Collegiate Times

Student organizations include many interests

June 21, 2009 | by Thandiwe Ogbonna, production manager

Virginia Tech offers hundreds of student-led clubs and organizations.

 Students are encouraged to find one that fits their interests and get involved.

If a student has an idea for an organization that has not already been established, he can form his own with as few as two other students.

Here are several categories of student organizations and some examples.

Greek

Tech has a very active group of fraternities and sororities, with over 65 different nationally affiliated chapters represented on campus.

Each chapter varies in size and focus, but all stress important values such as scholarship, leadership and service to the community. Chapters often participate in service and philanthropic activities, as well as intramurals and cultural programming.

Students who join have the opportunity to participate in Greek housing and to receive scholarships and awards.

There are several councils that are associated with Greek life, such as the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Panhellenic Council (PHC).

Examples:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Delta Delta Delta Sorority

Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi Sorority

Honor

There are many different types of honor organizations at Tech aside from the University Honors Program. They range from student-founded organizations to fraternities and sororities.

Most have a minimum GPA requirement that must be attained before joining. All provide opportunities to develop academic and leadership skills as well as give back to the community.

Examples:

Golden Key

Phi Kappa Phi

National Society of Collegiate
Scholars

Sports

Getting involved in sports at Tech is easy; there are multiple organizations that include just about any sport imaginable. These clubs are a great way to sharpen your skills or just to have some fun.

Examples:

Field Hockey

Fly Fishing Club

Mixed Martial Arts Club

Paintball Club

Service

Tech students give back in numerous ways, and this is evidenced by the number of service organizations on campus.

All types of causes are represented and these organizations give students the opportunity to help those in need in the Blacksburg area and around the world.

Examples:

Appalachia Service Project

Engineers Without Borders

Hens for Haiti

Invisible Children United

Religious

Tech provides an inclusive environment for all religions, with several different religions represented in student organizations. These organizations provide sources of fellowship and support.

Examples:

Adventist Christian Fellowship

Lutheran Outreach

Reformed University Fellowship

Performing Arts

Tech provides several outlets for students to showcase their talents, especially through student organizations. Whether it be singing, dancing, or acting, there is a place for every gift to be displayed.

Ballroom Dance

Chinese Performing Art Group

Hoorah Cloggers

Naturally Sharp

Cultural

Diversity is an important aspect of the college environment, but interaction with people who share a particular identity is also important.

The varied cultural organizations at Tech provide students with this opportunity as well as support.

Examples:

African Students Association

Asian American Student Union

Filipino Students Association

German-Austrian Society

Arts

For those who are artistically inclined, there are several student organizations that cultivate talents in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Examples:

Creative Photography

Expressions

The Writer's Block

Environmental

With the whole world looking for ways to "go green," there are opportunities to get involved in the effort right here on the Tech campus.

Examples:

Ocean Conservancy

Emerging Green Builders

Environmental Coalition

There are many other types of student organizations at Tech, so if it isn't listed here that doesn't mean it's not around.

Be sure to check the full list of student clubs and organizations on the Student Affairs Web site.


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