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 Registered Organization
The following procedure must be used for groups seeking recognition as The University of Tennessee Southern organizations:
To start a student organization: Registered Student Organization Application should include the following:
- Complete and submit the Student Organization Registration and Renewal form.
- the purpose of the club and the types of proposed activities;
- a Constitution (which should include name, purpose, meetings, officers, and terms, rules of membership, and other information deemed relevant to the operation of the organization);
- signatures of the members (minimum of five) and advisors.
Once the above forms are completed, please save a copy to your computer and email it to Ashley Allison.
Student Affairs staff will review and make a recommendation to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who will grant full recognition to the group or reject the group’s petition and specify the reasons. If a group was denied, it would have an opportunity to rectify the deficiencies and resubmit the materials for approval.
Rules for Student Organizations
All Registered Student Organizations are responsible for knowledge of and adherence to the policies and processes described in the Student Organization Policies and Processes document. This document is available online and through the Division of Student Affairs.
In addition to maintaining the processes outlined in Registering a Student Organization, all RSOs must also meet the requirements below:
- Attendance at Annual Presidents Meeting
- Meet Programming Requirements
- Complete the Annual Re-Registration Process
- Complete the Charter Review every four years
- Advisors – Each organization shall be free to choose its Faculty or Staff Advisor who, by accepting the appointment, agrees to maintain contact with the organization to be familiar with its program and personnel, keeping in mind not only the objectives of the particular group but also the best interest of The University of Tennessee Southern.
- Discriminatory Clauses – No student organizations with restrictive clauses regarding race, color, creed, or national origin will be granted college recognition.
- Hazing – No student or organization of the college shall engage in hazing or commit an act that injures, frightens, degrades, or disgraces a person attending the college. Students and/or organizations involved in hazing shall be subject to disciplinary action.
- Use of The University of Tennessee Southern Facilities – Events involving the use of college facilities must be authorized by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or by the person in charge of the facility.
- Good Standing– For an organization to remain in good standing, the organization must hold regular meetings throughout each semester, attend Activities Fairs at the beginning of each semester, and participate as an organization in at least one campus-wide event.
Forms
- Registered Student Organization Charter – Must be completed by all new student organizations
- Travel Request – Must be completed for all travel sponsored by the organization
- Submit 2 weeks prior to event date
- Event Form – Must be completed for all events, on or off campus, held or sponsored by the organization
- Submit 2 weeks prior to event date
- After receiving written approval, organizations must complete the following, as applicable:
- Add event to the UT Southern App via the Campus Cloud.
- Reserve campus space via cbarlar1@utsouthern.edu.
- Request campus resources via khood11@utsouthern.edu.
- Fundraiser/Drive Form – Must be completed for all fundraisers or collection drives held or sponsored by the organization
Events
Student organizations enjoy using UT Southern facilities to host events. The Dean of Students must approve student organization events, and any events including outside speakers or fundraisers must also be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Student organizations must fill out a Student Organization Event Form and submit it for approval to the Dean of Students two weeks before the anticipated date of the event. For academic events to be approved at UT Southern, they must be separately approved by the Provost.
Travel
All registered student organizations must complete the Notification of Student Travel Form and submit it for approval to the Director of Student and Campus Engagement ten business days before departure. The student organization must appoint a travel liaison to coordinate the group’s travel and communicate the travel plans to the Director of Student and Campus Engagement. The travel liaison may be the same student for the entire academic year or may change with each trip. All student organizations must have a UT Southern student organization advisor on the entire trip.
Active Registered 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. Advisor: Rodney Hawkins
- 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. Advisor: Brittany Trevarthen
- Criminal Justice – 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. Advisors: Richard Schoeberl and Dan Scherr
- 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. Advisor: Kennie Kitchens
- 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.
- 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. Advisor: Daniel McMasters
- 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. Advisor: Gene Smith
- Student Teacher Education Association (STEA) STEA is the pre-professional club for prospective teachers. Advisor: Tina Smith
- 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. Advisor: Shanna Hanes
- 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. Advisor: Rev. Michelle Ozier Wallace
Honorary Societies
- 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).
- 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.
Musical Groups
- The Concert Choir is the primary choral ensemble while
- 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.