Student Chapter President Resources

Providing Support

For you and your Chapter

ACOFP is dedicated to supporting our Student Chapter Presidents by providing resources, guidance, and a network of professional collaboration. We offer tools for:

Member recruitment.
Planning chapter events or starting a new chapter.
Requesting a VIP visit.
Getting involved at a national level.

By fostering communication and sharing best practices, ACOFP ensures that Student Chapter Presidents are equipped to strengthen their chapters and effectively serve their members and communities.

Meet the National Student Executive Board

Review the Constitution & Bylaws

Your resources for success

Monthly: By the first of each month, submit your chapter report.

January: Begin recruiting incoming Chapter Board members. Submit the Student Chapter New Board Form with the names and contact information for your new chapter offers to ACOFP.

January - March: Register and arrange travel to attend the Annual Convention. ACOFP provides funding for one student chapter president or their appointed representatives.

April: Attend the Annual Convention and participate in the chapter leadership training. Submit your two votes for the National Student Executive Board.

June: Student committee applications are due on June 1.

July:

Submit the Club Recruitment Form to request your membership recruitment supplies for your chapter's activities and events.
Meet with your board to outline your chapter's activities and events for the upcoming year. Send your plan to your NSEB liaison.

August - September:

Implement your membership recruitment plans.
Receive recruitment materials from ACOFP.
Schedule an ACOFP Board of Governors visit for your campus events.
Applications for the ACOFP Student Governor position are due by August 15.

October: Submit new student membership rosters to the national office by the end of the month.

December:

December 15 - Applications due for National Student Awards.
December 31 - Submit the Student Chapter Fund Request Form to request reimbursement for any unused funds provided by ACOFP.

The Student Association of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians aims for 100% membership at each college of osteopathic medicine. The Student Membership Recruitment Committee is available to assist you in developing and implementing events. Contact your NSEB liaison for more information or students@acofp.org.

Listed below are a few ideas to help get you started:

Welcome Back Events

These events can be any type of in-person or virtual social event. Students in the past have had BBQs, hosted wine and cheese events and others have held ice cream socials. These events allow a great opportunity to discuss ACOFP and encourage students to join.

Club Day

Almost every school has a club day, where organizations are allowed the chance to advertise their club. Officers are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of club days and share creative ideas to attract incoming students. Please complete this (Club Recruitment Form) for materials to be sent prior to the event.

White Coat Embroidery

The annual White Coat Ceremony is a great opening to recruit members by presenting them with the opportunity to have their white coats embroidered. By giving ACOFP members a discounted price, more students will be glad to join.

Prizes and Raffles

Incentives such as prizes to the first thirty students to join are another great attraction. Afterward, hosting a raffle among the first 50 students is sure to get students excited about ACOFP! Please contact ACOFP if you would like to arrange to have online gifts sent to the raffle winners.

Submitting New Member Rosters

New student members must be submitted to ACOFP by October 1 to earn GOLD points for your chapter. Students can join online at ACOFP Student Membership or by sending their roster to students@acofp.org. Keep recruiting new and current members throughout the year at your events and regularly update your roster with the national office.

ACOFP provides a variety of valuable resources for student members, including:

Access to recorded lectures, webinars, panels, and podcasts in the Student Resources e-Learning Center.
DO.fm Student Edition: Student-led podcasts on osteopathic family medicine.
Online access to the Osteopathic Family Physician (OFP) journal.
Updates via the monthly student newsletter and weekly ACOFP newsletters.
Inspiring member stories from students and residents on the ACOFP Voice, the blog of ACOFP.
Opportunities to build leadership and networking skills through student committees, the National Student Executive Board, or the Student Governor role on the ACOFP Board of Governors.
Eligibility for student awards and special funding through the Auxiliary to ACOFP.
Participation in student programming at the ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars.

Contact the ACOFP Student Chapter Outreach Director
Contacting the Student Chapter Outreach Director can help smooth your organization's founding. They can assist you with any needs, answer any questions you may have, and will be your point of contact with ACOFP. They will get you set up with new organization funding and assist you with planning membership recruitment. ACOFP provides $500 to all new student chapters to assist with start-up costs. To take advantage of these funds, fill out the Student Chapter Request for Start-Up Funds.
Develop a Plan
There are many steps that you will need to take to make your organization official. You will need to find a Faculty Advisor at your school to support your organization and file with your school’s student affairs. With the assistance of the Student Chapter Outreach Director, you will develop a step-by-step plan to make sure you consider all parts of starting your organization.
Establish Leaders
Once you have picked an advisor and started an organization you will need to establish up to four leaders of your organization. You can hold organization elections to designate these leaders. We recommend a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer at the least. These names will then be shared with ACOFP through the Student Chapter Outreach Director.
Define Your Goals
What is it that you and the other officers would like to accomplish as an organization? This is a great time to meet with your organization leaders and faculty advisors to plan what your organization will do for the year. Your Student Chapter Outreach Director will advise you on the required actions of an ACOFP local chapter.
Hold Events and Recruit Members
Now that you have an established organization and a plan of action you can start hosting events and recruiting members. You can meet with the recruitment committee on ideas on how to recruit, and ACOFP will provide you with recruitment materials. To receive your Student Chapter Membership Recruitment Kit, fill out and submit the form with the shipping information and important dates. Once you are a more established organization you will be assigned a member of the National Student Executive Board as your ACOFP contact.
Chapter Funding ACOFP offers each ACOFP Student Chapter $750 per year (January to December) to be used for approved programs and events. ACOFP holds and manages these funds. Chapter presidents, program coordinators, and faculty advisors can submit funding requests. To take advantage of these funds, fill out and submit the Student Chapter Request for Funds Form with all receipts included.

