The STC board of directors has adopted a more stringent definition of student membership. To be eligible for student membership, a member must now be a full-time student. Previously, professional technical communicators enrolled in part-time continuing education classes could qualify for student membership. The new definition ensures that the benefits of student membership are available, as intended, only to students.

The new definition amends Article III, Section 2B of the STC Bylaws and reads as follows: "Student Member. To be eligible for student membership, an applicant must be (1) enrolled in an accredited university, college, community college, or technical school; and (2) be considered a full-time student according to the criteria of the school he or she is attending; and (3) preparing for a career in technical communication."