Counselors & Advisors Committee (C&A)

Supporting Student Branch Counselors and Chapter Advisors across Latin America and the Caribbean — resources, training, recognition, and community.

About the Committee

The Counselors & Advisors Committee (C&A) is a newly established Ad-Hoc Committee within the IEEE Region 9 Student Activities structure. It was created to strengthen the role of Student Branch Counselors and Chapter Advisors across Latin America and the Caribbean.

🎯 Mission

To strengthen Counselors and Advisors in Region 9, empowering them to lead sustainable, innovative, and high-impact Student Branches and Chapters.

🔭 Vision

To build a strong community that inspires the next generation of engineers and leaders in Latin America, positioning Region 9 as the global IEEE leader in counselor and advisor development.

This committee works in close coordination with the Region 9 Regional Director and is part of the Region 9 Student Activities Committee.

Committee contact: s.hidalgo@ieee.org  |  r9.ieee.org

Roles: Counselor & Chapter Advisor

IEEE Student Branches are supported by two distinct volunteer roles. Understanding the difference helps counselors and advisors operate effectively and claim the resources available to them.

🎓 Student Branch Counselor

  • Faculty member and active IEEE member
  • Appointed by Section Chair for a 2-year term
  • Guides the Branch Executive Committee
  • Official liaison between Branch, Section, Region & IEEE HQ
  • Promotes the welfare of IEEE at the institution
  • Oversees Annual Activity Report / Annual Plan (due March 15, per MGA 2026)
  • Reports officers in vTools after each change
  • Helps students explore continued IEEE involvement after graduation, in coordination with the Young Professionals Committee

🔧 Student Branch Chapter Advisor

  • Member of the sponsoring IEEE Society (e.g. ComSoc, PES, RAS)
  • Selected by the petitioning students together with the Counselor, at the moment the Chapter is established
  • Guides a specific technical Chapter within the Branch
  • Coordinates with the Society for funding & resources
  • Reports to both the Branch and the Society
  • Manages Chapter officer reporting in vTools
  • Promotes technical activities & Society programs
  • Minimum 6 IEEE student members required per Chapter

You can hold both roles. Always remember to consult the official documents and the following resources:

First Steps

Just starting out? Here are the essential first steps to get your Student Branch or Chapter running effectively from day one.

  1. Confirm your appointment in vTools

    Make sure your name is reported as Counselor or Advisor in vTools Officer Reporting. Without this, you cannot access Branch data or submit reports.

  2. Read the official manuals

    Start with the MORE IEEE R9 Manual (Spanish) and the Guide for Student Branch Officers to understand the full scope of your role.

  3. Meet your Branch Executive Committee

    Schedule an early meeting with Branch officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) to review the year’s goals and set a shared calendar of activities.

  4. Submit your Annual Plan

    Use vTools Student Branch Reporting to submit the Annual Plan by March 15. This is required to receive rebates.

  5. Connect with your Section SSAC

    Your Section Student Activities Chair (SSAC) is your closest point of support within IEEE. Reach out early to introduce yourself and ask about available resources and upcoming events.

  6. Contact the CC&A Committee

    We are here to help. — we offer mentoring, training resources in Spanish and Portuguese, and a community of experienced counselors across Latin America.

Key Resources

These are the most important tools, guides, and programs available to counselors and advisors. All links are official IEEE sources.

⚙️ vTools — Required Reporting

 
🔧 vTools Officer ReportingReport Branch Chair, Counselor, and all officer changes — required after every election.
 
📋 vTools Student Branch ReportingSubmit your Annual Plan (by March 15) and Annual Activity Report (by Nov 1) to qualify for rebates.
 
📅 vTools Events ReportingReport at least 4 events per year. Required to maintain Branch standing and receive rebates.
 
👥 vTools Applications HubFull list of all vTools applications for IEEE volunteers, including knowledge base & tutorials.
 

