Belonging
Belonging means something different to everyone. Although academics are
the most important aspect of your collegiate life, many of your most rewarding
experiences will also occur in a variety of student activities outside
the classroom. Students who become involved in campus organizations are
more likely to continue their education through graduation because they
develop ties and friendships which help them “anchor” to the university.
Membership in student groups leads to satisfying college experiences and
has been found to have a positive impact on grade point averages. In addition,
many of these activities play a major role in helping you to develop leadership,
communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills. These tools will prove
invaluable to your success after graduation. Due to the unique residential
nature of the university, there are also numerous opportunities for your
participation in the life of both the academic and larger Chico communities.
The Student Activities Office (SAO) assists in the development of the university’s
out-of-class learning experiences by direct contact with student organizations
and programs, and by advising the Associated Students government, programming
boards, committees, and Chico State Online Yearbook production. Staff members
work with students individually and in groups to produce programs which
benefit the entire university community. This work includes developing
individual leadership and management skills through a “hands on” approach
to learning.
In addition to monitoring the student organizations’ use of university
facilities, staff members also sit on university committees to develop
policies affecting student activities. One program coordinator works closely
with multicultural groups, some of which have offices on campus in the
Multicultural Center. Other staff specialize in leadership education and
development, Greek letter groups, yearbook production, and alcohol/drug
education.
Student organizations at CSU, Chico are student-operated. Each group selects
a faculty or staff adviser to work with, but students plan and execute
their own programs, take all financial responsibility, and determine the
goals and direction of their group. Activities of some organizations may
include academic credit; others provide a close association between students
and faculty who share similar academic interests in a pre-professional,
departmentally related, or service setting; and some are designed to recognize
those with high academic and professional goals by providing valuable exposure
to career opportunities. Many groups include non-student members, and several
emphasize community-oriented issues and services. All organizations share
a primary purpose of socializing and working with peers toward common goals,
and all depend on voluntary commitment.
Information about all student organizations and how to start new ones is
available in the Student Activities Office and on the Student Activities
Web page: www.csuchico.edu/sac/
Internships and Course Credit for University and Community Service
Student Activities offers, through the Departments of Education, Health
and Gerontology, and Political Science, specialized internships which allow
you to obtain university credit for extended participation in certain activities
and programs (including A.S. Government, yearbook production, KCSC, CAVE,
CLIC, etc.). Check with the SAO staff about current course offerings, community
service, and internship opportunities.
The Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center (CADEC) promotes responsible
decision- making with respect to alcohol and drug use. The staff is available
to provide information to students who are concerned about alcohol and
other drugs. CADEC is located in Reynolds Warehouse, and is open from 9:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, please
call 530-898-6450.
FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES
Fraternities and sororities have existed nationally for more than 200 years
and at CSU, Chico for more than 60 years. Members and friends share their
traditions of service to community, activities within the campus environment,
and active social lives. Greek organizations stress the value of friendship,
a sense of belonging, and worthwhile human experiences.
There are 23 social fraternities and 20 social sororities at CSU, Chico.
(Professional fraternities and sororities are listed under “Student Organizations”
in this section of the Catalog.) Each group offers a particular kind of
organizational affiliation for its members and extends lifetime membership
to its alumnae and alumni. Belonging to a sorority or fraternity sometimes
includes sharing a chapter house. Housing is available on a rotating basis
each semester to active members so that all who wish to live in the house
may do so sometime during their college years.
Fraternities and sororities have established coordinating groups (the Interfraternity,
Panhellenic, and Ethnic Greek Councils) which meet regularly to share common
interests, coordinate service and social projects, and encourage interfraternity/sorority
programs.
Fraternities and sororities add new members through a process called “Rush.”
This is a way for members to meet new students and to get to know them.
It also provides prospective members the opportunity to meet the different
groups and discover which programs best fit their needs. Rush occurs early
each semester and features a series of informal and formal programs designed
to acquaint you with all the groups. Information about Rush is distributed
during the first week of classes each semester.
