Student Organizations

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Last Updated: Jan 03, 2024, 10:32 AM

A broad-base of knowledge makes for versatile college graduates. Leadership and civic opportunities make these clubs great choices for those with an eye to their futures.

If your major and minor interests are highly specialized, joining a general interest agricultural student club is a great way for you to meet people from other majors within your college.

And if your agricultural sciences interest is broad-based, these organizations can help you apply what you know and learn about other career and academic options.

Student Organizations

Agbassadors

Club Overview

The Agbassadors represent the College of Agricultural Sciences as a student recruitment organization comprised of 12 outstanding students selected by faculty, administrators, and students. They serve as speakers for groups, present at high schools and community colleges, and attend career fairs and open houses. The Agbassador team provides information about new opportunities in agriculture and related occupations to those interested in technology, science, business, education and many other fields. Prospected members are interviewed and selected each spring semester from a pool of qualified applicants based upon their achievements, academics, communication skills, and knowledge of agriculture and SIUC.

Club motto/theme: "SIUC: A Step in the Right Direction"

Want to become Agbassador?

Informational meetings about the Agbassador program are held each spring in March. Interested applicants are required to attend at least 1 informational meeting to apply to become an Agbassador.

Applications and Interviews are both held in March/April as well.

Club Advisor:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about the Agbassadors, please contact:

Agribusiness Economics Club

Club Overview

The Agribusiness Economics Club is designed to stimulate interest in ag economics and to provide an understanding of job opportunities in agribusiness. Past club activities include trips to agricultural firms and developing a senior brochure for employers.

Club Advisor:

Events and Activities:

The Agribusiness Economics Club takes part in several events throughout the year. Some of the events include:

  • Design and sell "Aggies" shirts
  • Bake sales
  • Business tours
  • Volunteer Work

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about the Agribusiness Economics Club, please contact:

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow

Club Overview

Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) is a nationally affiliated organization for students studying Agricultural Communications or interested in Marketing, Public Relations, or Communications in agriculture. The purpose of the organization is to stimulate interest in agriculture communications on campus, promote the interchange of ideas, and create relationships.

Meetings:

The first Monday of the month at 5:30 in Ag 209.

Contact Us:

If interested about joining or wanting more information please contact:

Agricultural Education Association

Club Overview

The Agriculture Education Club is a student branch organization to the Illinois Association of Vocational Agricultural Teachers (IAVAT) and Alpha Tau Alpha Fraternity (ATA). Club membership includes agricultural education majors and provides students with the opportunity to enhance their communication and organization skills. Its major purpose is to provide support and a social environment that will enable education majors to share experiences and develop networking skills with professional teachers and peer institutions statewide.With the inclusion of Alpha Tau Alpha, members are able to build connections with other students across the U.S. through the National ATA Conclave.

Club Advisors:

Events and Activities:

The Agricultural Education Club takes part in several events throughout the year. Below is a press release regarding a current activity in which the group participated.

Links:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about the Agricultural Education Club, please contact:

Newsletter:

Agricultural Student Advisory Council

Club Overview

The Agricultural Student Advisory Council (Ag Council) is the student government organization for the College of Agricultural Sciences. Ag Council is composed of representatives from each club in the College and works in conjunction with the College administration, registered student organizations, and students to sponsor college-wide activities.

Meetings:

September 26, October 31, and November 28

Events and Activities:

  • New Student BBQ and RSO Fair
  • Soup Cook-Off
  • Spring Social
  • All Ag Banquet, February 22nd, 2019
  • Outstanding Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about the Agricultural Student Advisory Council, please contact:

Agronomy Society

Club Overview

Purpose:

The purpose of the Agronomy Society is to promote mutual and educational interest, and to develop an appreciation for a broader and more scientific outlook in agronomy, to include the areas of field crops, plant pathology, weed science and soils. Additionally, the Society will receive advanced leadership training in educating tomorrow’s decision makers in the truth of agriculture.  Each semester will include advanced leadership and industry training, seminars and outreach activities.