📖 Operations & Official Guides

 
🎬 IEEE Student Branch Counselor Training (IEEE.tv)Official IEEE.tv training video covering the role, responsibilities, and best practices for Student Branch Counselors. Essential viewing for new and returning counselors.
 
📘 «MORE IEEE R9» — Region 9 IEEE Student Branch Operations ManualThe essential reference for Counselors in Region 9 — roles, responsibilities, calendar, and best practices. In Spanish.
 
🎓 A Guide for Student Branch OfficersPractical slide-based guide covering everything a Branch officer and Counselor needs to know to run an effective Branch.
 
🗂️ MGA Student Branch Operations (mga.ieee.org)Official MGA hub for Branch operations, rebates, officer responsibilities, and OU Analytics.
 
📄 Student Branch Development Calendar (PDF)Month-by-month checklist of what Counselors and Branch officers need to do throughout the year.
 
🏛️ Formations & Petitions (Branches and Chapters)How to form a new Student Branch, Chapter, or Affinity Group — step-by-step petition process.
 

💰 Funding & Rebates

 
💵 Student Branch Rebates and Funding — Eligibility & How to ApplyUSD $2/member + $1/Chapter member rebate. Requires: ≥1 active officer reported, Annual Plan submitted, 4+ events reported in vTools.
 
🎯 SPAx — Student Professional Awareness Program FundingFunding for professional awareness programs organized by Student Branches.
 
🌿 STEM Grant for Community OutreachFunding to support STEM outreach activities reaching pre-university students.
 

🚀 Programs for Student Branches

 
🔩 EPICS in IEEEEngineering Projects In Community Service — funding, mentorship & resources for socially impactful student projects.
 
🌍 SIGHT — Special Interest Group on Humanitarian TechnologyCreate a SIGHT group in your Branch to tackle local humanitarian challenges using technology. Funding available.
 
🏫 TryEngineeringFree educational resources for pre-university outreach. Lesson plans, activities, and materials for Branches to run school-level events.
 
🎤 Virtual Speakers Bureau (VSB)Request a free IEEE speaker for your Branch. 300+ topics in 17 languages — request directly for your next event.
 
💻 IEEEXtreme Programming CompetitionGlobal 24-hour programming contest for IEEE student members. Advisors and Counselors serve as proctors.
 

🛠️ Member Tools & Analytics

 
📊 OU Analytics — Member Data for CounselorsCounselors and Branch Chairs can access membership data for their organizational unit.
 
📋 IEEE RostersFind contact information for IEEE volunteers across sections, branches, and committees.
 
🎓 Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE)Free leadership and professional development training for all IEEE volunteers and members.
 

🌎 Region 9 — SAC Resources

 
📡 R9 SAC Team — Student Activities HomeRegion 9 Student Activities main page — announcements, contests, and SBRM information.
 
📹 IEEE R9 SAC Team — Training Videos (YouTube)Recordings of past Student Leadership Trainings and CC&A webinars. Free access for all counselors.
 
⚡SPARK Program — Region 9Intensive leadership training for experienced Counselors (3+ years). Funded by IEEE Foundation. Applied at Region 9 level.
 
🏆 Region 9 Awards & RecognitionFull list of R9-specific awards including the Outstanding Counselor Award, Darrel Chong, and SAC Team contests.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Mark these dates in your calendar. Missing them can mean losing rebates or Branch standing. All deadlines are confirmed per the MGA Operations Manual 2026.

MARCH 15
Annual Plan Submission
Via sbr.vtools.ieee.org, required to qualify for the rebate.
DECEMBER 31
Membership count for rebate
Rebates are calculated on active members as of this date.
YEAR-ROUND
Event Reporting
Minimum 4 events/year via vTools Events.
FEBRUARY 28
Annual Financial Report
Student Branch financials reported to the parent geographic unit by this date.
Requirements to receive the rebate

Source: IEEE MGA Operations Manual 2026 (February 2026) & IEEE R9 Manual of Operations 2025 (March 2025)

Awards & Recognition

These awards recognize the outstanding work of counselors, advisors, and student branches. Nominate yourself or a colleague — starting February 1 each year — each award has its own deadline. Check the MGA Awards portal for specific dates.