Social Fraternities
Alpha Gamma Rho
Beta Theta Pi
Delta Chi
Delta Psi Delta
Epsilon Sigma Rho
Gamma
Zeta Alpha
Kappa Alpha Psi
Lambda Chi Alpha
Lambda Pi
Mu Alpha Xi
Nu Alpha Kappa
Omega
Chi Lambda
Omega Psi Phi
Phi Beta Sigma
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Kappa Tau
Phi Nu
Chi
Sigma Chi
Sigma Nu
Tau Gamma Theta
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Theta Chi
Zeta Beta
Tau
Social Sororities
Alpha Chi
Alpha Delta Pi
Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Phi
Delta Xi Phi
Gamma Phi
Beta
Kappa Sigma Delta
Ladies of Distinction
Lambda Sigma Gamma
Lambda Theta
Nu
Phi Gamma Theta
Pi Beta Phi
Quetzal Sorority
Sigma Gamma Rho
Sigma Kappa
Sigma
Omega Phi
Upsilon Kappa Delta
Zeta Phi Beta
Zeta Tau Alpha
Most student organizations advertise their meetings and events. Some make
presentations to classes, while others publish notices in the Orion and
the Chico News & Review calendar sections. The Student Activities Web page
contains information about officers and contact people for those who want
to get involved. Your involvement can be from “may be interested” to becoming
a leader or officer.
Cultural
African Students Club
Asian Culture Night Committee
Chico India Club
Filipino-American
Student Organization
General Union of Palestine Students
Hmong Students Association
Indian
Student Association
Indigenous Nations Alliance
International Cultural Exchange
Japan-Chico
Club
Korean Student Association
Pakistan Students Association
Pan African
Union
Pan Arab Student Union
Russian Club
Sinorama Society-Chinese Student
Association
Sociedad Estudiantal de Literatura, Arte, y Cultura
Southeast
Asian Student Association
Turkish Student Club
Vietnamese Student Association
Honorary
Alpha Psi Omega - Theatre
Beta Alpha Psi - Accounting
English Honors Society
- English
Eta Kappa Nu - Elect. & Computer Engineering
Eta Sigma Delta -
Int’l Hospitality Management
Golden Key National - Academic
Kappa Delta Pi
- Education
Lambda Pi Eta - Communication
Omicron Theta Epsilon - Biology
Order
of Omega - Greek
Phi Alpha Theta - History
Phi Eta Sigma - Freshman Academic
Phi
Kappa Phi - Academic
Phi Sigma Iota - Foreign Languages
Phi Sigma Tau - Philosophy
Pi
Sigma Alpha - Political Science
Psi Chi - Psychology
Sigma Lambda Chi - Construction
Management
Tau Beta Pi - Engineering
Upsilon Pi Epsilon - Computer Science
Political
College Republicans
Green Party Activist Club
Movimiento Estudiantal Chicano
de Aztlan
Progressive Student Union
Student Democrats
Student Political Action
Committee
Professional
Accounting Society
American Choral Directors Association
American College
of Healthcare Executives
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
American
Institute of Mechatronic Engineers
American Society of Civil Engineers
American
Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society of Microbiology
Anthropological
Society
Association for Computer Engineering
Audio Engineering Society
California
Nursing Students Association
Chico Geoscience Students
Child Development
Student Association
Collegiate Future Farmers of America
Delta Sigma Pi -
Business
Designers in Progress
E-Commerce Society
Economics Club
English Graduate
Student Council
Finance Club
Graduate Business Association
Graduate Organization
of Nursing Students
Graphic Arts Technical Organization
Health Professionals
Association
Human Resource Management Association
Institute of Electrical
and Electronic Engineers
Instructional Technology Society
International Association
of Business Communicators
Java Developers Consortium
Latinos in Technical
Careers
Management Information Systems Society
Marketing Association
Math
Club
Model United Nations
Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association
Music
Educators National Conference
