Student Organizations
Joining a student organization is a great way to get involved on campus. You will learn more about the organization, how to plan events and meetings, and make new friends. If you are interested in joining an organization listed below, simply email the advisor.
ORGANIZATIONS IN ALPHA ORDER
Avila Ambassadors
Advisor Bailey Carr, (816) 501-2470
Promotes Avila University and its values as representatives of the Admissions Office. Ambassadors provide tours for prospective students and participate in special University events.
Avila Athletic Bands
The Athletic Bands play a vital role on campus infusing events with pride and energy through musical performance. Students in the Athletic Bands are chosen through the Performance Grant audition process and serve the Avila community at a variety of events providing both aesthetic and artistic vitality and enthusiasm.
Avila Education Association (AEA)
Advisor Dr. Sue Ellen McCalley, (816) 501-2433
www.avila.edu/education/kappadeltapi
Avila Education Association is open to all education students as well as those interested in the field of education. The purpose is to provide opportunities for professional growth, professional and social networking, and community service. *Affiliated with International Honor Society - Kappa Delta Pi (KDPi).
Avila Microcinema
Advisor Ben Meade,
(816) 501-3746
Serves as the Corporate Communication and Media Production facility for Avila. Provides public relations, advertising, and media services for events.
Avila Mock Trial
Advisor Andrea Olitsky, Esq.,
(816) 501-3793
www.avila.edu/stulife/mocktrial
Promotes critical thinking, cooperative problem-solving, public speaking and mutual trust between team members while affording students that opportunity to actively participate and engage in trial activity and litigation.
Mock Trial is not just for those students thinking about attending law school. The oral communication and logical reasoning skills that are honed in mock trial will benefit all students, regardless of their intended vocation.
Avila Pre-Law Society
Advisor Andrea Olitsky, Esq.,
(816) 501-3793
Develops and encourages accountability, leadership, competence, character, cooperative effort, merit and scholarship; serves as a professional and social outlet for students interested in state, federal, international and common law; develops a greater awareness of Avila University. It is also for those students who desire to attend law school or work in the legal profession. It is open to every student regardless of major.
Avila Singers
Advisor Amity Bryson, (816) 501-3651
Organization site: http://www.avila.edu/music/ensembles.asp
Avila Singers is a non-auditioned choral ensemble intended for preparation and
participation in public performances of sacred and secular choral music. The ensemble
performs one major choral work each semester on campus. Past performances include
Handel’s Messiah and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem. The ensemble is open to all
students, faculty, and alumni who wish to participate.
Avila Student Nurses Organization (ASNO)
Advisor Rhonda Brown, (816) 501-2917
Advisor Bruce Voegele,
(816) 501-3638
http://www.avila.edu/nursing/organizations.asp
Contributes to nursing education in order to provide the highest quality health care. Provides programs representative of fundamental and current professional interest and concerns. Aims to involve freshman and sophomore nursing students and foster added interest of junior and senior students through:
- Community volunteer services;
- Lectures and demonstrations to supplement academic and clinical experiences;
- A medium in which information and assistance can be obtained through peers and faculty;
- Unifying, activating, and developing relationships between nursing students so as to strengthen their professional and personal endeavors;
- An organization in which members can keep well informed as to trends in nursing, government legislation, and the community.
Through membership in ASNO students will develop peer relations, communication skills, civic involvement, knowledge and applied skills.
Avila Students for Social Justice
Promotes awareness of social issues and provides a platform for students to express their political views.
Avila University College Democrats
Advocate for candidates and issues that enhance the Democratic Party. Promote civic engagement through bipartisan, co-sponsored activities on campus and in the greater Kansas City area.
Avila University Theatre Company
Advisor Charlene Gould,
(816) 501-2411
Advisor Robert Foulk,
(816) 501-2405
Exists to encourage and develop interest in the theatre arts by promoting ensemble-participating in and learning more about the craft of theatre in the spirit of togetherness and friendliness.
Beta Beta Beta
Advisor Dr. Karin Gastreich,
(816) 501-2996
Chapter site: http://www.avila.edu/biology/organizations.asp
National Web site: http://www.tri-beta.org/
The Pi Iota chapter of Tri-beta was established at Avila in the Fall of 1998. Tri-beta is an honor and professional society for students of the biological sciences, particularly undergraduates. It seeks to encourage scholarly attainment to cultivate intellectual interest in the life sciences, and to promote a better appreciation of the value of biological study.
Bio/Med Club
Advisor Larry Sullivan,
(816) 501-3655
http://www.avila.edu/biology/organizations.asp
The Biomed club is an organization of prehealth professions and science majors. Most students in these programs actively participate in the club. The club was formed to allow students interested in the health professions to explore career opportunities by sponsoring speakers, going on field trips, and holding social events on and off-campus.
