student energy and environmental groups
Student organizations offer several benefits. Getting involved with student organizations can provide you with several key educational advantages and help you to further develop important life skills. Joining a group gives you the opportunity to meet other students, develop relationships with faculty, gain leadership and work related skills, network with professionals, and participate in community service projects.
Browse the following categories of student groups:
» College Representatives and Student Councils
» Environmental Stewardship/Activism Clubs
» Fraternities and Sororities
» Interest Houses
» Professional Societies/Chapters Student Groups
» Recreational Clubs
» Specialized Field of Study Student Groups
» Diversity Groups
There are more than five hundred student organizations at University Park. A complete organizational directory is available in the Student Activities Office, Room 207 HUB-Robeson Center. You can also search the online database of Penn State Student Organizations, a searchable directory of all student organizations registered by Penn State's Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Student Association.
College Representatives and Student Councils
- Ag Advocates
Ag Advocates are undergraduates who have been chosen to represent Penn State and the College of Agricultural Sciences at activities throughout the year. They help to inform the public about the college and the diversity of the agricultural sciences. - Ag Student Council
Ag Student Council is one of the most active organizations at Penn State. It is composed of elected representatives from agriculturally related clubs. Ag Student council sponsors College-wide events and helps other College groups with their programs. Activities of the Council include the Club Fair, Ag Hill Olympics, Ag Activator and Commonwealth Campus Weekend. - College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Student Council
Provides a vital link between students, administration, and community in an attempt to enrich the intellectual and social atmosphere of the college. - Eberly College of Science Student Council
Provides a forum for science majors and guest speakers in the pursuit of a rewarding cooperative education experience and advances career opportunities for students in the field of science. - Engineering Graduate Student Council
Promotes a good environment among the graduate students, faculty, and administration with the College of Engineering, as well as providing a forum for communication among these groups. - Engineering Undergraduate Student Council
Serves the responsible undergraduate student voice of the College of Engineering. - Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Graduate Student Council
Seeks to promote a cooperative environment between the graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, as well as providing a forum for communication. - School of
Forest Resources Graduate Student Organization
SFRGSO serves an advocacy group for enrolled graduate students in the School of Forest Resources and provides student with a means of academic, professional, and social exchange.
Environmental Stewardship/Activism Clubs
- EcoAction
Eco-Action is Penn State's student organization dedicated to raising environmental awareness and action. The club was established in 1972 when its primary focus was dealing with recyclable materials. It since has grown in both size and focus, working with issues related to endangered species, deforestation, energy use, recycling, nuclear waste, and environmental education. Contact Sarah Reinholt at ecoaction@psu.edu. - Engineers for a Sustainable World
Group acts to facilitate activities for Penn State students with a shared interest in development and implementation of appropriate engineered solutions in developing countries. Contact: Dr. Tom Colledge thc100@psu.edu. - Green Destiny Council
The Penn State Green Destiny Council (GDC) is an association of students, faculty, and staff committed to promoting ecological responsibility at Penn State. The council believes that institutions of higher education can be leverage points in the transition to a sustainable society in so far as they model sustainable practices and foster ecological literacy. The GDC has published the Penn State Indicators Reports, which gauge the sustainability of Penn State. Most recently the GDC released the Mueller Report and subsequent policy papers, which showed how Penn State could save significant amounts of money while decreasing its ecological footprint. The GDC also sponsors the "Classroom Without Walls" project, which creates opportunities for open discussion on several of the big challenges facing humanity in our time. - Students
Taking Action To Encourage Recycling (STATERs) club infomation
To increase awareness of on campus recycling programs as well as provide volunteer efforts for numerous Office of the Physical Plant organized recycling programs. - Waste Not Project
The Waste Not Project is a University Park service club that is dedicated to helping others in the State College area. Every night, a group of Waste Not volunteers pick up leftover food from Simmons and Redifer Dining Commons and deliver it to shelters throughout the area. Throughout each week, the Waste Not Project assists five shelters in the State College area to provide meals for their residents.
