Pi Sigma are elected by the chapters for two-year terms. Associate Councilors, students themselves, are also nominated by the chapters and are elected for one-year terms. Both Councilors and Associate Councilors participate in zone activities and in the annual policy-making meeting of the Council. Councilors organize committees within zones and serve on committees of the National Council. The Director of SPS is a salaried physicist, designated by AIP to administer the National Office's services and programs for SPS members.
Chapters promote activities for all students interested in physics.
They act as a service organization for the physics department and help to popularize physics with the general collegiate public. Chapters are encouraged to assist students in developing the knowledge, competence, enthusiasm, and social responsibility essential to the advancement of physics. They provide the opportunity to develop closer interaction between students and faculty in both social and professional activities. Eligible SPS chapters, with a Sigma Pi Sigma chapter, award recognition and distinction to students who have achieved high scholarship by electing them to membership in Sigma Pi Sigma. The remaining costs are covered by AIP funds.