Black Student Union (BSU)
Advisor J. Anthony Snorgrass, (816) 501-2494
www.avila.edu/stulife/bsu
The Black Student Union (BSU) is a collegian support group created to provide Avila University's community with educational and social programming that promotes cultural diversity.
BSU promotes cultural pluralism through the selection and presentation of lecturers, speakers, discussion groups, and artistic programming in an intellectually stimulating format.
Campus Ministry
Advisor Dave Armstrong,
(816) 501-2423
Co-Advisor Mary Kay Whitacre
www.avila.edu/campuslife/campus-ministry
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/profile.php?id=100000255064340&sk=info
Campus Ministry Affirms the values and vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, striving to assist and promote the spiritual development of members of the Avila community, especially students through unity, prayer and service.
Campus Ministry reaches out to everyone of all faiths to build unity within the Avila community. Events are planned with the intention that everyone may be involved.
Choral Ensembles
Advisor Amity Bryson, (816) 501-3651
University Singers is an auditioned choral ensemble performing challenging, eclectic
literature. University Singers performs both on and off campus for special events and
scheduled concerts. Members of the ensemble serve as ambassadors for the university,
touring each spring and performing in high schools and other venues across the Midwest. A portion of each tour is dedicated to the Sisters of St. Joseph in locations such as Minnesota,New York, California, and St. Louis. Future plans include competitions culminating additional performances across the United States and Europe. Any student is welcome to audition for University Singers. Students auditioning for the ensemble should be prepared to sight-read pitches and rhythms. Selection for the ensemble will be based on tone quality, intonation, sight-reading ability, and musicianship.
Colleges Against Cancer at Avila University
Advisor Lonna Boen, (816) 501 - 3688
National site: http://college.relayforlife.org/GetInvolved/CollegesAgainstCancer/index
Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) is a nationwide collaboration of college students, faculty, and staff dedicated to eliminating cancer by working to implement the programs and mission of the American Cancer Society.
Computer Science Club
Advisor Ron McCleary, (816) 501-3794
The Computer Science club is an opportunity for Avila computer science majors to come together to discuss and review new ideas and concepts. The club will educate the Kansas City community about Computer Science and help computer science majors learn and develop skills. It will also help new CS students get acclimated to Avila and the department.
Criminology Club of Avila University
Advisor Meagan Huerter
Informs students and faculty about crime in our society and teaches them how to protect themselves against crime & to prevent crime from occurring.
Disability Advocacy Group (DAG)
Advisor Debbie Thornton,
(816) 501-3660
Committed to increasing awareness and visibility of people with disabilities on the Avila campus. Seeks to educate the Avila community about issues that impact people with disabilities.
English Club
Advisor Amy Milakovic
(816) 501-3633
http://www.avila.edu/English/club.asp
Promotes a mastery of written expression, encourages worthwhile reading, and fosters a spirit of good fellowship among students of the English language and literature.
Frontline Men
Advisor J. Anthony Snorgrass, (816) 501-2494
Our goal is to form a relationship amongst undergrads/graduates mentoring to young men in our community about changing problems into challenges.
Graduate Psychology Association
Advisor Dr. Jordan Wagge, (816) 501-2964
http://www.avila.edu/gradpsych/psi-chi-honor-society.asp
A coalition dedicated to the enhancement of Avila's psychology student body, as well as the continued development of Avila's relationship with the community at large.
Group Activities Programming (GAP)
Advisor Jason F. Baldwin,
(816) 501-3754
Advisor Wendi Fugitt,
(816) 501-2485
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/profile.php?id=1491833473&sk=info
Plans and promotes a variety of social, cultural, recreational, and educational events and activities to meet the co-curricular needs of the entire student body.
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
Advisor Linda Strelluf,
(816) 501-3680
International site: http://www.iabc.com/student/
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) enables a global network of communicators working in diverse industries and disciplines to identify, share and apply the world's most effective communication practices.
International Graduate Student Association (IGSA)
Advisor Wendy Acker, 816.501.3798
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/profile.php?id=100002179327085
IGSA was established to assist newly admitted international graduate students with their transition to Avila. They are dedicated to supporting the academic, social and intellectual pursuits of all international graduate students at Avila.