Fraternities, Sororities, and Honor Societies
- Alpha Gamma Rho (Fraternity)
A national social-professional agricultural fraternity. The Gamma Chapter has had over 1400 members since the founding in 1910. AGR is active in campus activities, clubs, intramural sports and community service projects. It is a co-sponsor of the Agri-Business Career Day held annually in the fall. Address: 322 Fraternity Row. Telelphone: (814) 237-3181. - Alpha Zeta (Fraternity)
A national professional honorary agricultural fraternity furthering the interests of agriculture at Penn State. The membership of brothers and little sisters comes from a wide range of backgrounds and majors. The fraternity is active in College events and program clubs. Address: 360 North Burrowes Road. Telephone: (814) 237-7621. - Delta Theta Sigma (Fraternity)
A national social-professional agricultural fraternity with a membership in agricultural and agricultural-related majors. DTS has established its own scholarship program and members perform many services to the College, including hosting College visitors. Address: 101 N. Patterson Street. Telephone: (814) 237-2651. - Gamma Theta Upsilon
Gamma Theta Upsilon is an international honor society for geography. The principal aim of the society is to promote geography as a lifelong pursuit and to help geographers share their enthusiasm for the discipline with fellow members. - Tau Phi Delta (Treehouse Fraternity)
A national professional forestry fraternity that holds a special interest in the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping. Emphasis is placed on conservation efforts, scholarship and social events. Membership is not limited to Forestry majors but covers a wide range of majors from agricultural science to engineering. The house is proud of its continued support in blood drives, intramural competitions and other campus activities. Tau Phi Delta also has an active little sister program. Address: 427 E. Fairmount Avenue. Telephone: (814) 237-2207. - Sigma Alpha (Sorority)
Sigma Alpha means "sisters in agriculture." It is the only professional agricultural sorority in the nation. Started at the Ohio State University in 1978, Sigma Alpha was established to promote women in majors throughout the College of Agricultural Sciences, to promote fellowship among its members, and to help them strive for achievements in scholarship, leadership, and service. For more information contact: Beth Raney at 814-863-3449; Carrie Golash at 814-865-5896; Dr. Jill Findeis at 814-863-8246; or Dr. Barbara Wade at 814-865-7521.
Interest Houses
- EARTH House (Ag Sciences Interest House)
EARTH House is an enjoyable and diverse living environment for students interested in agricultural and environmental issues. Academic support including tutoring and study groups is also part of EARTH House. Activities include hiking trips, cleanup at Shaver's Creek, volunteer projects, and trips to agricultural events such as the Pennsylvania Farm Show. EARTH House is located on the second floor of Leete Hall.
Professional Societies/Chapters Student Groups
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological
Engineering Student
Chapter
The Penn State Student Chapter of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers helps introduce students to the various facets of their profession through activities at both a national and local level. The club holds bi-weekly meetings and other highlights include Spring and Fall picnics, a career day banquet plus other social activities. - Agronomy Club
This is the student activities organization of the American Society of Agronomy. All students with interests in agriculture, agroecosystems, and soils are encouraged to join. Club activities include blue and white corn production and marketing; weekend trips to points of interest relating to agronomy; preparation of newsletters; and social activities such as hay rides, golf tournaments, barbecues, and picnics. Bimonthly meetings feature speakers from academia and industry. Opportunities exist to attend the national meetings of the Tri-Societies: Agronomy, Crops, and Soils. - American Fisheries Society Student Chapter
The Penn State Student Chapter Subchapter of the Pennsylvania State Chapter of the American Fisheries Society was started in 1997. The primary goal is to provide Penn State students interested in fisheries and aquatic resources the opportunity to learn more about fisheries and aquatic sciences, the fisheries profession, and the American Fisheries Society. Activities include monthly meetings, field trips, and participation in Pennsylvania Chapter meetings and activities. - American Institute of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter
Promotes the professional development of its members by its programs and its relations with other Student Chapters and with the parent body, and contributes to the development of Chemical Engineering at Penn State. - American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter
ASCE is provided to students to facilitate exposure to the industry practices, ideals, interactions and interdependent components. The club is responsible for coordinating extra-curricular activities such as the Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe Competitions, as well as the fall and spring civil engineering career fairs. ASCE is considered a student club of a national organization made up of industry professionals. - American Water Resources Association Student Chapter
The American Water Resources Association is an organization dedicated to the advancement of interdisciplinary water resources research, planning, management, development, and education. The mission of the AWRA Penn State Student Chapter is to collect, organize, and disseminate ideas and information in the field of water resources; provide a means of interaction within the water resources community; perform and participate in community service projects; represent membership in the campus community; and provide information about the organization to incoming and current undergraduate and graduate students. The student chapter also performs specific activities such as hosting speakers for monthly meetings, conducting watershed education programs, organizing field trips, participating in community service projects, and sponsoring conferences. - International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS)
The Penn State Chapter of IAAS promotes the exchange of experience, knowledge, and ideas among students in the fields of agriculture and related sciences all over the world. Activities include hosting an international student reception, establishing relationships with students in other countries, mentoring international students, hosting guest speakers, and participating in exchange programs. - Nittany Chemical
Society (American Chemical Society Student Society)
Society is student affiliate of the American Chemical Society. Provides a forum for students in chemistry, biochemistry, and related fields and presents programs on various aspects of chemistry. - Society of American Foresters Student Chapter
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the nation's leading scientific and educational professional forestry organization in the United States. The Penn State University chapter of SAF is a student run organization that holds bi-weekly meetings to discuss the forestry profession and hear guest lecturers. Students attend regional meetings and the SAF national convention to learn about current forestry topics, compete in the quiz bowl, network, and have fun. - Wildlife Society Student Chapter
The Penn State Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society is a national recognized chapter of the professional society, and welcomes all students interested in wildlife and the environment. The society sponsors field trips and work projects to areas of interest as well as meetings featuring guest speakers who discuss various aspects of wildlife, biology, conservation and management.