Mission:

Committed to growing students with an appreciation for a broader and more scientific outlook in agronomy through advanced leadership

Who:

All undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Agricultural Sciences shall be eligible for membership, Undergraduate students in the College of Science are eligible if they are majoring in life sciences and have demonstrated and interest in agriculture.  All active members must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, pay $20 dues per semester and attend 75% of meetings and activities.

AGSE 364 Agriculture Leadership

In addition to membership in the Agronomy Society, members are eligible to sign up for 3 credit hours of online study to supplement and enhance their leadership growth with the agronomy industry. 

Contact Us:

For additional information contact:

Links:

Block and Bridle

Club Overview

The SIUC Block and Bridle Club was chartered at SIUC in the spring of 1959, and is affiliated with the national organization. The National Block and Bridle Club comprises members from across the country who are interested in farm animals. Clubs come together once a year at the national convention.

The objectives of the Block and Bridle Club are: (1) To promote a higher scholastic standard and a more complete understanding of the field of Animal Sciences amongst student members; (2)Promote Animal Sciences through the development of a program of activities, especially all phases of student Animal Science work in colleges and universities, and (3) Bring about a closer relationship among all students pursuing some phase of Animal Sciences as a profession.

Club Motto/Theme: "Character, sincerity and a moral life"

Club Advisor:

Meetings:

Regular meetings are scheduled during the semester.

Events and Activities:

The Block and Bridle Club takes part in several events throughout the year. Some of the events include:

  • BBQs for the College
  • National Block and Bridle Convention
  • Fundraisers
  • Bake Sales
  • Keep Carbondale Beautiful

Please view the Student Club Calendar for a schedule of events.

Links:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about the SIUC Chapter of Block and Bridle, please contact:

SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau

Club Overview

SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau gives members the opportunity to be active Farm Bureau members at the collegiate level. Students receive hands on experiences and have the opportunity to meet with potential employers, Illinois Farm Bureau Leaders, and educate SIU about the mission of agriculture!

Club Advisor:

Events and Activities:

  • Monthly Meetings featuring an Illinois Farm Bureau Representative and an industry representative.
  • Educating the SIUC students through campus wide events.
  • Industry tours and guest speakers to help members network.
  • Illinois Farm Bureau Conferences and Conventions (IFB Annual Meeting, Young Leaders Conference, Governmental Affairs Leadership Conferences, and many more!)
  • Compete in the Collegiate Discussion Meet!

Links:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about SIU Collegiate Farm Bureau, please contact:

Collegiate FFA

Club Overview

The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Collegiate FFA Chapter is located in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Located in District Five, the Collegiate FFA aids local high school FFA Chapters in providing judges for contests, hosts contests and serves as mentors and speakers to local FFA Chapters.

Club Advisor:

Events and Activities:

The Collegiate FFA takes part in several events throughout the year. Some of the events include:

  • State FFA Convention
  • IAVAT Annual Conference
  • New Student Cookout
  • Greenhand Workshop
  • Ag Teachers Workshop
  • College of Agricultural Sciences Career Fair
  • National FFA Convention
  • National ATA Conclave
  • Parliamentary Procedure CDE
  • Farm Bureau Acquaintance Day
  • Public Speaking CDE
  • Agriculture Careers Days
  • Horticulture CDE
  • Livestock and Dairy Judging Competitions
  • Job Interview CDE
  • Ag Issues CDE

Links:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information Collegiate FFA, please contact:

Pre-Veterinary Science Club

Club Overview

Do you have an interest in animals, veterinary medicine, or want to join a club? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you should consider joining the SIUC Pre-Vet Club! This group is for anyone who wants to meet others who have the same interests, learn more about veterinary medicine, learn about the veterinary process, and gain animal experience opportunities. You do not have to be a Pre-Veterinary student or have previous animal experience to join. We would love to meet you and help you grow and learn more about animals and the veterinary field of medicine!