International Student Organization (ISO)
Advisor Bruce Inwards,
(816) 501-3772
Advisor Melinda Peterson, (816) 501-3771
www.avila.edu/international/iso.asp
The International Student Organization (ISO) is committed to:
» Fostering awareness, appreciation, and understanding of different cultures
» Advancing the needs of different cultural groups on campus
» And Providing programs and events for social, cultural, and educational exchange
Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity
Advisor Jonathan Myers,
(816) 820-0167
Kappa Delta Pi
Advisor Dr. Sue Ellen McCalley , (816) 501-2433, Foyle 1008
Chapter site: http://www.avila.edu/education/kappadeltapi/
International site: http://www.kdp.org/
Kappa Delta Pi is an international Honor Society in Education. It is open to all elementary, middle, secondary, special education, and education graduate students, who meet the requirements. Kappa Delta Pi membership is designed to help active members grow professionally. Membership provides an opportunity to enhance leadership experiences, collaborate with members and professionals in the educational field, have fellowship with others, and network with local and national educators.
Kinesiology Club
Advisor Gerald Larson 816-501-3714
The Kinesiology Club works to make a positive difference on campus and within the community. They work with other groups to facilitate recreational and fitness activities on campus (ie: i-Fit Club & AU "Biggest Losers" programs). Our activities are designed to promote development and networking opportunities related to Kinesiology.
Mu Sigma Pi
Advisor Amity Bryson, (816) 501-3651
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Avila-University-Music-Department/180958741626
Avila Music Department’s student led organization fosters musicianship, artistry and unity through formal and informal performances and activities.
National Society of Leadership and Success
Advisor Jason Baldwin,
816-501-3754
Advisor Jana Caffrey, (815) 501-3683
National site: www.societyleadership.org
The National Society of Leadership and Success is a national honor society dedicated to creating lasting positive change in students’ lives and the community around them.
Committed to helping students build leadership skills essential for academic and professional success…
The Society invites students to:
- Six broadcast presentations by the nation’s top speakers, authors and leaders each school year.
- Leadership Training programs, exercises and workshops.
- Participate in peer coaching groups called Success Networking Teams (SNTs) and community service.
Peers Educating Avila About Counseling and Health (PEACH)
Advisor Carol Frevert,
(816) 501-3668
Co-Advisor Susan Wulff, (816) 501-3767
Peers Educating Avila about Counseling and Health (PEACH) is a student driven group that develops and presents a variety of educational programs and activities intended to promote physical and emotional well-being. Examples of PEACH program topics are: spring break safety awareness, breast cancer awareness, stress relief events. In addition PEACH participates in existing campus activities (i.e. Orientation, Student Organization Fair, Stress Relief Week, Spring Fling, and Wellness Day). The PEACH members meet regularly with the co-advisors to plan events/activities. The group is co-advised by the Director of Health Services and the Coordinator of Counseling and Career Services.
Phi Alpha
Lindee Petersen Wilson,
(816) 501-3648
Chapter site: https://myau.avila.edu/ics/Campus_Life/Campus_Groups/PHI_Alpha_Honor_Society/
National Site: http://www.phialpha.org/
This Honor Society is for social work majors. It promotes social work scholarship and achievement.
Students are invited to become members after they have completed a minimum of 8 hours of social work credit and achieved a minimum 3.25 GPA in their social work courses.
Psychology Club & Psi Chi Honor Society
Advisor Amy Bucher,
(816) 501-2468
Co-Advisor Dr. Jordan Wagge, (816) 501-2964
Chapter site: http://www.avila.edu/gradpsych/psi-chi-honor-society.asp
International site: http://www.psichi.org/
Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology, founded to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests, and who meet the minimum qualifications.
Radiologic Science Club
Advisor Carole Hillestad,
(816) 501-3624
Co-Advisor Ashlyn Hull 816-501-3787
The Radiologic Science Club promotes professionalism among its members, increases awareness of their position in the medical field and aids in career planning. Club members participate in educational events and serve those in need in the community.
Residence Hall Association
Advisor Ben Watson,
(816) 501-2421
Integrates the ideals of the residence halls to promote leadership in those residence halls.
Saudi Arabian Students Association (SASA)
Advisor Darby Gough , (816) 501-3628
Co-Advisor Emad Ntto
www.avila.edu/stulife/sasa
To share Saudi Arabian tradition, culture, and perception within the Avila and Kansas City communities and to promote cross-cultural communication and understanding through various activities under the Avila University umbrella.
The purposes of the SASA are:
- Represent Saudi Arabia in education, society and sport activities.
- Educate Kansas City community about Saudi Arabian culture.
- Participate in Avila University and Kansas City activities.
- Promote communication between Saudi Arabian, American students and international students.
- Help new Saudi Arabian students and their families.
Help SASA members and students learn and develop different skills.
Sexual Orientation Diversity Alliance(SODA)
Advisor Deanna Angotti, 816-501-2446
Advisor Anna McDonald, 816-501-3719
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/profile.php?id=100001471577460&sk=wall
Established by for students, faculty, and staff, to encourage understanding of the complexities, dangers, pervasiveness of homophobia heterosexism.
