Active Student Organizations in Mississippi Colleges and Universities

Mississippi colleges and universities are home to a diverse array of student organizations, fostering community, leadership, and personal growth. These organizations span various interests, from academic and professional development to special interests, service, and cultural enrichment. This article explores the landscape of active student organizations in Mississippi, highlighting examples from Mississippi College and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), as well as providing insights into social clubs and Greek life at Mississippi University for Women (MUW).

Student Organizations at Mississippi College

Mississippi College boasts over 50 student organizations, each playing a vital role in campus life. These groups are overseen by the Office of Student Engagement and supported by faculty/staff sponsors.

Academic and Professional Organizations

These organizations provide students with opportunities to connect with professionals in their fields, gain practical experience, and enhance their academic knowledge.

The Accounting Society: This society connects accounting students with firms and industry professionals, offering networking opportunities and recruitment prospects.
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID): ASID unites students passionate about interior design, providing a platform to advance the profession and explore the impact of design on lives. Student Membership is available to individuals actively enrolled as a student in a post-secondary program of interior design education being presented at any higher education institution including a university, college, or accredited school of interior design.
Association of Student Social Workers of Mississippi College: Open to students of any discipline, this organization promotes service to those in need, adhering to the ethics and values of social work.
Beta Beta Beta: This organization fosters an appreciation for biological study and promotes scientific research to expand human knowledge.
History Club: Welcoming students from all majors, the History Club provides a space for history enthusiasts to connect and explore their passion.
Kinesiology Student Association (KSA): This student-led organization supports the academic and professional development of students in kinesiology and related fields.
Lambda Pi Eta (LPH): The National Communication Association's official honor society, LPH recognizes academic excellence in communication studies.
MC IEEE Student Branch: This branch promotes the application of electronic technology through the talents and enthusiasm of academically devoted students.
Mississippi College Women in Business: This organization is committed to the growth and development of female students through networking, mentorship, and professional opportunities.
Student Chapter of the National Art Education Association: This chapter provides a transition from art education preparation to professional practice, maintaining high standards of art education on campus and in the community.
Phi Alpha Theta (ΦΑΘ): This is an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history.
Psi Chi: This is the international honor society for students who major and minor in Psychology.
Sigma Tau Delta: The International English Honor Society, founded in 1924, strives to Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies; Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities; Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing; Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and Serve society by fostering literacy.
School of Nursing's local chapter, Omicron Lambda: A member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. The vision of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world's people. Impacting world health begins at the local level and opportunities for growth and participation are many. Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and/or service/ministry and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. Senior students in the top third of their nursing class are invited to join. The induction ceremony is a highpoint of spring activity, welcoming new members and celebrating nursing.
MC Student Nurses' Association: A group for nursing and pre-nursing students to engage in all things nursing. The MCSNA participates in local conferences and activities on the state and national levels.

Special Interest Groups

These organizations cater to a wide range of hobbies, interests, and passions, providing students with a sense of community and belonging.

Choctaw Swing Dancers: This group teaches people to swing dance and organizes swing dancing events for the campus community.
Jackson Free Clinic Health Ambassadors: This student-run group supports healthcare and health education in the local community through a partnership with the Jackson Free Clinic.
MC Car Club: This club provides a community for students and faculty interested in cars, offering social events, shows, meets, and educational opportunities.
Mississippi College Mock Trial Team: This team offers students interested in law an opportunity to research and prepare a case, acting as lawyers or witnesses in a real-life setting.
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia: The world’s oldest and largest secret national fraternal society in music. Sinfonia was born on October 6, 1898, at the New England Conservatory in Boston, when a group of thirteen young men under the guidance of Ossian Everett Mills met “to consider the social life of the young men students of that institution [and] to devise ways and means by which it might be improved.” Sinfonia became a national fraternity on October 6, 1900, with the admission of a group of men at the Broad Street Conservatory in Philadelphia. For over a century, Sinfonians in nearly every field of study and professional endeavor have transformed music in America.
SAPA: The purpose of SAPA is to promote awareness of sexual assault and prevention to students on our campus.

Student Interest Groups at UMMC

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) offers a variety of Student Interest Groups (SIGs) that allow medical students to explore different specialties and connect with like-minded peers and faculty. These groups provide opportunities for volunteering, fundraising, networking, mentorship, research engagement, and professional development.

