We Have an Organization for You
At the University of Tennessee Southern, we know how important it is for students to be actively engaged in campus life and our surrounding community. Student Affairs staff is happy to help you find the clubs and organizations that best fit you. Whether you choose to be an active member or accept a leadership position, your contributions will be invaluable to the organizations you join.
Starting A Student Organization
Student organizations are voluntary associations of University of Tennessee Southern students, which are legally separate entities from the University. Student organizations are student-initiated and student-run. Student organizations that are registered with University of Tennessee Southern may have access to certain University-controlled benefits and resources, such as facility use and funding eligibility.
Please see the Procedures & Guidelines below for complete details on starting and maintaining a Registered Student Organization.
Steps To Starting A Student Organization
The following procedure must be used for groups seeking recognition as The University of Tennessee Southern organizations:
Step 1: Recruit Student Members
All RSO’s require five currently enrolled UT Southern students to start an organization. Student Affairs staff can help in gauging interest in and advertising potential new RSOs.
Step 2: Find an Advisor
All RSO’s are required to have an advisor. Verified Campus Ministries are allowed to have the lead religious official of their affiliate place of worship serve as their advisor, though additional requirements apply. For all other RSOs, the advisor must be a full-time UT Southern faculty or staff member.
Step 3: Create a Constitution and Bylaws
All RSO’s require a Constitution to be submitted and renewed each year. Social fraternities and sororities may be required to submit the equivalent from national affiliates or other pertinent information.
The constitution must contain the following information:
- The name of the organization
- A statement of purpose for the organization
- Membership eligibility requirements
- A listing of officers by title and any special functions of the officers/positions, and a statement of the terms of the officers and the time and methods for election
- A statement detailing any membership dues, including amount and frequency of payment and provision for the disposition of any funds (in the event of dissolution of the organization)
- Provision for faculty/staff advisor(s)
- A dissolution clause
Some organizations, usually those that are chapters of a national organization, will also have bylaws that dictate additional rules and procedures. Any bylaws must be submitted along with the Constitution.
Step 4: Submit a New Student Organization Application
New organizations may begin the registration process by submitting an Application (available online or in the Office of Student Activities). Organizations are required to submit a constitution along with their application. Local chapters of regional or national organizations, including campus ministries, will be required to submit their local constitution and, in addition, any statements of their parent organization to which their local constitution refers or which determine local policy above and beyond that which is stated in the local constitution.
Step 5: Recognition Review
After an initial review by Student Affairs staff, the application will be passed on to the Dean of Students. If there are changes, additions or inaccuracies that need to be corrected with the request, the student who submitted the application will be contacted and given feedback and instructions on the corrections needed.
Approval and Notification Process
The student who submitted the application will be contacted will be notified in writing if/when the RSO is approved by the University. In the case of denial of recognition, an appeal process is available.
The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and other senior leadership members will be notified of the creation of any new RSO.
Once an organization is established and active, it must fulfill the following requirements to maintain its recognition as an RSO at the university
Active Student Organizations
- Bad Bass Anglers Fishing and Conservation Club – The purpose of this student organization is to (a) learn and teach others about fish and how to fish, set up fishing equipment, tie knots, and become experienced anglers; (b) participate in conservation projects; (c) connect with others through the outdoors and nature.
- Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) – The purpose of the BCM is to help UTS students understand a life in Jesus Christ by equipping them to serve their campus, the local community, and area churches. We accomplish this through group meetings and service projects on and off campus.
- Chemistry Club – The purpose of this organization is to create a community of students who share a passion for chemistry. The objectives of the club are to foster a love for chemistry, explore its applications and societal impact, and to develop opportunities for creative expression and outreach for UT Southern students on our campus and in our local community.
- Christian Student Ministry (CSM) – The Purpose of Christian Student Ministry is to study the word of God through reading the Scripture and finding ways to apply it to our everyday lives. We will do this through evangelism, community service, and fellowship.
- Commuters Assemble – Provides opportunities and support for commuters wanting to be more involved on campus. They will promote social and academic growth and provide a fun and safe space for the university’s commuters.
- Conversation Partners – The main objective of Conversation Partners is to foster relationships among international and domestic students at UT Southern through the sharing of language and culture. In addition, it seeks to promote an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance whereby the unique cultures and backgrounds of all students are valued; and to promote awareness and understanding of the many cultures represented by UTS students, both domestic and international.
- Criminal Justice Club – The CJ Club hosts events that allow students at the University of Tennessee Southern to understand better historical events about the criminal justice system, members involved in law enforcement, and their jobs.
- FCA – Focuses on serving local communities around the globe by engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches and athletes to unite, inspire, and change the world through the gospel. This club is an interdenominational ministry open to all but targets coaches, athletes, and students, utilizing them to influence others for Christ. The meeting schedule fluctuates with the athletic calendar.
- HSA (Health Sciences Association) – The main objective of this student organization is to foster awareness and appreciation of health sciences among the campus and the wider community. Additionally, it seeks to cultivate a sense of camaraderie amongst current students who aspire to pursue a career in the field of health sciences.
- Pottery Club – The purpose of this organization is to support the arts standing on campus and create a space to produce ceramic artwork. Additionally, the pottery club seeks to get the general student body more involved in the arts and make a place for students with similar interests to congregate.
- Pyromaniacs – The main objective of the Pyromaniacs is to encourage participation of the student body to support UT Southern Athletics and to encourage other sports teams to support one another.