2011-2012 SODA Officers:
President – Renee Rudder
Vice-President – Farron Espinoza
Secretary – Dominique Lucas
Treasurer – Tonni Griffith
Sigma Tau Delta
Advisor Tony Michel, 816-501-3691
Chapter site: http://www.avila.edu/english/sigma.asp
International site: http://www.english.org/sigmatd/
The central purpose of Sigma Tau Delta is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies.
Sigma Tau Delta and its members undertake the following:
- To advance the study of the English language and literature
- To encourage worthwhile reading
- To promote mastery of written expression
- To foster community and fellowship among those specializing in the study of English
Sister Heart
Advisor Teresa McClain 816.501.2943
SisterHeart is an organization dedicated to providing a safe place for all women, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or culture, to come together to learn how to support and embrace each other; forming the bonds of lasting friendship and stimulating social, as well as personal growth.
Society of Latinos (SOL)
Advisor Maria Hunt 816-501-2447
The Society of Latinos serves the Kansas City community by providing support to elementary and secondary school students. In working with local students, SOL aims to instill the tools, leadership and motivation to help them achieve their academic and professional goals. SOL provides the Avila University community with educational and recreational events to share the culture and traditions of diverse Hispanic/Latino nationalities.
Sound & Fury (literary magazine)
Advisor Stanley Banks, (816) 501-3679
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Sound-and-Fury-Avila-Universitys-NEW-Literary-Magazine/270459239034
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AUSoundandFury
Avila’s literary magazine, the Sound & Fury, publishes poetry, short stories, short plays, and essays. The magazine is edited by students under the supervision of Avila’s Artist in Residence, Stanley Banks.
Student Senate
Advisor Darby Gough,
(816) 501-3628
Avila Student Senate promotes a spirit of unity among all members of the Avila University community, acts as a means of communication between students, faculty, staff and administration with respect to campus issues, helps solve campus problems in cooperation with the administration, faculty, and staff, and initiates, promotes and helps supervise general campus activities.
Student Social Work Association (SSWA)
Advisor Dr. Francis Origanti, 816-501-3647
Organization site: http://www.avila.edu/socialwork/index.asp
Facebook: http://facebook.com/avilasocial.workassociation
SSWA is a student organization for Avila social work majors and anyone else interested in the field of Social Work. The club elects officers, is run by students, with input from the advisors. The purpose of the club is to promote awareness of social work, provide service to the community and to organize social activities for members. The club offers a connecting point for students interested in the social work field. The club sponsors service projects and other activities throughout the academic year.
2011-2012 SSWA Officers:
President – Jake Baldwin
Vice-President – Sara Barlett
Secretary – Joanna Inwards
Treasurer – Kelley Pierson
Historian – Tonni Griffith
Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT)
Advisor
Susan Randolph (816) 501 - 3780
Organization site: http://www.avila.edu/alumni/stat/
STAT stands for Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow. The purpose of STAT is to promote life-long beneficial relationships between Avila's students, alumni, staff and faculty.
Benefits of joining STAT
1) Once you sign up, you will receive your FREE
membership t-shirt.
2) Throughout the year, you'll receive other freebies exclusively for STAT members and the opportunity to volunteer at and attend Alumni events like Worlds of Fun, Royals' games and other social events at no charge.
3) Students will also have the opportunity to interact with University alumni and learn more about the Alumni Association.
4) Additionally, you get the chance to meet other students and HAVE FUN!
The Talon Student Media Network
Advisor J. Anthony Snorgrass,
(816) 501-2494
www.thetalon-online.com and www.avila.edu/talon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talon.newsnetwork
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TalonNews_Avila
Youtube: youtube.com/thetalononline
Avila University’s student media network which includes the Talon News Magazine, The Talon Online, Talon TV, Talon Ureport, Talon podcasts, web streaming and other interactive publications.
Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
Interim Advisor J. Anthony Snorgrass,
(816) 501-2494
Visit our club's web site
Have you served in the military or you are currently enlisted? Have you been admitted to Avila? Are you an Avila Alumni? If you answered yes to these questions, the VSO is the organization for you.
Wellness
Advisor Carol Frevert, (816) 501-3668
The focus of wellness programming is directed to the student population, although activities are open and available to all students, faculty, and staff. Programming is designed to promote wellness, enhance health awareness, and encourage development of healthy choices that affect both physical and mental health. Programs offered each semester can include wellness forums, classes, activities, and events. Wellness also collaborates with other clubs, organizations, departments, and schools to provide activities during special focus weeks on campus. Wellness works in conjunction with PEACH to provide a more comprehensive plan for the campus community. The advisor is the Director of Health Services.
© 2011 Avila UniversityAvila University is a private, co-educational, values-based liberal arts institution.
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