Each COM has specific rules and regulations set by its administration for hosting events on campus. Before planning, ensure you understand and follow your school’s guidelines. Use the following tips to help make your events successful:

Host a General Meeting: At the start of the year, invite all students to a general meeting. Introduce the officers, highlight the benefits of ACOFP membership, and encourage non-members to sign up for their complimentary membership. Most importantly, ask attendees what topics interest them. Tailoring events to members' interests increases attendance and builds excitement.

Prepare Thoroughly: Always adhere to your COM’s event policies, whether on- or off-campus. If serving food, plan for an accurate headcount, organize food pickup and ensure the space is cleaned afterward. Invite all members and faculty and send thank-you notes to speakers post-event.

Stay Consistent: With many specialty chapters and clubs hosting events, consistency sets successful groups apart. Aim to hold at least one ACOFP event per month to maintain an active presence on campus.

Event planning can be daunting, so delegate responsibilities among officers to manage tasks effectively. Remember to include your events in monthly chapter reports to earn GOLD points!

If you have any questions, contact the National Student Executive Board or students@acofp.org.

ACOFP offers each ACOFP Student Chapter $750 per year (January to December) to be used for approved programs and events. ACOFP holds and manages these funds. Chapter presidents, program coordinators, and faculty advisors can submit funding requests. To take advantage of these funds, fill out and submit the Student Chapter Request for Funds Form with all receipts included.

Funds can be used for refreshments/food during programs promoting ACOFP membership, family medicine, residency programs, speaker honorariums, conventions, student chapter election activities, etc. Funds must be used at programs/events that benefit all ACOFP student members and promote family medicine. Funds can also be used as “seed” money to fundraise. For example, use your money to buy t-shirts and sell them at a profit. The ACOFP funds used to finance a fundraiser need not be returned. Monies raised in this way can be used at the chapter’s discretion.

While ACOFP fully supports chapters becoming involved with charitable organizations, ACOFP funds are intended for events directly sponsored by the chapter which will be promoted as ACOFP-sponsored events. The funds cannot be directly given to a charity, but if the chapter uses the funds to fundraise, the money that is raised can be donated. For example, the ACOFP funds can be used to purchase penlights with a school logo which are then sold for a profit and the earned money can then be donated to whatever charity the chapter decides.

Please allow 45 days to receive reimbursement by mail. Annual funds do not roll over. Please contact students@acofp.org with questions regarding reimbursements.

The GOLD points awards system is aimed at Guiding Osteopathic Leadership and Development. It also provides the National Student Executive Board with an objective way to determine end-of-the-year chapter awards.

GOLD points are awarded to chapters based on a variety of activities. See the Monthly Chapter Report for ways in which your chapter can earn points. At the end of the year, the National Student Executive Board will tally all points earned. Please familiarize yourself with the awards criteria.

One of the goals of the GOLD point system is to encourage continued communication between the student chapters and the National Student Executive Board. If a chapter is not communicating as expected, the National Student Executive Board will take steps to reestablish proper communication.

The current protocol for lack of communication begins with an attempt to contact the current student chapter president. If the chapter president cannot be reached, the chapter’s faculty advisor will be notified of the communication failure. In extreme cases where this does not amend the problem, the chair of family medicine at the COM may be notified. In situations where these steps must be initiated, there is the possibility of a loss of GOLD points for that chapter.

While the intent of the GOLD point system is not to penalize chapters, some circumstances will result in the loss of points. This is especially true in the case of failure to communicate as expected. Some of the infractions and penalties that could be incurred include:

Late Chapter Reports: Loss of 1 GOLD point per late report
Failure to Communicate: Loss of up to 5 GOLD points

Other penalties can be assessed at the discretion of the National Student Executive Board. Questions can be directed to students@acofp.org.

Having an ACOFP leader speak to your chapter is a great way to promote family medicine. ACOFP can assist in choosing a speaker and will cover their travel expenses. Requests should be made by submitting the Speaker Request Form at least 60 days prior to your event.

Your chapter will receive two additional GOLD Points for each event that features a Leader/VIP.

