After Joining FAQs

What is NSC’s points requirement?

Requirements change each points period, which typically lasts 4-5 weeks. Members will have lots of opportunities to achieve points requirements; we understand that you have many other obligations outside of NSC! 

What if I have a time conflict during the general meeting time (Mondays from 5-6 PM)?
Unfortunately, GMs are mandatory for NSC members. If there are any extenuating circumstances you would like to discuss, please contact our Vice President at nsc.ut.vice.president@gmail.com.

How will I be assigned to a committee? Can I switch committees in the future?

After being offered an acceptance to NSC, each member will have a chance to rank each committee based on personal preferences and goals. If you are conflicted about how to rank committees, keep in mind that you will have a chance to sit with all the committees for a short period of time to see how each one really functions before the sorting process.

Our Membership Director tries to sort as many people as they can into one of their top 3 committees. Even if you are not put into one of your top choices, you will have the option to switch into something new the following semester, and you will have plenty of opportunities to work with all committees. Rest assured, most members grow to love their committee and there are always opportunities to collaborate across council to cater to your interests.

At the end of each semester, an Intent to Return survey is sent out to general members. On the form, you will be asked to rank your top-choice committees and given an opportunity to change committees. The Membership Director will review each member’s rankings and assign committees based on these preferences. You can change committees every semester or stay in the same one!

Will there be opportunities to work with more than one committee?

Yes! NSC has a number of projects that function via ad-hoc (temporary) committees which any member of council can join. These are typically led by one or two committee chairs/members and encompass multiple committee goals. Examples of this include the Curie Diaries ad-hoc, the Recruitment ad-hoc, and the Endowment ad-hoc.

Furthermore, there are some council-wide responsibilities that all members of council are welcome to engage with, such as writing legislation, hosting our yearly Natural Sciences week for all CNS students, and participating in weekly Community Involvement initiatives. There are also lots of opportunities for cross-committee collaboration. Many committees find projects to work on together!

What kind of opportunities for social engagement does NSC have?

NSC’s Internal Relations Committee puts on a number of social events throughout the year, including our Committee Cup, Broomball, and an end-of-year banquet. For more information, you can visit the Internal Relations page. Additionally, committees also host their own socials, so you will have opportunities to get to know the people you work most closely with. NSC prides itself on promoting a close-knit environment-many of our members have become lifelong friends from having met in council.

What kind of opportunities for community engagement does NSC have?

NSC’s Community Involvement Committee puts on a number of service events throughout the year, including Young Scientists, Kids Who Code, and CNS Week of Service. You do not need to be in the Community Involvement committee to participate in these service events. For more information, you can visit the Community Involvement page.