National Society of Black Engineers and Scientists
National
Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association
Network for Women in Technology
and Engineering
Nutrition and Food Science Association
Phi Chi Theta - Business
Physical Education Exercise Science Club
Pre-Law Society
Pre-Medical Association
Production
Operations Management Society
Professional Animal Science Society
Psychology
Association of Chico State
Recreation Management Society
Shoebox Ensemble
Sigma
Alpha
Society for Technical Communication
Society of Agricultural Managers
Society
of Physics Students
Society of Plastics Engineers
Society of Professional
Journalists
Society of Women Engineers
Structural Engineering Association
of
Central California
Student Affiliates of the American
Chemical Society
Student
Association of Grass/Wildland Ecology
Student Association of Social Workers
Student
California Teachers Association
Student Health Awareness Association
Student
Social Work Community Project
Students in Free Enterprise
Students of Communication
Studies
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
Recreational
Badminton Club
Ballroom Dance Club
Chess Club
Climbing Club
CSU, Chico Color
Guard
Disc Golf Club
Exodus Dance Company
Expressions Dance Troupe
New Level
Scuba
Club
Shooting Club
Snowboard Club
Sole Power Footbag Club
Students for Outdoor
Leadership
Wet and Reckless
Religious
Asian Christian Fellowship
Baptist Student Union/FOCUS
Campus Crusade for
Christ
Chi Alpha
Christian Science Organization
Hillel/Jewish Student Union
International
Neighbors
Latter-Day Saints Students Association
Muslim Student Association
Newman
Catholic Campus Ministry
The Edge
Worship.generation
Service
Alpha Phi Omega
BACCHUS
Chico Safe Rides
Gamma Sigma Sigma
Habitat for Humanity
Women’s
Center for Financial Information
Special Interest
Aikido Club
Arabic Club
Arboretum Management Club
Ballet Folklorico Mexico
Lindo
BSD Users Group
Cannabis Coalition
Capoeria
CERES - Plant Science Club
Computer
Graphics Consortium
Council for Exceptional Children
Council of Graduate
Students
Digital Filmmakers Guild
Educational Talent Search Alumni
Ethnic
Greek Council
Exchange
Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance
Geography and
Planning Collective
German Studies Club
Greek Week Committee
Guitar Society
History
Club
Honors Council
Humans for Animal Rights
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Club
Interdisciplinary
Society for Museum
Appreciation
Interfraternity Council
Just Like Goddesses
LINUX
Users Group
Live Cipher
Mac User’s Group
Odyssey of the Mind
Organic Gardening
Club
Panhellenic Council
PRIDE/Safe Zone
Prime Timers
Religious Studies Society
Renaissance
Universal Yoga Society
Residence Hall Association
Rights & Options for Everyone
(ROE)
Society of Automotive Engineers
Stock Dog Association
Student Alumni
Association
Students Against Sweatshops
Students for Environmental Studies
Students
for Peace
Students for Responsible Agriculture
Students Helping Students
Intern Club
Taylor Made
The Art Club
Tough Bot Club
Up ‘til Dawn
Upward Bound
Alumni Association
Young Cattlemen’s Association
Sports Clubs
Bowling
Cycling
In-Line Hockey
Lacrosse-Men’s
Lacrosse-Women’s
Rugby-Men’s
Rugby-Women’s
Ultimate
Frisbee-Men’s
Ultimate Frisbee-Women’s
Water Polo-Men’s
Water Polo-Women’s
Volleyball
Waterski
Team
As a CSU, Chico student, you are a member of the Associated Students (A.S.)—one
of the largest not-for-profit organizations in Northern California. The
Associated Students is responsible for operating campus businesses, including
the A.S. Bookstore and Food Services. It provides many campus programs
and services. The A.S. also plays a significant role in the economic, social,
service, and cultural life of the Chico community.
