IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu
who, what, why, how?
The honor society of IEEE
Nancy Ostin, IEEE-HKN Director
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What is IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu?
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We are the honor society of IEEE
Founded in 1904 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign as Eta Kappa Nu; merged with IEEE in
2010 to become IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu
240 Chapters at colleges and universities worldwide
Candidates are invited to join based on their academic
ranking, their character and attitude. The goal is to be
the catalyst for the development of “The Complete
Technical Professional.”
Recognized around the globe as the one honor society
that represents the highest values of our profession.
Why Join IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu?
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Employers around the world recognize the designation
of HKN and understand that IEEE-HKN members are of
the best candidates and are well-rounded, articulate,
and community minded.
Network with the top students at major universities.
Access to key university decision makers for references,
research, graduate school and beyond.
By sharing a tradition with nearly 200,000 IEEE-HKN
inductees worldwide, this network will help develop your
education, career, and professional growth.
Benefits of IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu
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Be distinguished from other students through a recognition that
acknowledges your academic achievements.
Provides leadership opportunities for your professional
development: both on the local level (as a Chapter officer) and
the global level (at conferences, on committees).
THE BRIDGE, the official publication of IEEE-HKN, offers
valuable resources to members and invites students to submit
papers for publication.
Be recognized for your achievements through awards in
categories such as Outstanding Student, Outstanding Chapter,
Outstanding Young Professional; other awards given for service
to universities and technical expertise
Student Leadership Conference
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The Annual IEEE-HKN Student Leadership Conference is free
for all IEEE-HKN student members. Attendees participate in
networking, learn from distinguished speakers, and attend
chapter development activities are extremely valuable.
The BRIDGE
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The signature publication of IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu is THE
BRIDGE. Named after the “wheatstone bridge,” the
symbolism reflects IEEE-HKN’s goal to assist members
to obtain balance in their professional and personal
lives.
All members receive a complimentary subscription.
THE BRIDGE is published three times a year.
The BRIDGE is available on www.hkn.org.
Who Can Join IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu?
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Academic criteria is established for your country and
university; typically includes the top students in their
2
nd
, 3
rd
, or 4
th
year of their first academic degree.
Character: An individual must be of exceptional
character demonstrating such character to their peers.
Attitude: An individual must have the proper attitude
to work hard, continually challenging himself/herself,
willing to help others, and to use their talents and
superior skills in service to their university, department
and peers.
IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu Induction Categories
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Candidates must meet the criteria established and invited to join
by their Chapter:
Undergraduate students those pursuing their first
academic degree in their second through fourth year.
Graduate Students are inducted based on faculty
recommendation.
Faculty Members are encouraged to join to support the
work of the Chapter.
Professional Members those who have done meritorious
work in one of the areas of the IEEE-designated technical
fields.
What Does an IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu
Student Chapter Do?
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Identifies and invites candidates to join their chapter
as IEEE-HKN members
Organizes scholarly activities such as technical talks,
industry visits, distinguished lecturers
Enjoys a close relationship with faculty and often
invites faculty for lunch or special sessions
Chapters assist their peers through tutoring, exam
preparation, peer mentoring, technical competitions,
community outreach to pre-University students, and to
the community at large
How Is An IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu Chapter
Different From An IEEE Student Branch?
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You must be invited to join
IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu students are expected to perform
community service to their Universities, Departments,
peers, and the community. Last year, the 23 Chapter
recognized as “Outstanding” a cumulative 50,000
hours of service for an average of 50 hours per person
IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu students serve as role models to
others, always demonstrating our highest ideals
IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu students develop programs for
others; the focus is on being of service to others,
developing skills, and commitment to the profession
Can We Work with the IEEE Student Branch?
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YES!!!!
There are several models used for cooperation, The
program is flexible to best accommodate what will
work for your Chapter:
Independent Model the two operate independently of each
other
Collaborative Model the two operate separately but
collaborate on projects and activities
Integrated Model operate as a sub-unit of the Student
Branch, individuals holds similar officer positions and share
the Faculty Advisor/Branch Counselor
Other (to be determined by needs)
Benefit to the University of an
IEEE-HKN Student Chapter
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Chapters provide service to the student body
Some Examples:
Tutoring Programs Outreach Social
Homework
help/tutoring
sessions
Tech talks for
all students
STEM
outreach
Food drives,
movie nights,
contests
Exam prep,
course guides
Industry
visits, career
programs
Community
projects
(robotics)
Lunch/dinner
with professors
Grad school,
research
help, lab
sessions
Leadership
programs,
ceremonies
Pre-
University
engineering
projects
Pre-exam party
to relieve
stress
Benefit to the Department of an
IEEE-HKN Student Chapter
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Recognition of the
Scholastic achievements
of the student body
recruitment incentive
Course Guides and peer
advising
Tutoring and homework
help. Exam Prep
workshops and labs
Ambassadors for the
department to
prospective students,
alumni and donors
Town Hall for all
students, Introduction
to Engineering for new
students
Communities Helped
by IEEE-HKN Chapters
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Habitat for Humanity, Engineering 4 Kids, “Rebuilding
Together” low income housing restoration, Staff or
Professor Appreciation Day, Food Pantry, Clothing
Drives, Inter-Society activities, Engineering Sports Day,
Trick or Treat for UNICEF, BrushBots, Science Night,
Scholarships, Project Accessibility, Lego Robots,
Faraday Flashlights, “laser field” at a community day,
Augmented Reality Workshop, Junkyard Derby, Admit
Day, Highway Clean-up, Resume and Interview
workshop, High School Robotics Clubs, charity volleyball
tournament, E-day fundraiser, blood drive, snack night
socials, and so much more.
Requirements to Form An IEEE-Eta
Kappa Nu Chapter
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Recently formed Chapters in Regions 710
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Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering
The University of Hong Kong
Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada)
National University of Singapore
Texas A&M University at Qatar
Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey Mexico
The Paperwork
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More details on the process for forming an IEEE-HKN Chapter is on the IEEE-
HKN Website
http://www.hkn.org/admin/new_chapter.asp
1. Contact info@hkn.org to start the process
2. Letter from a minimum of at least 8 eligible
students wishing to establish the chapter and
become its charter members
3. Letter of endorsement from the university officials to establish the chapter
and support its formation on campus
4. Letter from university officials stating the school met requirements of a
recognized regional or professional accrediting agency
5. Proposed operations manual for the new chapter
Famous IEEE-HKN Inductees
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Vinton Cerf
Steve Wozniak
Gordon Moore
Vincent Poor
Leah Jamieson
Questions?
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For more information, contact
Nancy Ostin
IEEE-HKN Director
Phone: +1 732 465 6611
For general questions
Email:
Visit: www.hkn.org
Facebook: “IEEE Eta Kappa Nu”
Twitter: @IEEE_EtaKappaNu