic Relations Coordinator (ARC) and the local university Academic Advocate/Advisor may initiate the planning and implementation of the ISG. The ARC will report regularly to the local chapter on progress, upcoming events and/or any assistance that may be required by the ISG in its formative stages. ISG assistance may include financial help, educational information, providing networking opportunities and assistance with obtaining a speaker. ISG members should also be invited to attend local chapter meetings and events.
A planning checklist can be used by chapters to assist in preparing for student outreach meetings or “college nights” that are hosted by the chapter.
Any monies collected by the local chapter for student dues of members of that particular ISG should be used to directly assist the ISG with items such as refreshments and marketing materials. If money is given directly to the ISG, it will be the responsibility of the ISG treasurer and the faculty advisor to keep a record of expenditures.
The Academic Advocate program allows ISACA and local chapters to work together to choose new Academic Advocates. When ISACA receives an application for a new Academic Advocate, the president of the local chapter in that area is notified via email and instructed to respond with comments. Chapters are also invited to suggest professors as potential Academic Advocate candidates.
For questions regarding student membership and Student Group formation, please contact Maggie English at menglish@isaca.org or at 1.847.660-5728.