 

Club Advisor:

Events and Activities:

Here is a list of just a few of the endless opportunities you will receive from joining the club:

  • Veterinary School Representative Presentations
  • Veterinary and Veterinary Related Presentations
  • Veterinary School Visits
  • Animal Experience Volunteer Opportunities
  • Notifications of Animal Related Jobs
  • Networking with Current SIU Students and Alumni
  • An Informational Meeting About Vet School Applications from Current Pre-Vet Students Who Have Recently Applied
  • Bimonthly Meetings

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about the Pre-Veterinary Science Club, please contact:

SEE (Saluki Environmental Educators)

Club Overview

The Saluki Environmental Educators (formerly Saluki Heritage Interpreters) became an RSO at SIU in 1998. Ever since then, the club has been supporting environmental education and interpretation throughout the Southern Illinois region and beyond. As a club, we seek to promote environmental education, interpretation, public involvement, and volunteerism by partnering with environmental groups throughout the Carbondale area. We are affiliated with the National Association for Interpretation and have sent graduates from multiple departments on to work with city, state, and national parks across the map.

Community Partners:

  • Touch of Nature Environmental Center
  • Carbondale Park District, Green Earth
  • Giant City State Park
  • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
  • Office of Sustainability
  • River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area
  • Forest Restoration Support Team
  • Shawnee National Forest
If you are interested in learning more about our local natural resources or gaining experience communicating with the public about the environment, come join us!

Contact Us: 

SWCS (Soil and Water Conservation Society)

Club Overview

The Soil and Water Conservation Society [SWCS]fosters the science and art of soil, water, and related natural resource management to achieve sustainability. We promote and practice an ethic recognizing the interdependence of people and the environment. SWCS is a scientific and educational organization of professional conservationists composed of over 8,000 members nationwide. Membership is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students.

SWC exists to foster the science and art of conservation and environmental management on working gland; to develop and foster leadership and create a spirit of fellowship among members; to foster the development of professional attitudes and to anchorage recognition of the need for continued professional and intellectual improvement; to acquaint present and potential members with opportunities in the soil and water conservation fields; and to promote the interests of students, other members of the university community, and members of the general community in soil and water conservation practices.

Club Motto/Theme: "To advance the science and art of good land and water use in Southern Illinois"

Meetings:

Meetings times vary throughout the semester. Members are notified via e-mail, and meeting times are posted throughout the Agriculture Building.

Events and Activities:

The Soil and Water Conservation Society takes part in several events throughout the year. Some of the events include:

  • Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Conference

This conference includes workshops, concurrent sessions, symposia, posters, plenary sessions, and technical tours designed to expose participants to recent developments in the science and art of natural resource conservation and environmental management on working land--the largely privately-owned land comprising working farms, ranches, forests, and rural and urban communities.

Links:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about the Soil and Water Conservation Society, please contact:

Wildlife Society

Club Overview

SIUC student chapter of the Wildlife Society.

Club Advisor:

Meetings:

Meetings are 2nd and 4th of every month at 7pm in Ag 187.

Events and Activities:

  • Crab Orchard cleanup
  • Restoration projects
  • Field Days
  • Midwest Student Conclave
  • Hiking trips
  • Assisting with graduate research
  • And much much more!

Links:

Contact Us:

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity

Club Overview

Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity is a national social-professional fraternity for men pursuing careers in agriculture and related fields. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is home to the Beta Alpha Chapter. AGR stresses leadership, scholarship and social development through brotherhood.

“Greek” letter fraternities and sororities hold a time-honored position in University life. SIU chapters of national organizations give our students access to a broader world of brother-and-sisterhood that only Greek organizations can offer. Known for providing leadership opportunities, for encouraging civic and philanthropic activity, and for adhering to high academic standards, our Greek agricultural sciences organizations connect our students with each other and with other agricultural sciences students and profiles worldwide.

