Active Student Involvement: A Guide to South Delta Opportunities
Actively engaging in campus life and the surrounding community is crucial for students. At the University of Tennessee Southern (UTS) and San Joaquin Delta College, numerous avenues exist for students to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the community. This article explores the diverse opportunities available for active student involvement, highlighting various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs.
Getting Involved at the University of Tennessee Southern
The Student Affairs staff at UTS is dedicated to helping students discover clubs and organizations that align with their interests. To establish a Registered Student Organization (RSO), five currently enrolled UTS students are required, along with a faculty advisor and a constitution that must be submitted and renewed annually. Some organizations, particularly those affiliated with national bodies, may also have bylaws outlining additional rules and procedures.
Starting a New Organization
Prospective organizations can initiate the registration process by submitting an application available online or in the Office of Student Activities. After review by Student Affairs staff, the application is forwarded to the Dean of Students. The student who submitted the application will receive written notification regarding the approval status of the RSO.
Religious and Faith-Based Organizations
- Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM): The BCM aims to guide UTS students toward a life centered on Jesus Christ by equipping them to serve their campus, local community, and area churches.
- Christian Student Ministry (CSM): The CSM focuses on studying the word of God through scripture and applying it to daily life.
- Wesley Foundation: Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the Wesley Foundation provides a space for students to explore their faith and grow in community.
- Youth United: This organization aims to instill life lessons and values from the Bible, promoting ethical growth and leadership within a supportive Christian community.
Verified Campus Ministries can have the lead religious official of their affiliated place of worship serve as their advisor, with additional requirements applying.
Academic and Professional Organizations
- Behavioral Science Club: This club supports students in the behavioral science program by fostering academic growth, professional development, and community building.
- HSA (Health Sciences Association): The HSA aims to foster awareness and appreciation of health sciences within the campus and the wider community.
- Alpha Chi: This National College Honor Society recognizes and promotes academic excellence across all disciplines, nurturing character traits that enhance scholarship. Alpha Chi offers scholarships, fellowships, and publication opportunities. Members are held to high standards for character and scholarship.
- Chi Alpha Sigma: The National College Athlete Honor Society recognizes student-athletes from accredited four-year NCAA, NAIA, or NCCAA institutions who excel academically and athletically.
- Phi Alpha Theta: This American honor society for history students and professors has over 350,000 members and 860 local chapters.
- 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.
- Pi Gamma Mu: An international honor society in Social Science that promotes academic excellence and interdisciplinary communication.
- Sigma Tau Delta: An international honor society in English.
Special Interest and Social Organizations
- Commuters Assemble: This organization provides opportunities and support for commuter students seeking greater campus involvement.
- Conversation Partners: The primary goal of Conversation Partners is to build relationships between international and domestic students through language and culture exchange.
- FCA: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes focuses on serving local communities by engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches and athletes to unite, inspire, and change the world through the gospel.
- Guild of Games Club: This club unites the student body through engaging social activities, fostering creativity and connection through video and board games. It aims to build strong skills and develop teamwork.
- Harwell, Stone, and the Extra Credits: A bluegrass band featuring faculty, staff, and student instrumentalists and vocalists.
Anti-Hazing Policy
All student organizations are responsible for fostering an environment of learning, social responsibility, and respect. Hazing, defined as unproductive and hazardous behavior, is strictly prohibited.
Read also: Benefits of Active Student Sunflower Initiatives
Additional Opportunities
The Student Leadership and Involvement Center recognizes new and returning student organizations in various areas, including academic and honor societies, club sports and recreational groups, cultural organizations, fraternities and sororities, religious and faith-based groups, and special interest clubs. Students interested in organizations not currently listed can explore the "Eligible Adopt-An-Org List," which features inactive organizations that can be reactivated.
Fraternity & Sorority Life at California State University, East Bay
Greek Letter Organizations (GLOs - Fraternities & Sororities) promote scholarship, provide leadership opportunities, and participate in community service. Membership offers the chance to develop lifelong friendships.
