CECI Student Organizations
Students in the College of Education and Community Innovation have developed excellent student organizations that fulfill a variety of interests. Here are ten reasons you should join one of these groups:
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Expand your professional network
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Assume new leadership roles
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Find learning opportunities and mentors
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Give back to your community
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Develop your soft skills
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Work on team-building
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Experience welcoming and supportive environments
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Share perspectives and experiences with peers and advisors
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Strengthen your resume
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Take a break and have some fun
SLAM (Students Leaving a Mark) assisted with relief efforts after Hurricane Helene in North Carolina during their Spring Break.
Below is a list of our CECI student organizations. Find out more about them, including meeting times and upcoming activities, by visiting their page in LakerLink or sending an inquiry to their general contact e-mail address.
Alpha Phi Sigma (ΑΦΣ)
Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society, recognizing academic excellence among undergraduate and graduate students in criminal justice. The GVSU APS Chapter provides opportunities for professional development, community service, networking, and leadership.
Open to eligible students in criminal justice or related fields with 45+ completed credits, a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and at least 4 CJ courses. One-time national membership fee: $85. Chapter dues: $10 per semester.
Bachelor of Social Work Student Organization (BSWSO)
BSWSO is a student-led organization established for Bachelor of Social Work students to engage in volunteer and social activities, to encourage awareness of various social issues that impact the social work profession and its clients, to discuss issues of mutual concern, and to advocate for BSW students. Leadership is provided through an elected board consisting of President, Vice President, Membership Chair, Finance Chair, and Public Relations Chair.
BSWSO is open to all current Bachelor of Social Work students. Members are expected to participate in volunteer and social activities and business meetings. There is a $5.00 dues payable each semester.
Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA)
The Criminal Justice Student’s Association (CJSA) was established in 2008. The CJSA gives students with a passion for the field of Criminal Justice an opportunity to create new personal and professional relationship while helping the community.
The CJSA is open to graduate and undergraduate students from any discipline. The CJSA is dedicated to increasing opportunities, both educational and professional, for students interested in a career in a criminal justice or related professions. Free to join.
Healthcare Professionals Graduate Student Alliance (HPGSA)
As part of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Higher Education Network, HPGSA's purpose is to provide networking opportunities for graduate students while collaborating with industry experts to learn about the emerging trends in healthcare.
Open to any MHA, MPA, MPH, or MBA graduate student studying health administration. No dues for HPGSA. Student membership dues for ACHE are $75.
Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) Club
HTM Club offers networking and learning opportunities outside of the classroom, bringing together our HTM students and professionals in the industry. Our club events explore a variety of HTM industries and offer opportunities for our students to get involved with HTM professionals. We host guest speakers who work in the industry and explore hospitality culture in Grand Rapids and beyond.
Open to all students majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Law Society
The GVSU Law Society's purpose is to educate students who are interested in an undergraduate legal or law-related education. This organization provides students with information and opportunities related to law school and the legal professions, including careers as paralegal professionals and attorneys. The organization also enables students to develop relationships with legal professionals within the community. These purposes are achieved through regular meetings, presented speakers, events, and personal contacts with the legal community.
Membership is open all GVSU students; Dues are normally $10 per year.
Master of Social Work Student Organization (MSWSO)
This organization aims to create opportunities for MSW students to apply the knowledge gained from core competencies and the advanced generalist curriculum to serve the community. Engaging with the diverse Grand Rapids community enables members to uphold the values and ethics of social work. The MSWSO assists students in building personal rapport with cohorts, future colleagues, and the community. The MSWSO creates a safe space for intelligent, productive, and respectful conversations amongst members, faculty, and the community.
MSW students interested in joining the student organization should engage by attending meetings, participating in email discussions, volunteering for social events, and paying a $5.00 membership fee at the onset of their membership. MSWSO members are MSW program students in good academic standing who have paid the one-time $5 dues. Members are expected to attend events 1-2 times monthly, keep up-to-date via emails, social media, or Suitable, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Prism: Careers in Education
We center the needs of GVSU 2SLGBTQIA+ students (while also being open to supportive allies) entering careers in education-related fields, including but not limited to: teaching licensure, counseling, speech-language pathology, social work, youth advocacy, and juvenile justice. We provide support and community, including various professional development, networking, community building, and mentoring opportunities across these related fields in order to strengthen the resources, connections, and well-being of students as they prepare to enter their chosen professions.
Membership includes any interested student currently enrolled at GVSU and is open to all interested undergraduate students going into an education-related career; non-voting members can include graduate students and GVSU alumni. No membership fees.
Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA)
SAGA empowers graduate students in the MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration (HESAA) program to enrich their education and program through active scholarship, community building, and professional networking. SAGA upholds the mission and values of GVSU and the College of Education and Community Innovation in all its functions and programming. Sponsored opportunities include social events, professional development opportunities, orientation events, and community outreach opportunities. SAGA also provides its members with financial assistance to students in the MA in HESAA program when attending conferences in the field. SAGA and the Graduate Student Association determine guidelines for funding.
SAGA membership is open to all students enrolled, part-time or full-time, in the MA in HESAA program at GVSU. Students enrolled in the program are automatically enrolled in SAGA. There are no fees or dues to become a member, though some SAGA-sponsored events may require payment for admission.
Students Leaving A Mark (SLAM)
Students Leaving A Mark (SLAM) is a student organization of Grand Valley State University that is dedicated to providing its members with academic, cultural, and social opportunities to enrich the students’ professional leadership potential in the field of nonprofit management, leadership, and social entrepreneurship. Our organization's roots begin with a special topics Service Learning class (PA 380) in the winter semester of 2010. Looking to expand the idea of service learning into a student organization that could impact the local community and nationally with our spring break and summer service trips: Students Leaving A Mark was formed.
Open to all students at GVSU.