Club Advisor:

Events and Activities:

  • Sporting Clay Shoot, "A Shot at Life"

Links:

FarmHouse Fraternity

Club Overview

FarmHouse Fraternity is an international fraternity dedicated to the building of men. The building of FarmHouse men is based upon service, fellowship, and scholarship. FarmHouse is open to all men who have an interest in agriculture no matter their major. The SIUC FarmHouse Chapter currently holds an "Interest Group" status, but will organize in December 2011.

“Greek” letter fraternities and sororities hold a time-honored position in University life. SIU chapters of national organizations give our students access to a broader world of brother-and-sisterhood that only Greek organizations can offer. Known for providing leadership opportunities, for encouraging civic and philanthropic activity, and for adhering to high academic standards, our Greek agricultural sciences organizations connect our students with each other and with other agricultural sciences students and profiles worldwide.

Club Advisor:

Meetings:

Meetings are held every Monday at 8pm in Ag 216

Events and Activites:

  • Community Service
  • Social Activities
  • Regional and International Conferences

Links:

Contact Us:

Sigma Alpha Sorority

Club Overview

Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, service, and sisterhood among its members. The sorority was founded in 1978 at the Ohio State University by five women who wanted an alternative to the social Greek sorority system. Since that time, Sigma Alpha has become a national organization consisting of more than 60 chapters, comprised of undergraduate and alumnae members. Today, more than 4,000 members have been initiated into Sigma Alpha Sorority! We're growing steadily as others in agriculture learn about us.

The objective of the sorority shall be to promote its members in all facets of agriculture to strengthen the bonds of friendship among them. It is the purpose of its members to strive for achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service to further the development of excellence in women pursuing careers in agriculture.

Club Motto/Theme: "Women Excelling in Agriculture"

“Greek” letter fraternities and sororities hold a time-honored position in University life. SIU chapters of national organizations give our students access to a broader world of brother-and-sisterhood that only Greek organizations can offer. Known for providing leadership opportunities, for encouraging civic and philanthropic activity, and for adhering to high academic standards, our Greek agricultural sciences organizations connect our students with each other and with other agricultural sciences students and profiles worldwide.

Meetings:

Tuesdays at 6PM in Ag 209

Events and Activities:

Sigma Alpha Sorority takes part in several events throughout the year. Some of the events include:

  • Sisterhood activities
  • Professional development activities
  • Social activities
  • Philanthropy activities
  • National Convention
  • Leadership Conference
Please visit the Student Club Calender to view a schedule of events for Sigma Alpha Sorority.

Links:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about Sigma Alpha Sorority, please contact:

Alpha Zeta (Agricultural)

Club Overview

The Fraternity of Alpha Zeta is a professional, honorary and service organization of agriculture and natural resources. Selection into Alpha Zeta is a high honor, placing students among a Nobel Laureate, several US Secretaries of Agriculture, and a myriad of agricultural industry leaders. Only the top 40% of junior and senior students in the College of Agricultural Sciences are eligible for induction into Alpha Zeta.

As the name implies, being a member of a collegiate honor society is an honor. We encourage qualified students to apply for and join honors societies appropriate to their majors or affiliated with the agricultural sciences. Active participating in these organizations can be among the most worth while experiences on your resume!

Club Advisor:

Meetings:

Thursdays at 5pm

Events and Activities:

Alpha Zeta takes part in several events throughout the year. Some of the events include:

  • Biennial Conclave
  • National Agricultural Leadership Conference
  • Professional Development Meetings
  • National Alpha Zeta Gulf Coast Work Trip
  • Scholarship Opportunities
  • SPIN Ag Education Group

Please link to the Student Club Calendar to view a schedule of events for Alpha Zeta.

Links:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about Alpha Zeta, please contact:

Xi Sigma Pi (Forestry)

Club Overview

Xi Sigma Pi is the largest national forestry honorary society in the United States. A student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.85, and a 3.0 in professional forestry courses to be eligible for membership. Members are active socially, professionally, and academically.