ACOFP National President
ACOFP Board of Governor
ACOFP State Society leaders
ACOFP Fellows and Distinguished Fellows
Family Medicine Residency Directors

To request a visit from the ACOFP President or Board of Governor:

Coordinate three dates with your faculty advisor that would ensure a large audience for the speaker.
Determine topics that would be well received by your chapter.
Submit the Speaker Request Form and contact Annie DeVries to make travel arrangements.

To make the most of your event:

Serve lunch to all who attend.
Invite all students and faculty.
Promote the event via email and social media.

Don’t forget to include details of the event in your chapter report to earn your GOLD points! Please contact your ACOFP liaison if you would like recommendations for speakers.

Strengthen your leadership skills by joining an ACOFP student committee, applying for the National Student Executive Board, or serving as the Student Governor on the ACOFP Board of Governors.

National Student Executive Board (NSEB)

The NSEB consists of five roles: President, Vice President, Secretary, Parliamentarian, and Chapter Outreach Director, each serving a one-year term. Board members serve as liaisons to student chapters and committees, reviewing reports, awarding points, and coordinating programming.

Candidates for the NSEB will submit information and video speeches, which will be shared with current student chapter presidents and one chapter officer for online voting during the ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars. The incoming NSEB is announced during the student program.

Student Governor on the ACOFP Board of Governors

Serve a one-year term as the Student Governor on the ACOFP Board of Governors. This prestigious role is open to second or third-year osteopathic medical students who are in good academic standing, have been active members of the Student Association of ACOFP for at least one academic year, and have held a leadership position as a student chapter officer or NSEB officer.

Candidates must demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a commitment to professional, philanthropic, or public service projects. Responsibilities include attending up to three in-person meetings annually (with travel subsidized by ACOFP) and participating in monthly virtual meetings.

Student National Committees

Join one of the four ACOFP Student National Committees for a one-year term to build leadership skills, network, and contribute to advancing osteopathic family medicine. Each committee includes a Chair, Secretary, Members, and a National Student Executive Board liaison.

Student Committees and Charges

Student Education Committee: This committee engages students and promotes educational growth by exploring topics relevant to osteopathic family medicine, conducting research, and publishing resources through ACOFP.
Student Membership Recruitment Committee: This committee supports chapter leadership by developing resources and incentives for membership recruitment and guiding recruitment efforts at local chapters.
Student Public Relations Committee: Promote student involvement by managing campaigns and showcasing engagement through ACOFP’s communication channels, including social media.
Student Resolutions Committee: Represent students by researching, developing, and submitting resolutions to the ACOFP Congress of Delegates on issues relevant to student members and osteopathic family medicine.

Additional Opportunities

Engage with your local ACOFP affiliate societies for networking and professional development.

If you have any questions, contact the National Student Executive Board or students@acofp.org.

ACOFP Student Chapter Presidents are invited to attend the Annual ACOFP Convention and Scientific. Registration is FREE for students and dedicated student programming is offered on Friday and Saturday, featuring physician and resident panel discussions and hands-on workshops.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the ACOFP Congress of Delegates, with Session One held virtually in March and Session Two in person on the Wednesday of the convention.

ACOFP offers a travel stipend of up to $1,000 per chapter for the current or incoming ACOFP Student Chapter President. This is the maximum reimbursable amount. If additional funding is required, please contact your local affiliate society or your school for support.

Travel Stipend Guidelines

Current or incoming ACOFP Student Chapter Presidents are eligible for a travel stipend of up to $1,000 to attend the ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars. This stipend may be applied to airfare, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation. Reimbursement requests must be submitted using the Student Chapter President Reimbursement Request for Travel form, with all receipts attached, starting January 1 until June 1. ACOFP reserves the right to withhold reimbursement for expenses deemed inappropriate or excessive. Please note that additional hotel nights, internet charges, and personal meals are not reimbursable.

Hotel: ACOFP has a limited number of discounted rooms for students at designated hotel/s. Students must stay in the ACOFP room block to avoid penalties. Please visit the ACOFP convention website for dates, locations, and hotel rates.
Registration: ACOFP is free for students to attend the Annual Convention. Register online or call (847) 952-5100.
Airfare: ACOFP will reimburse for the cost of one round-trip non-refundable coach airfare along with luggage fees for one checked bag. ACOFP typically offers special flight rates with several major airlines.
Ground Transportation: ACOFP will reimburse your ground transportation to/from the airport and ground transportation to/from your home airport. Receipts must be submitted for reimbursement.

ACOFP is here to help support your efforts for recruitment and engagement. Here are our brand guidelines and if any additional marketing materials are needed, please reach out to students@acofp.org.

Chapter President Resources

Providing Support

For you and your Chapter

Your resources for success

Awards

ACOFP Student Chapter

Officer Guidelines

Officer Responsibilities

Chapter President

Chapter Vice President

Chapter Secretary

Chapter Treasurer