🎖️ Outstanding Branch Counselor & Chapter Advisor Award
MGA award recognizing up to 10 outstanding counselors worldwide (one per region). Cash award + official recognition. Deadline: February 1 via the Student Awards Portal.

→ Learn more & nominate

⭐ Darrel Chong Student Activity Award
Recognizes outstanding student branch activities. Counselor must co-sign the nomination. Categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum. Deadline: February 1.

→ Nomination guide

🏅 Larry K. Wilson Regional Student Activities Award
Recognizes exceptional voluntary service by a student to their IEEE Student Branch and to the IEEE Region. Nominated through the Region.

→ Award details

🌎 IEEE Regional Exemplary Student Branch Award
Recognizes Student Branches that have demonstrated outstanding activities and impact. Branches in Region 9 are eligible to apply and be recognized at the regional level.

→ Award details

Congratulations to New Counselors and Advisors

NEW REGION 9 LEADERS — FIRST SEMESTER 2026

10
New Student
Branch Counselors
14
New WIE
Affinity Group Advisors
65
New Technical
Chapter Advisors

Welcome, IEEE Region 9 Counselors and Advisors. You are now part of a community of leaders who, through their experience and commitment to service, inspire, guide, and shape the next generations of engineers. Thank you for being part of the future of IEEE in Latin America.

Let us meet and congratulate our new Counselors and Advisors

New Student Branch Counselors

 

NameUniversityIEEE SectionIEEE Grade
Gilda RomeroUniversidad Tecnologica Nacional-ResistenciaArgentina SectionMember
Vitor CastroUnifesspa – Federal Univ of South and Southeast ParáCentro-Norte Brasil SectionMember
Luis Alberto Cruz SalazarAntonio Narino UniversityColombia SectionSenior Member
Erick HansenUniversidad Jorge Tadeo LozanoColombia SectionMember
Jose Miguel Sanchez De La HozUniversity of AtlánticoColombian Caribbean SectionGraduate Student Member
Darwin CasaligllaUniversidad Politécnica Estatal del CarchiEcuador SectionMember
Job Acosta TorresUniversidad Evangélica de El SalvadorEl Salvador SectionMember
Rafael RevelesInstituto Politécnico Nacional-UPIIZGuadalajara SectionMember
Estuardo SandovalUniversidad del IstmoGuatemala SectionMember
Victor EspadasTecnologico de SoftwareYucatan SubsectionSenior Member

New WIE Student Branch Affinity Group Advisors

 

NameUniversityIEEE SectionIEEE Grade
Diego ComasUniversidad Nacional de Mar del PlataArgentina SectionSenior Member
Ianca Moraes Silva de JesusUniversidade Federal de Mato Grosso do SulCentro-Norte Brasil SectionMember
Adriana Lopez VargasAntonio Narino UniversityColombia SectionMember
Sofia LauraUniversidad del ValleColombia SectionGraduate Student Member
Ruthber Rodriguez SerrezuelaCorporación Universitaria del Huila – CORHUILAColombia SectionSenior Member
Daniela Tupiza PeraltaUniversidad Central del EcuadorEcuador SectionMember
Alma AlanisUniversidad de GuadalajaraGuadalajara SectionSenior Member
María del Rosario OrdóñezChapingo Autonomous UniversityMexico SectionMember
Marianne SilvaUniversidade Federal de AlagoasNortheast Brazil SectionMember
Danielle DelgadoInstituto Federal da Bahia-Paulo AfonsoNortheast Brazil SectionSenior Member
Andrea Maria RibeiroUniversidade Federal de PernambucoNortheast Brazil SectionMember
Maria AlvarezUniversidad Privada del EsteParaguay SectionMember
Vilma Sarmiento MamaniUniversidad Nacional de JuliacaPeru SectionSenior Member
Jonathan NancooWest Indies Univ of The-St AugustineTrinidad And Tobago SectionGraduate Student Member