American Cancer Society at UMMC: Empowers medical students to volunteer and fundraise for ACS efforts, fostering community, compassion, and service.
American Physician Scientists Association Local Chapter: Supports future physician-scientists through networking, mentorship, research engagement, and professional development.
Anesthesiology Interest Group (AIG): Provides education and guidance to medical students interested in anesthesiology, creating networks between faculty and students.
Association of Women Surgeons (AWS): Encourages female medical students to pursue surgery, provides surgical education, and engages in clinical outreach.
Broadening Reach in Medicine (BRiM): Increases the number of underrepresented students who successfully enter and complete graduate programs in healthcare professions.
Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Group: Supports students considering a career in cardiothoracic surgery through exposure, mentorship, and fostering curiosity.
Cardiovascular Interest Group: Introduces students to cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and vascular surgery, demonstrating their collaborative roles in patient care.
Club Med: Promotes communication among members and faculty, provides information about careers in internal medicine, and serves the medical school and campus public.
Family Medicine: Provides medical students opportunities of engagement in the field of family medicine; to network among fellow students interested in primary care; to offer opportunities of engagement in various philanthropic efforts in our community; to further expand clinic skills through workshops and learning opportunities and to bolster the interest of family medicine among students.
Financial Literacy for Physicians: Empowers medical students with the financial knowledge and skills needed for success throughout their careers.
First Generation Medical Students: Creates a supportive community for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students, providing mentorship, guidance, and encouragement.
Gastroenterology Student Interest Group: Promotes and provides exposure to the field of gastroenterology through educational meetings and shadowing opportunities.
Golf in Medicine Interest Group: Bridges relationships between medical school classes and provides opportunities to discuss medicine centered around a common interest.
Health Career Collaborative (HCC): Designed to bring to life the possibilities of further studies and careers in medicine and the allied health sciences.
Healthy Inside and Out: Teaches children in local schools about sun protection, acne, heart health, and other general health practices through interactive activities.
HeART of Medicine: Helps students reconnect with creative outlets through an annual art competition and highlighting artistic opportunities.
High Value Care Student Interest Group: Provides interactive, clinical education regarding improving patient health, avoiding harms, and eliminating wasteful practices throughout the healthcare system.
Hope Lodge Ambassadors: Facilitates an enjoyable experience for guests at the Hope Lodge by organizing service and fundraising opportunities.
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (MPIG): Advances medical students' knowledge in the field and specialty of internal medicine/pediatrics (Med-Peds), give opportunities for medical students to work with Med-Peds residents in clinical and community service settings and provide guidance, knowledge and resources for medical students applying to Med-Peds residencies.
Jackson Free Clinic (JFC): Provides healthcare services to the underserved population of Jackson, Mississippi.
Latino Medical Student Association - UMMC Chapter: Promotes the interests and support of underrepresented minority students at UMMC through various activities.
Medical Genetics: Educates medical students on the field of medical genetics.
Military In Medicine: To show the roles and opportunities of being a Doctor in the Military.
Neonatology Interest Group: Aims to inspire and engage medical students by increasing awareness of the neonatology specialty and providing early exposure to this unique and rewarding field.

Student Organizations at Ole Miss

Ole Miss offers hundreds of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) catering to diverse interests, including academic, professional, personal, and recreational pursuits. These organizations provide opportunities for leadership, community involvement, and personal growth.

Finding and Starting an RSO

Students can find organizations that align with their interests by searching The ForUM or checking the group's social media page. If a student has an interest that is not represented by an existing organization, they can start their own RSO by following a simple process:

Roster: Gather a roster with at least three students.
Advisor: Find a faculty/staff advisor.
Constitution: Create an organizational constitution, using the RSO Constitution Checklist as a guide.

Once these three elements are in place, students can submit an application to create a new RSO through The ForUM.

Types of RSOs at Ole Miss

Sport Clubs: Offer competitive, recreational, and instructional opportunities for team competition.
Religious and Spiritual Organizations: Provide spaces for students to grow and explore their faith.
Service and Philanthropic Organizations: Allow students to give back to the community and make a difference.
Student Government: Enables students to advocate for their fellow students and represent their interests to the administration.
Student Media Center: Provides hands-on experience with various forms of media, including reporting, photography, and broadcasting.

Social Clubs and Greek Life at Mississippi University for Women (MUW)

MUW offers a unique social landscape with social clubs, Greek fraternities and sororities, and governing bodies that promote community and leadership.

Social Clubs

Social Clubs are local organizations unique to Mississippi University for Women. Clubs have been traced back to the early 1900s. At a time in education where women were unheard, and not included they formed circles of support that gave them friendship, belonging, and legacy. They named them social clubs. Over time, they created traditions, included women who have been historically unincluded, found sisterhood, and created an overall unique experience for women who chose The W. Each club has its own set of standards, morals, values, and insignia. Social clubs are invitation-only organizations. There are 6 four-year social clubs you can join. These organizations fall under the Interclub Council’s governing body. There are 2 two-year honorary social clubs you can join. These organizations fall under the Honorary Council’s governing body. Potential new members can only join these clubs as rising juniors or seniors.

Read also: Enrichment and Engagement

Interclub Council (Interclub): The governing body of all 4-year social clubs. The purpose of Interclub is to promote cooperation and friendship among the members of Interclub in order to maintain high social and moral standards.
Honorary Council (Honorary): The governing body for 2-year social clubs. The purpose of Honorary is to promote cooperation and friendship among the members of Honorary in order to maintain high social and moral standards.

Greek Life

Beta Kappa Tau (BKT): The oldest fraternity and the only Local Fraternity at MUW. With more than 30 years of service to the MUW community, BKT is full of exceptional gentlemen who hold the same values and ideas. Our organization has over 200 Alumni in 50 states and 7 countries. We pride ourselves on shaping young men into leaders by preparing them for life after college. Even after 30-plus years any brother can come back and be called a brother. You can join BKT by attending Rush. Rush primarily happens every fall in September. For updates follow our Instagram and check our Student Life Profile for upcoming events.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): Also known as the “Divine Nine”, the governing body was founded on May 10, 1930, at Howard University in Washington DC. Students who are interested in joining a national fraternity or sorority must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and community service experience. Ideal candidates will also have leadership involvement in an MUW- registered student organization.

Read also: The Power of Active Learning

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