- SGA – Elected members from each class and executive members support the rights and responsibilities of the student body of The University of Tennessee Southern and promote awareness.
- Sports Management Society – The mission of the Sports Management Society is to inform students and community members of sports’ impact on and off campus. It creates opportunities for professional growth through sports management-related events throughout the community.
- Student Teacher Education Association (STEA) – STEA is the pre-professional club for prospective teachers.
- Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) – The purpose of Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow is to mutually benefit UT Southern, the work of Advancement Services, and participating students in connecting and engaging with constituents to continue investing in higher education in South Central Tennessee. Constituents include alumni, friends/donors, students, employees, community and regional leaders, etc.
- Sustainability Club – This club works to help The University of Tennessee Southern achieve a fully sustainable campus.
- The Garden Club – Our purpose is to strengthen the relationship between the University and the city of Pulaski through education on gardening and civic engagement. Additionally, the Garden Club will allow students to volunteer and contribute to the community and aid in advancing agriculture programs on the UT Southern campus.
- Wesley Foundation – A ministry of the United Methodist Church seeks to provide a space for students to explore their faith (or lack thereof) and grow in the community while attending the University of Tennessee Southern. Our growing ministry offers regular opportunities for fellowship, bible study, retreats, worship, and missions.
- Alpha Chi: The purpose of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society is to recognize and promote academic excellence among college and university students in all academic disciplines and to nurture those elements of character that make scholarship effective for good. Alpha Chi holds a national convention each spring and offers scholarships, fellowships, and opportunities for publication in Alethia, the Alpha Chi Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship. Members and potential inductees are held to high standards for good character and excellence in scholarship. Membership shall be limited to students with junior or senior standing who rank in the top 5 percent or top 10 percent of their class, respectively, and have at least 24 credit hours at UT Southern at the time of invitation to membership.
- Chi Alpha Sigma: the National College, Athlete Honor Society recognizes student-athletes from accredited four-year NCAA, NAIA, or NCCAA institutions who excel in the classroom and competition. Chi Alpha Sigma was founded in 1996 by then DePauw University head football coach Nick Mourouzis. His goal was to provide outstanding student-athletes an opportunity to connect within a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime. To be inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a student-athlete must attend a four-year accredited college or university member of the NCAA, NAIA, or NCCAA. The honoree also must achieve at least junior academic standing by the fifth semester or seventh quarter as determined by the certifying institution and must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Delta Alpha Pi: The purpose of Delta Alpha Pi shall be to recognize the academic accomplishments of college and university students with disabilities, to facilitate the development of leadership and advocacy skills, and to provide opportunities for members to serve as mentors and role models.
The further purpose of this Delta Alpha Pi shall be to provide educational programming related to disability issues for the campus and community.
Membership shall be open to current undergraduate students who have presented with a documented disability and work with faculty/staff/administrators in the Office of Disability Services (or similarly named office or program), or who self-identify as an individual with a disability; who have completed a minimum of 24 credits, who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.10 (on a 4.00 scale), and who have demonstrated an active interest in disability issues.
Membership shall be open to current graduate students who have presented with a documented disability and work with one of the faculty/staff/administrators in the Office of Disability Services (or similarly named office or program), or who self-identify as an individual with a disability; who have completed a minimum of 18 credits, who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30 (on a 4.00 scale), and who have demonstrated an active interest in disability issues. - Phi Alpha Theta: An American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history, the society, established in 1921, has over 350,000 members and 860 local chapters. UT Southern’s Alpha Pi Gamma chapter was established in 2015 with nine charter members. For consideration, undergraduates must have 18 hours in history and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Kappa Delta PI: An international honor society in Education that promotes the development and dissemination of worthy educational ideas and practices, enhances continuous growth and leadership, and fosters inquiry and reflection on significant educational issues. Membership is open to education students who have attained sophomore standing, completed or enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of education courses, and possess a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Omicron Delta Kappa: This international leadership honor society recognizes achievement in scholarship, athletics, campus/community service, social and religious activities, campus government, journalism, speech/mass media, and the creative and performing arts.
- Pi Gamma Mu: An international honor society in Social Science that promotes academic excellence and interdisciplinary communication. Prospective members must be in the upper 35% of their class, have a B average, and complete at least 20 credit hours in Social Science classes.
- Sigma Beta Delta: An international honor society in business, management, and administration that recognizes students with superior records in any business major.
- Sigma Tau Delta: An international honor society in English. Prospective members must maintain a 3.0 in English courses, complete a minimum of two classes over the freshman level and be in the upper 35% of their class after three semesters in college.
- The Concert Choir is the primary choral ensemble.
- The Chamber Choir is a small, auditioned chamber choir.
- Harwell, Stone, and the Extra Credits is a bluegrass band featuring faculty, staff, student instrumentalists, and vocalists. They perform throughout the year and at special events.
Important Forms
To start a new student organization, all groups are required to submit an application.
RSO Renewal
Must be submitted by May 1 for all registered student organizations to remain active
Travel Request
Must be submitted 2 week prior to event date for all travel sponsored by the organization.
Events
Must be submitted 2 weeks prior to event date for all event, on or off campus, held or sponsored by the organization.
After receiving written approval, organizations must complete the following, as applicable:
- Add event to UT Southern App via Campus Cloud.
- Reserve campus space
- Request campus resources
Fundraisers and Drives
Must be completed for all fundraisers or collection drives held or sponsored by the organization