New Student Branch Technical Chapter Advisors

NameUniversityIEEE SectionSociety ChapterIEEE Grade
Leonardo VazquezUniversidad Nacional de Mar del PlataArgentina SectionCAS04Graduate Student Member
Wilder Coyo LlanqueUniversidad Mayor de San AndresBolivia SectionEMB18Graduate Student Member
Franklin Antezana MedinaUniversidad Publica de El AltoBolivia SectionPE31Member
Andrés GutiérrezUniversidad Católica Boliviana La PazBolivia SectionCS23Member
José Enrique Munguia TapiaInstituto Tecnológico De Lázaro CárdenasCentro Occidente SectionPE31Member
Fillipe VasconcelosFederal University of Mato GrossoCentro-Norte Brasil SectionIE13Senior Member
Milton Sarria-PajaIcesi UniversityColombia SectionCIS11Member
Rodolfo VillamizarUniversidad Industrial de SantanderColombia SectionCS23Member
Hans Garcia ArenasUniversidad Industrial de SantanderColombia SectionC16Member
Monica Botero L.Universidad Industrial de SantanderColombia SectionE25Member
David Delgadillo LeguizamoAntonio Narino UniversityColombia SectionTEM14Graduate Student Member
Wilfredo AlfonsoUniversidad del ValleColombia SectionC16Senior Member
Ruthber Rodriguez SerrezuelaCorporación Universitaria del Huila–CORHUILAColombia SectionRA24Senior Member
Fernand Diaz FrancoUniversidad SurcolombianaColombia SectionPE31Member
Jairo AltamarUniversidad del MagdalenaColombian Caribbean SectionOE22Member
Sonia Helena Contreras OrtizUniversidad Tecnológica De BolívarColombian Caribbean SectionEMB18Senior Member
David Sierra PortaUniversidad Tecnológica De BolívarColombian Caribbean SectionAES10Senior Member
George Washington Archbold TaylorUniversidad Tecnológica De BolívarColombian Caribbean SectionCAS04Senior Member
Fredy CuervoUniv Cooperativa de Colombia Sede Santa MartaColombian Caribbean SectionNPS05Member
Kelly VillaUniversidad de la CostaColombian Caribbean SectionCIS11Member
Humberto Lopez TorresInstitución Universitaria de BarranquillaColombian Caribbean SectionRA24Member
Sindy ChamorroUniversidad Simón BolívarColombian Caribbean SectionED15Graduate Student Member
Carlos PeñafielUniversidad Nacional de ChimborazoEcuador SectionAP03Member
Karla FreireYachay Tech UniversityEcuador SectionGRS29Member
Angel MiguelYachay Tech UniversityEcuador SectionRA24Member
Rosa Estefania Almache HernandezYachay Tech UniversityEcuador SectionNANO42Member
Manuel Eugenio Morocho-CayamcelaYachay Tech UniversityEcuador SectionCIS11Senior Member
Bryan VinuezaUniversidad Internacional del EcuadorEcuador SectionC16 / COM19Member
Isabel Chuizaca EspinozaEscuela Superior Politécnica del LitoralEcuador SectionGRS29Graduate Student Member
Jonathan González EspinosaUniversidad Nacional De LojaEcuador SectionC16Member
Anthony MoranUniversidad Técnica Estatal de QuevedoEcuador SectionRA24Member
Jimmy Vaca GonzálezUniversidad Técnica Estatal de QuevedoEcuador SectionTEM14Member
Azael Mora NúñezUniversidad de GuadalajaraGuadalajara SectionIE13Member
Anuar Beltrán-GonzálezUniversidad de GuadalajaraGuadalajara SectionC16Member
Luis Ledesma-CarrilloUniversidad de GuanajuatoGuanajuato SectionIM09Member
José Maria MatiasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma De MéxicoMexico SectionAES10Member
Mariell GuzmánUniversidad Autónoma de ChihuahuaMexico SectionEMB18Member