While the A.S. is an independent student organization, it serves as an
auxiliary to the university, complementing the educational mission by offering
out-of-classroom learning experiences which create well-rounded students.
Academic credit is available for your participation in some A.S. programs.
Information Center—Use the University Information Center in the BMU or
call 530-898-INFO for campus information and referrals. This center is
your first stop for help with any question pertaining to student life on
campus.
Students Make the Difference
The Associated Students’ relationship with its members is unparalleled
in the California State University system. The A.S. does not receive state
funding. Students directly allocate the income from two separate fees paid
during registration—the Student Union Fee and the Activity Fee. This income,
combined with business revenue, creates the multi-million dollar budget
of the Associated Students.
Students govern the Associated Students corporation through the A.S. Board
of Directors (BOD), whose members include elected students and university
administrators. Together, they set the goals and policies and are responsible
for a budget exceeding $17 million, a full-time professional staff of 100,
and 400-700 student employees.
Student Government
Becoming a member of an A.S. board, council, or committee offers you practical
experience in organizational decision-making and the personal satisfaction
of knowing that you really can make a difference. Talk to a student director
in the A.S. Government Office, Bell Memorial Union, or call 530-898-5701.
Described below are the various components which make the A.S. government
so vital to you.
Activity Fee Council annually allocates more than $50,000 of student fee
income to the numerous organizations, programs, and events sponsored by
the A.S.
Bell Memorial Union Committee (BMUC) controls and plans the activities
and services of the Bell Memorial Union (BMU). The BMU is the “living room”
of the CSU, Chico campus and the home of the Associated Students.
Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is an eight-member elected student committee
which is the nucleus of student advocacy on the university level.
The Associated Students Business Committee (ASBC) plans and performs services
offered through the A.S. Bookstore and Food Services and establishes yearly
operating budgets.
Other A.S. Councils and Committees are actively involved in the overall
decision-making process and each provides you an opportunity for meaningful
participation, thereby gaining relevant out-of-classroom experiences, and
making a significant contribution to the university. Your particular interest
in student government or an academic degree program might be in any of
these areas:
Community Affairs Council
Election Council
Environmental Affairs
Council
Re-entry Affairs Council
Student Academic Affairs Council
Multicultural
Council
. . . and more
Recreation and Entertainment
Another service of the Associated Students, as well as other university
programs, is providing entertainment and recreation to the campus community.
Some of these activities are described below.
AS.
Presents sponsors a variety of rock concerts, jazz ensembles, dance
performances, feature films, and guest lecturers throughout the school
year. By calling 530-898-HEAR or the Programming Hotline at 898-6007, you
will receive up-to-the-minute, 24-hour recordings of all current campus
events.
Adventure
Outings is an outdoor recreation program sponsored by the student
union and partially funded by the Student Union Fee and user fees. Exciting
outings are planned each season and include snow trips, white water rafting,
hiking, rock climbing, bike tours, and more. Some equipment is available
to rent for your own adventures. For information about any of the Adventure
Outing programs, call 530-898-4011, or stop by their office in the BMU.
Fairs and Festivals sponsored by multicultural student groups afford an
opportunity throughout the year to explore the cuisines, lifestyles, and
histories of the diverse ethnic cultures represented here at CSU, Chico.
Various festivals offer colorful days of dancing, entertainment, costumes,
crafts, and food.
LEARN WHILE DOING
The A.S. supports the services described below. Your involvement in these
can enrich you personally, academically, and professionally.
The A.S.
Children’s Center has, since 1969, operated low-cost day care
for the increasing number of parents returning to college. As a volunteer
or paid staff, you are offered the chance for experience in day-to-day
operations. The center has an academic affiliation with the Child Development
Program and provides various opportunities to earn academic credit.
The
A.S. Recycling Program has, since 1966, offered recycling services
to the university. The program maintains a demonstration compost pile.