As the name implies, being a member of a collegiate honor society is an honor. We encourage qualified students to apply for and join honors societies appropriate to their majors or affiliated with the agricultural sciences. Active participating in these organizations can be among the most worth while experiences on your resume!

Club Advisor:

Events and Activities:

Xi Sigma Pi takes part in several events throughout the year. The Society brings professional speakers to SIUC, supports a variety of forestry field trips, and provides annual scholarships.

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about Xi Sigma Pi, please contact:

Judging/Competitive Teams

Represent Saluki Pride from the back of a horse, or with a livestock judge’s clipboard, or even with a logger’s saw. Our College is home to several competitive RSOs in a variety of activities. Nothing says accomplishment quite like winning. But learning while competing comes close. And so does making friends from other universities and forming close bonds with fellow students here.

Equestrain Team Club Overview

The objectives of the Equestrian Team is to: (1) Stimulate interest in horsemanship, (2) Provide members with an avenue to increase their knowledge about horses, and (3) Provide members with an organized, structured riding program involving lessons and competition in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) sanctioned events.

Club Theme/Motto: "SIUC Equestrian Team - Equitation, It's What We Do"

Club Advisor:

Meetings:

Regular meetings are scheduled throughout the semester on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at the Student Center, 3rd floor Activity Room A/B.

Events and Activities:

The Equestrian Team takes part in several events throughout the year. Some of the events include:

  • Weekly Bake Sales
  • Host of Annual SIU Carbondale Hunt Show
  • Participate in Intercollegiate Hunt (English) and Stock (Western) Shows
  • Practice Equitation
  • Participate in Team or Individual Horseback Riding Lessons
  • And Much More!

Links:

Contact Us:

If you would like additional information about the Equestrian Team, please contact:

Livestock Judging Team Club Overview

The Livestock Judging Team was restored in August, 2009. Membership includes students interesting in becoming agriculture leaders, students involved in animal production, and students interested in developing a better understanding of animal reproduction.

Team members learn to evaluate beef, swine, sheep and goats. In addition to evaluation, team members defend their rankings, and have the opportunity to practice at elite seed stock operations and Universities across the United States.

Club Advisors:

Meetings:

Team members will meet 3-4 times a week for practice.

Events and Activities:

  • National Western Livestock Show, Denver, Colorado
  • Dixie National Livestock Show, Jackson, MS
  • Premier Stockman, Columbia, IN
  • American Royal, Kansas City, MO
  • North American Livestock Exposition, Louisville, KY

In addition, team members will serve as officials at local 4-H and FFA contests.

Contact Us:

If you would like to become involved with the Livestock Judging Team, please contact:

Scholarships/Financial Aid

Overview

Here at Southern, we pride ourselves in offering students a challenging degree that is nationally recognized at a very affordable price. Through scholarships programs and financial aid, students have several options to help them finance their educational goals. Southern is proud of the fact that we consistently rank as one of the top 15 universities nationwide in terms of graduating students with the least amount of school debt. Be sure to visit the Financial Aid Office at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. There is a myriad of information to help get you started on obtaining financial assistance to pursue the career you have been dreaming about. You will find information regarding Federal Pell Grants, Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA], Federal Direct Loans, and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students [PLUS], and numerous other programs.

Scholarship Programs:

Completing an application to Southern Illinois University Carbondale automatically enters the applicant into the pool for many university-wide scholarships available to Southern students. Continuing students also qualify for campus-wide scholarships. Visit the Financial Aid Office to learn about the various campus-wide Scholarship Opportunities.

In addition, the School of Agricultural Sciences offers the Heritage Scholarship Program. This School administered program offers over $100,000 annually to new and continuing students in the School of Agricultural Sciences.

Student Work Opportunities:

Student work is abundant on campus as well as through our many of the School's industry contacts. Whether you are interested in working in an office, in a laboratory or on our extensive farm system, chances are there is a student work position to fit your interest. Visit the University's Financial Aid Office to learn more about Student Employment opportunities.