Student Involvement at UC Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz offers a wide array of student-led organizations, catering to diverse interests and passions. These groups span cultural and identity-based affiliations, academic pursuits, Greek Life, media publications, and performing arts.
Cultural and Identity-Based Organizations
- Afghan Student Association: Celebrates and shares Afghan heritage.
- alpha Kappa Delta Phi: An international Asian-interest sorority.
- Arab Student Union: Celebrates and shares Arab culture, aiming to create unity.
- Bangladeshi Student Association (BSA): Showcases and celebrates Bangladeshi culture.
- Bayanihan: The Filipino Student Association at UCSC.
- Black Student Union (BSU): Serves as a unifying body for Black organizations and students.
- Chinese Student Association (CSA): Promotes unity and empowerment among students, emphasizing Chinese and Chinese American cultural aspects.
- Chinese Union (CU): Supports Chinese students and those interested in Chinese culture.
- Hermanas Unidas: Aims to serve Latina college students and alumni in their pursuit of career advancement.
- Hermanos De UCSC: An organization focused on the retention & matriculation of latine students and overall marginalized communities.
- Hindu YUVA (Youth for Unity, Virtue, and Action): Provides a safe space for Hindu students and raises awareness about the Hindu faith.
- Indian Student Association: Shares India’s cultural heritage while building community.
- Jewish Student Union (JSU): Creates a safe and welcoming space for Jewish students.
- JK Family: A safe community for people who enjoy American, Korean, and Japanese music to dance together.
- Kasama Ballroom Dance Troupe: A performing aspect housed under Bayanihan.
- Khmer Student Association: Aims to foster an empathetic, conscious, and welcoming community for members and Khmer students.
- Korean American Student Association: Values equality and diversity.
- KAMP: A student-initiated and student-led retention program that targets, but is not exclusive to, the Pilipinx community.
- Los Mejicas: A Mexican folkloric dance group.
- MEChA de UCSC: A Latine organization that uplifts and embraces their culture, emphasizing higher education.
- Oaxacan Student Union: Builds a supportive community for Oaxacan students and allies.
- Pagkakaisa Dance Troupe (PDT): The Filipino traditional dance troupe housed under Bayanhian.
- SANAI: A student-run organization that uplifts and supports Indigenous students on campus.
- Sigma Omicron Pi: The first national Asian-American interest sorority based on Unity, Friendship, Leadership, Service.
- Sigma Phi Zeta: A multicultural fraternity dedicated to upholding academic excellence, community service, brotherhood, and multiculturalism.
- Society of Underrepresented Students in STEM (SOUS): Aims to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
- South Asian Student Alliance (SASA): Aims to create cultural awareness, connections, and community for South American culture and peoples.
- Sikh Student Association: Builds a space where Sikh students can feel at home and stay connected to their roots.
- Thai & Laotian Student Association: Hopes to create a safe community for students to learn and embrace their Thai Lao heritage.
- Vietnamese Student Association: Promotes cultural awareness and diversity.
Academic and Professional Organizations
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA): A national organization of aspiring physicians.
- Business Economics Academia (BEA): An inclusive club for networking, study-groups, social and career-focused workshops, and industry speakers.
- Circle K International (CKI): A student-led collegiate service organization focusing on volunteering.
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Club: Focuses on holistic healing of the body.
- Delta Sigma Pi: A co-ed professional business fraternity.
- Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP): Empowers students to take action in the climate crisis.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Club: Focuses on pre-hospital and emergency medicine-based healthcare.
- Ending the Silence Project: Aims to end drug-related deaths through education, public awareness, and medical intervention.
- Film Production Coalition (FPC): Dedicated to collaboratively making short films.
- Friends of Medicine: Supports healthcare workers and people receiving medical care.
- Google Developer Group on Campus: An inclusive space for anyone interested in technology.
- Lambda Alpha: Encourages and stimulates scholarship and research in anthropology.
