American Society of Mechanical Engineers
University of Michigan Chapter
Overview
ASME International was founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Today's ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community.
ASME at the University of Michigan is one of the largest and most active Engineering Societies out of more than 70 registered groups. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers at the University of Michigan strives to enhance the professional and social lives of its members as well as other students in the college through a variety of academic, professional, social, community service, and student-faculty events.
General Meetings
ASME holds bi-weekly general body meetings for its members, during which members hear from a variety of speakers. For some meetings we invite mechanical engineering professors to speak about their research to show students the broad range of applications of a degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as emerging technologies. We also have professional development seminars to aid our members in their career development.
Corporate Luncheons
One of ASME's more popular events is its company luncheons. Our group invites both technical and recruiting staff to come speak to students. Company representatives speak about the current state of industry, the functions of engineers in their company, and opportunities for students (be it summer jobs, or permanent hires). These events are open to all engineering students, not just ASME members or mechanical engineering students. These events are designed to allow students the opportunity to learn about potential employers and allow company representatives a chance to reach the talented students at the University of Michigan. Lunch is provided to students and speakers. See our corporate information page for more details and our calendar for upcoming luncheons.
Social Events
In addition to meeting held on campus, ASME strives to develop its members outside the academic setting. Our group does this by sponsoring intramural sports teams in which members join together and compete against other societies at the university. In addition to sporting events, ASME hosts a variety of social activities. Some examples are: bowling night, happy hour, ice skating night, and card tournaments. The strong bonds and team-member atmosphere developed in these events extend into the classroom setting. Upper-class members are brought together with lower-class members to help students create a network of contact and friendship within such a large Mechanical Engineering department.
Service Events
ASME strives to be a community service group as well. One of our biggest events is the Fun Run, a 5K run for charity. We co-sponsor this event with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). The purpose of this event is to raise money for the local charities in Ann Arbor. Corporate sponsors are sought to help make this event possible. In addition to Fun Run, ASME participates in other community service events. We make and host a dinner at the children's hospital twice a year, we participate in a clean-up of local parks twice a year, and we volunteer at soup kitchens in Ann Arbor.
Student-Faculty Relations
To encourage communication between students and faculty, ASME co-hosts a student-faculty-mixer twice a year. During this event, ASME provides a full buffet of breakfast to students and faculty in the Mechanical Engineering department. ASME officers and engineering professors make pancakes for students and other faculty members during this event. Faculty and students meet each other outside of the classroom setting encouraging more personal and informal interaction. ASME also helps in organizing the Mechanical Engineering Town Hall Meeting held once a year. Students can voice their opinions and concerns to the chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department.