Every student may participate in organizations that express who they are as individuals, from professional aspirations to religious affiliations. There are hundreds of on-campus student organizations, focusing on everything from fraternities and sororities to language clubs. Interested in starting your own organization? You may do so, as long as you have 12 others who share the same passion.
ENGINEERING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
NSBE is the largest student-run organization in the country. Its mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. The University of Pittsburgh student chapter has received recognition for outstanding achievement as it relates to the mission of the organization.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
SWE has a mission to stimulate women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, to expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and to demonstrate the value of diversity. For more information, visit the SWE website.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
SHPE was founded in 1974 by a group engineers from Los Angeles. The main objective of SHPE is to serve as role models to the Hispanic community, with networking as the key focus of the organization. SHPE's mission is to promote the development of Hispanics in engineering, science, and other technical professions to achieve educational excellence, economic opportunity and social equity. For more information, visit the SHPE website.
NON-ENGINEERING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
CULTURAL:
Kuntu Repertory Theatre
Kuntu Repertory Theatre creates and produces theatre that explores African American culture from a historical, spiritual and political perspective. For more information, please call (412) 624-7298 or visit their web page.
Black Dance Workshop (BDW)
Black Dance Workshop performs a wide range of ethnic dance styles and techniques, such as jazz, African, spiritual, and Dunham. BDW is open to all students who are serious about dance.
PROFESSIONAL:
Pre-Medical Organization for Minority Students (POMS)
POMS may be of interest for engineering students considering medical school. This organization promotes motivation, aid and retention for minority students and serves as a vehicle to support their future careers in the health care professions. For more information, visit their web page.
SOCIAL:
Fraternities and Sororities
There are 37 fraternities and sororities at Pitt. Here are just a few: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Chi Eta Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Gamma Sigma Gamma, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Beta Epsilon, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Zeta Phi Beta.
Black Action Society (BAS)
BAS has a mission to meet the cultural, educational, political, and social needs of black students, and to promote solidarity among black students, faculty, administration, and the community. BAS sponsors cultural and social events and brings nationally known speakers to campus, such as filmmakers Spike Lee and Oliver Stone, poet and author Maya Angelou, and many others. For more information, please call (412) 648-7880 or visit their web page.
Facilitating Opportunity and Climate for Underrepresented Students (FOCUS)
As an academic program, FOCUS provides more extension social and academic support for African American and Hispanic students. It emphasizes peer, faculty, and staff mentoring. For more information, please call (412) 624-8967 or visit their web page.