- MEDLIFE: A chapter representing a worldwide non-profit.
- Model United Nations: Helps engage through debate and public speaking, focusing on law and foreign policy.
- Moot Court: Empowers students passionate about advocacy, public speaking, and writing.
- Neuroscience Club: Fosters a community of curious and passionate students exploring neuroscience.
- Partners In Health: A student chapter of the national nonprofit.
- Pre-Veterinary Club: A community of students interested in veterinary medicine.
- Project Smile Santa Cruz: Tries to end oral health disparities in local cities.
- Quiz Bowl Team: Focused on fast-paced academic competition.
- Slug Investment Team: Interested in learning about the world of finance and investments.
- Students for Sensible Drug Policy: Advocates for drug policy reform.
- Undergraduate Alliance for Access to Medicines (UAEM): A global student-led network advocating for access to publicly-funded medicines.
Arts and Media Organizations
- Acquire A Cappella: A cappella group with pop mixes.
- Alay: The self-expression aspect housed under Bayanihan and Student Media Organization.
- Chinquapin Literary Magazine: Creates yearly anthologies of student art and writing.
- City on a Hill Press: Produced by and for UCSC students.
- Cloud 9 A Cappella: A long-running a cappella group.
- Comedy Improv Troupe: UCSC’s Longest Running Short Form Improv Comedy Troupe.
- Fruitcake: An alternative art magazine.
- Improv Comedy Troupe: UCSC’s longest running comedy improv troupe.
- Kahaani: A competitive Bollywood fusion dance team.
- MUSE Magazine: A student-run magazine that publishes art, literature, music, and more.
- Newman Catholic Club: Offers weekly Sunday Mass, social gatherings, and Bible studies.
- No Comment Sketch Comedy: A sketch comedy organization.
- Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast: Slugs in Fishnets!
- Shutterslug: UC Santa Cruz’s only photography organization.
- Slugs in Fishnets: UCSC’s Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast.
- Taza Tal: The premier award-winning South Asian Acapella team on campus.
- TWANAS: One of the oldest student-run magazines at UC Santa Cruz.
- Voice Actors of UCSC: A group of students exploring the art of Voice Work through student projects and an abridged series.
Social and Recreational Organizations
- Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi): The world’s Jewish college fraternity.
- Alpha Phi Omega: A national co-ed service fraternity.
- Circle K international (CKI): One of the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organizations focusing on volunteering on and off-campus.
- Dance Club: Creates an inclusive space where dancers of all levels are welcome.
- Ending drug-related deaths through education, public awareness, and medical intervention.
- Gamma Phi Beta: Builds confident women of character.
- Kappa Kappa Gamma: A women’s fraternity founded in 1870 that fosters a strong sense of sisterhood, academic excellence, and personal growth.
- Kappa Zeta: A social sorority among two other Panhellenic sororities that hosts weekly meetings.
- K-Pop Dance Club: Holds workshops every two weeks with social events in between.
- Pupcycled at UCSC: A club focused on up cycling unused clothing into dog toys to minimize clothing waste and protect the environment.
- Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC): A safe space for queer and trans people of color.
- Salsa Club: Teaches various genres of Latin dance.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi: A Chicana/Latina-based sorority that strives to empower women from all cultures through community service, campus involvement, and sisterhood.
- Slug Anime and Manga Association (SAMA): UCSC’s anime club.
- Slug Book Club: An undergraduate book club that picks a book of the month based off of various themes.
- Slug 'n Boots: A weekly, beginner friendly line dance club.
- SOON Movement Global: A caring community pointing people to God!
- Students for Justice in Palestine: The Registered Student Organization is currently under suspension until September 14, 2026 and may not engage in activities reserved for University sponsored Organizations.
- The Newman Catholic Club: Is your official Catholic student group at UCSC.
San Joaquin Delta College Athletics
San Joaquin Delta College offers a comprehensive athletic program with 21 intercollegiate sports, including 11 women’s teams and 10 men’s teams. The Department of Athletics aims to provide an environment that encourages academic and competitive success, contributing to student retention and fostering community relations. The Mustangs compete in the Big 8 conference.