Recreational Clubs
- Collegiate
4-H Club
Advances and influences 4-H work and provides recreational and educational activities for interested students. - Penn State Fly Fishing Club
The club was designed by students but is open to anyone associated with Penn State. Membership includes undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff - both men and women. Beginners and advanced skills are welcome. - Penn State Outing Club
If you enjoy the outdoors then the Outing Club is for you. The Outing Club is an organization dedicated to facilitating Penn State Students who want to experience nature as they might not have expected to in college. They offer numerous trips (for a small fee of course) like Backpacking in the Adirondacks, Canoeing Bald Eagle, as well as Rock Climbing trips. If you want to experience nature's grandeur in a way you might never have before, then Outing Club is for you.
Specialized Student Groups
- 3E-COE
College of Education Environment, Ecology, and Education club. - Advanced Vehicle Team
The Pennsylvania State University’s Advanced Vehicle Technologies (AVT) team is dedicated to looking for new technologies to increase gas mileage, decrease emissions, and most importantly provide students with an experience that they’ll never forget and technical, hands-on skills that will help them in future careers. - Agricultural Systems Management Club
Club meetings are every two weeks during the semester. Club activities have included speaker programs, picnics and banquet, hay-ride & trap shoot. - Biochemistry Society
Provides seminars on biochemistry and related areas, and also provides a means of interrelations among biochemistry students with the faculty. - Collegiate Farm Bureau
Working cooperatively with Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the club promotes agriculture and career education to provide a strong knowledge based in agriculture. The organization strives to instill qualities of professionalism, career success, and passion for agriculture within the general membership. - Environmental Engineering Society
Organizes and provides co-curricular activities for environmental engineering students. - Geography
UnderDoGs
Group of undergraduates in the Department of Geography that represent the commitment of the students to not only excel in their studies, but also in contributing to their fellow students and to society. - Horticulture Club
Every fall the Horticulture Club sponsors and produces an attractive and educational horticulture show at the Ag Arena. Field trips are scheduled throughout the year and guest speakers attend bimonthly meetings to discuss careers in horticulture, landscape contracting, and related fields. Weekly flower sales are held at the Penn State Bookstore. - Industrial Health and Safety Society
Provides enriching educational experiences for I.H.S. students that will prepare them for their professional future. - Landscape Architecture Student Society
Fosters and maintains high standards, makes full preparation toward professional qualifications, and acts as a liaison among the students, faculty, and administration. - Marine Science Society
Provides information in the biological and physical aspects of the marine sciences through presentations, lectures, films, field trips, and job opportunity programs. - Mining Society
Seeks to promote a cooperative environment between the graduate students, faculty, staff, and administrators within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, as well as providing a forum for communication. - Solar Decathlon
The Solar Decathlon is a competition in which 20 teams of college and university students compete to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house. Students are welcome to join project. - Penn State Environmental Society
Society is for all students interested in the environment. Meetings provide students with the opportunity to meet faculty and alumni in an informal setting and broaden their understanding of environmental issues. - Penn State Geological Sciences Club
Stimulates and encourages interest in the geological sciences, provides opportunities for study outside the classroom, and promotes interaction between students and faculty. - Penn State Student Organization for Society and Natural Resources
Student Organization for Society and Natural Resources aims to promote interdisciplinary approaches to natural resource and social issues. The organization holds discussions, sponsors guest speakers, presents issues, and performs outreach. - Recreation
and Park, and Tourism Management Student Society
Unites all recreation education majors at the University, fosters and maintains high standards of professional qualifications, and disseminates information concerning the activities and interests of the Society. - Renew Crew
Renewable energy service project coalition of the student chapter of the National Electrical Contractor Association. - Science
Lions
Student volunteer organization dedicated to fostering science and engineering interest in K-12 students. - Society
of Environmental Systems Engineers
Promotes the activities and interests of the geo-environmental engineering students at Penn State. - Sustainable Agriculture Club
The Sustainable Agriculture Club strives to help the Penn State Community better understand the importance of sustainable agriculture. This is advocated through educational community programs and activities. The club gives students the opportunity to engage in activities and discussions that explore today's food system at a farm level. The club is open to any Penn State students interested in sustaining the future of agriculture at a producer or consumer stand point. - Sustainability Coalition
A network of PSU environmental organizations created collaborate on events and projects, and support efforts to "green" the PSU campus and curriculum.
Diversity
- Graduate Women in Science
Furthers women's interests in science, serves as a support and networking group for women in science, and provides a society for women's recognition as scientists. - Minorities in Agricultural and Natural Resources Association (MANRA)
MANRA fosters and promotes the agricultural sciences and related fields in a positive manner among multicultural groups. Its members initiate and participate in activities and programs that will ensure ethnic minority involvement in agricultural sciences and careers. - Society of Women Engineers
Informs young women, their parents, counselors, and the general public of the qualifications and achievements of women engineers and the opportunities open to them. - SWIG - Supporting Women in Geography
SWIG is an official, university-recognized organization largely made up of students within the Department of Geography. SWIG´s mission is to promote the participation of women in the discipline of geography and to empower women who are pursuing academic and professional careers in geography.