Student staff collect office paper, news- paper, magazines, aluminum, glass,
and plastic from over 145 locations throughout campus. On average the Recycling
Program processes over 17,000 pounds of recyclables each month. An average
of 21 program interns gain valuable hands-on educational and professional
experience by creating short- and long-term projects that promote awareness
and education for students, faculty, staff, and the community about recycling
options and composting.
The A.S.
Re-entry Center offers services and support for students who have
had a significant break in their formal education and have returned to
pursue a college degree. The program is open throughout the academic year
and offers re-entry students a place to study, network, or exchange information
about mutual needs (e.g., ride sharing, housing, tutoring, and financial
assistance), or just a place to relax between classes. The center also
sponsors a variety of workshops and social mixers throughout the year.
For more information, call 530-898-6583.
Community
Action Volunteers in Education (CAVE) is an Associated Students
Activity Fee Program located on campus. CAVE is a nationally recognized
volunteer organization which has been serving the community since 1966.
The 55 to 60 volunteer student staff administer more than 18 programs which
provide volunteer services to children, elderly, special populations, adult
non-readers, and other community agencies and state facilities.
CAVE’s goal is to provide students with meaningful, experiential learning
programs while servicing a broad base of real community needs. CAVE’s motto,
“Life is for Learning,” supports the philosophy that the community is a
valid classroom for hands-on learning. Each year more than 2,000 CAVE volunteers
provide more than 190,000 hours of community service. CAVE offers you the
opportunity to build valuable skills while exploring special areas of personal
or professional interest.
CAVE has academic affiliation with the Departments of Health and Community
Services, Education, and Sociology and Social Work, and thus provides student
volunteers with the opportunity to earn university credit. Enrollment in
CAVE courses occurs the first three weeks of school and is only conducted
at the CAVE office, not through TRACS. Stop by CAVE for more information
about all of the programs. CAVE is located at the third floor of the BMU
in room 309 and is open between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday. Call 530-898-5817.
Community
Legal Information Center (CLIC)
is a student-run legal center
which offers free legal information about issues ranging from landlord/tenant
agreements to Small Claims Court. Its diverse programs include a consumer
protection agency, Disabled and the Law, Environmental Advocates, Women’s
Law, Worker’s Rights Project, and Military Information Service. Working
experience is available with any one of the programs in CLIC.
KCSC Livewire
Internet is the student-owned-and-operated radio station
on campus. KCSC provides a learning opportunity for all aspects of technical
broadcasting and music programming.
The Women’s Center offers information and support groups for women at CSU,
Chico and in the community. Located in the University Center, the Women’s
Center houses a women’s art gallery, library, and a comfortable gathering
place to share ideas and offer support to women.
INSTRUCTIONALLY RELATED ACTIVITIES (IRA)
The programs and activities of IRA provide you opportunity to perform in
public and translate classroom learning into practical experience. IRA
programs are funded partially from a special fee paid by each student at
registration. Administered by a joint student/faculty board, the funds
support activities such as the business management team, computer programming
team, Contrapposto, equestrian team, human-powered vehicle team, intercollegiate
athletics, livestock judging team, micro mouse team, Model U.N., National
Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), The Orion, plant identification team,
quadrathlon, student art exhibits, student music concerts, student research
competition, student theatre productions, and Watershed.
The Alumni Association (established 1892) provides all former students
with a lifelong connection to their alma mater. The association assists
the university with funding special projects, scholarships, student loan
funds, legislative relations, student recruitment, campus improvements,
and many other programs and activities. Alumni volunteers act as the liaison
between their communities and the campus, and serve as resources for student
recruitment. The purpose of the association is twofold. It ministers to
the programming needs of its members, and conducts programs and events
meant to enhance the quality of life and education for all students. There
are approximately 110,000 CSU, Chico alumni throughout the world. More
information about the Chico State Alumni Association can be found at www.csuchico.edu/alm
or by calling 530-898-6472.
|