Baseball
The San Joaquin Delta College baseball program has established itself as one of the best junior college programs in the nation. Nick Cecchetti Field features a FieldTurf synthetic surface, stadium seats, dugouts, and a plyo wall. The program has produced numerous NCAA Division players and has been to seven of the last twelve California Community College Final Fours, including two State Championships and three State Runner-Up finishes. Delta has been in the Perfect Game National Rankings eight times, produced 30 professional players, and over 100 NCAA division 1 transfers, and 16 All Americans.
Read also: Enrichment and Engagement
Basketball
The Men’s basketball team has made multiple appearances in the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four, earning several conference championships. Over 150 players have come through the program. The Lady Mustangs have been conference champions for fifteen of the past twenty-nine seasons and have advanced to the California state Elite Eight Tournament sixteen times. They were state runner-up in 2006, 2009 and 2022, and made the Final Four in 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2022. The 2020 team finished with the best record in program history (29-1) and won the Big 8 Championship before Covid-19 shut down the State Tournament. The 2025 graduating sophomore class will graduate having been Big 8 Conference Champions for both 2024 and 2025 (back to back). Coach Johnson was named Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year for 2024-25. The program boasts a 97% graduation rate since 1997, with over 100 athletes earning scholarships to four-year universities. Coach Johnson currently has 785 career wins.
Beach Volleyball
Delta College began competing in beach volleyball in Spring 2018, giving volleyball student-athletes an opportunity to compete in both semesters.
Cross Country
Cross Country has experienced growth at Delta College in recent years. In 2021 the women’s teams qualified for the state meet finishing 12th and captured the Big 8 championship team title for the first time in 20 years. Both men and women had individual Big 8 champions as well.
Football
Gary Barlow has led the team to multiple conference and bowl championships since assuming the role of Head Coach in 2001.
Golf
Tony Troncale has been the Head Coach for the Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams since 2008. Both teams have had great success by continuously advancing to state championships. The teams benefit from Tony's guidance as a PGA Professional and several players from both the men’s and women’s golf teams have transferred to four-year schools continuing their golfing career. Delta College men’s golf teams have gone on to be league champions in many seasons. In 2012 the women’s team advanced to the State Championship and one of the players set a Northern California Regional playoff record. In 2013, the women’s team had its first all-state player and several players advancing individually to the State Championship. In 2019 and 2021, the women’s team finished 8th at the State Championships.
Read also: The Power of Active Learning
Soccer
The Delta College Men’s Soccer team competes on a 3G turf stadium. The 2024 season was another record setting journey for the Mustangs. In 2019 the Mustangs finished the season with a record of 13-7-4, ranked 8th in Northern California, 14th in the state, and 14th in the nation. Many players have gone on to play at the Division I, II, and III levels, with several going on to compete at the professional level. Adrienne Sorenson recently completed her 14th season as Head Coach of the women’s soccer team. In fall of 2021, the program won their second consecutive Big 8 Conference Championship title and set the program record for winning percentage (.955%) with a 20-0-2 overall final record along with the program record for goals scored in a season (100). During the 2018, 2019 and 2022 seasons, the team finished in the Final Four in the CCCAA State Championships. In 2019, the team set numerous program bests including most wins (23) and a 7th place ranking in the final National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll. Since Sorenson took over the program in fall of 2010, the team has qualified for the post-season every season from 2011 to the present. In fall 2016, the program opened a state-of-the-art soccer only turf complex, and from that season forward has gone deep into the post season with four State Elite 8 appearances, back-to-back Final 4 appearances, and back-to-back Big 8 Conference Championship titles, including winning the first inaugural Big 8 Conference tournament in 2021. Many of the women have received athletic scholarships to play at Division I and Division II schools.