Belem SaldivarCinvestav ZacatencoMexico SectionCS23Member
Victor PonceCentro de Investigación en ComputaciónMexico SectionSSC37Member
Juan Olguin RojasChapingo Autonomous UniversityMexico SectionC16Member
Humberto Sebastian GarciaChapingo Autonomous UniversityMexico SectionPE31Member
Raphael MarcominiUniversidade Federal De Juiz De ForaMinas Gerais SectionVT06Member
Carlos PiresUniversidade Federal De Juiz De ForaMinas Gerais SectionC16Graduate Student Member
Joao Lucas SantosUniversidade Federal De Juiz De ForaMinas Gerais SectionAP03Graduate Student Member
Lucas CoelhoUniversidade Federal De Juiz De ForaMinas Gerais SectionAES10Graduate Student Member
Victor Salazar EsproncedaUniversidad Autónoma de Nuevo LeónMonterrey SectionCOM19Member
Juan Mauricio VillanuevaUniversidade Federal da ParaíbaNortheast Brazil SectionSMC27Senior Member
Victor AguiarUniversidade Federal Rural do Semi-ÁridoNortheast Brazil SectionIE13Member
Eduardo BaezUniversidad Privada del EsteParaguay SectionPE31Member
Manuel YarlequePontificia Universidad Católica del PerúPeru SectionMTT17Member
Ruth Esther Rubio NoriegaPontificia Universidad Católica del PerúPeru SectionPHO36Member
Jorge MendozaInst Superior Técnico Privado TECSUPPeru SectionIA34Member
Carlos RaymundoUniversidad Peruana de Ciencias AplicadasPeru SectionE25Senior Member
Carlos ReyesInst Nac De Astrofísica, Óptica & ElectrónicaPuebla SectionEMB18Senior Member
Yoxkin Estevez-MartínezInst Téc Superior de Acatlán de OsorioPuebla SectionPE31Member
Erick DelvizioUniversidade Veiga de Almeida UVARio De Janeiro SectionC16Senior Member
Gabriel AreasInstituto Federal Fluminense-MacaéRio De Janeiro SectionE25Member
João Souza BaptistaInstituto Federal Fluminense-MacaéRio De Janeiro SectionIE13Member
Rogério Atem De CarvalhoInstituto Federal Fluminense-CentroRio De Janeiro SectionC16Senior Member
Diego CastroCefet/RJRio De Janeiro SectionIE13Senior Member
Alicia BonillaEscola de Engenharia de São CarlosSouth Brazil SectionEMB18Graduate Student Member
Marco WehrmeisterUniversidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáSouth Brazil SectionIE13Member
Azim AbdoolWest Indies Univ Of The-St AugustineTrinidad And Tobago SectionED15Member
Agustín Gallardo-del-ÁngelUniversidad Veracruzana FIEVeracruz SectionAES10Member
Juana Mendoza PonceUniversidad Veracruzana Ing Boca del RíoVeracruz SectionTEM14Member
Dibinm GeorgeUniversity of Puerto Rico-MayagüezWestern Puerto Rico SectionAP03Senior Member

Society chapter codes: CAS04=Circuits & Systems · EMB18=Engineering in Medicine & Biology · PE31=Power & Energy · CS23=Control Systems · IE13=Industrial Electronics · C16=Communications · AES10=Aerospace & Electronic Systems · CIS11=Computational Intelligence · RA24=Robotics & Automation · TEM14=Technology & Engineering Management · GRS29=Geoscience & Remote Sensing · NANO42=Nanotechnology · COM19=Communications · IM09=Instrumentation & Measurement · SSC37=Systems Science & Cybernetics · VT06=Vehicular Technology · SMC27=Systems, Man & Cybernetics · MTT17=Microwave Theory & Techniques · PHO36=Photonics · IA34=Industry Applications · OE22=Oceanic Engineering · NPS05=Nuclear & Plasma Sciences · ED15=Education · AP03=Antennas & Propagation · E25=Electron Devices