Softball
In 2019, Delta won the Big 8 Championship and finished 4th in the state. The 2017 Delta Squad won the Big 8 Championship, was ranked as high as #2 in the State, and competed in the CCCAA State Championship final four. In addition, Head Coach Jim Fisher was selected as the CCCAA Softball Coach of the Year in Northern California. The team again qualified for the CCCAA State Championships in 2018 and finished 7th in the State. In the past sixteen seasons, the Lady Mustangs have won conference championships three times, competed in the state tournament five times, earning 2nd and two 4th 5th and 7th place finishes. Several players have earned All-American and All-State honors.
Swimming and Diving
Michael Maroney has been at the helm of Delta’s men’s and women’s swim team since 2008. During his tenure, Delta has continued the school’s storied history of producing some of the finest swimmers in the State. On Maroney’s watch, Delta has produced 10 State Champions, three state meet high-point award winners, 22 Big 8 Champions, and one national record. Starting in 2023 Maroney is joined by Women’s Head Swim Coach Nathan Varosh and assistant Taitum Ciesla. Varosh has been head Women’s Water Polo Coach since 2011 and is bringing the winning culture he has curated over a decade to the Women’s Swim Program. Robert Wimberley rounds out the amazing Delta Aquatics Staff as Head Diving Coach.
Track and Field
Delta College has regained its prominence in Northern California. In the 2014 season, the women’s team was Big 8 champions and both men’s and women’s teams finished eighth in the State. The men’s team finished in the top ten in the state in both 2017 and 2018. In the 2021 season, the teams had multiple top ranked athletes.
Volleyball
The women’s volleyball team has been a perennial powerhouse in California for the past 32 years and has recorded an 80% won/loss record. During that time, they recorded first place finishes in their conference 21 times, second place seven times, and third place seven times. They have participated in the prestigious California State Championships on 22 occasions. The team had a tremendous season in 2017, finishing 2nd in the CCCAA State Championships. Under Head Coach Molly Hummel, the program continues to flourish. As a result of participating in the volleyball program at Delta College, many players have gone on to compete at the Division I, II, and III levels.
Water Polo
Delta men’s water polo has one of the richest histories in Northern California. Since Michael Maroney took over the program in the fall of 2009, he has produced four Big 8 Conference titles and four Big 8 MVP’s. During the five-year span between 2013-2017, Delta teams were ranked in the State final top 4 ranking three times and were never ranked lower than 8th. Delta women’s water polo team has become a perennial contender for the CCCAA State Championship. The team advanced to the 3C2A State Championship in seven of the last nine seasons. Over 90% of Delta Women Water Polo Players transfer to a four-year institution and continue their playing careers while competing for their future with hard earned academics. Since 2015, over 100 Lady Mustangs have moved on to play at NCAA Water Polo at institutions including CSU East Bay, Sonoma State, CSU Long Beach, UC Davis, CSU Monterey Bay, Wagner College, Chapman University, Cal Lutheran, San Diego State, Fullerton, University of LaVern, UOP and more.
Wrestling
Michael Sandler has been the wrestling coach since 1992. During those years, the Mustangs have had over 100 state qualifiers, 45 state placers, 3 state champions, 24 All-Americans, and 50 Academic All-Americans. In 2019, Greg Viloira became our first undefeated State Champion and was the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler. During Coach Sandler’s time at the helm, the Mustangs have placed in the top twenty every year, with three top ten finishes and in the top 8 twice.
Greek Life at San Jose State University
San Jose State University (SJSU) hosts a variety of social fraternity chapters with diverse memberships.
- Beta Theta Pi: The Zeta Eta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi was established at SJSU in 1995, focusing on helping young men become better leaders and citizens.
- Delta Upsilon: The San Jose Chapter of Delta Upsilon was founded in 1948, emphasizing the development and lifelong personal growth of its diverse membership.
- Sigma Chi: The Zeta Iota chapter at SJSU was established in 1951. Sigma Chi is based upon several core values.
- Theta Chi Fraternity: The Gamma Xi chapter was founded in 1948 at SJSU.
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