Student Organizations
With over 100 student organizations, 20+ Greek organizations, 700 leadership opportunities, a variety of club sports and over 20 varsity sports programs in addition to PE courses and an intramural program — students have many opportunities to engage, to learn and to lead.
Index
Student Government
Publications
Community Service Organizations
Spiritual/Religious Organizations
Music, Art, Film, Radio
Performance Groups
Special Interest Organizations
Club Sports
Sports and Recreation
Emergency Services
STUDENT GOVERNANCE
The Order of Gownsmen was established in 1873 and is a society of Sewanee students recognized for their academic distinction. The OG advises the Student Assembly and maintains and promotes the spirit, tradition, and ideals of the University.
Under the constitution, the new Student Senate, composed of five senators elected from each student class along with a student body president, will be the main body to nominate student representatives for service on university committees. Each student committee representative will be responsible for communicating with the students about activities of committees on which they serve and representing on those committees the interests of students.
The Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) is the governing board for Sewanee’s 12-member fraternity system, and the Inter-Sorority Council (ISC) is the governing board for Sewanee’s nine-member sorority system.
PUBLICATIONS
The Cap and Gown is the annual publication of the student body. It contains an account of the year’s activities and student life.
The Mountain Goat is dedicated to providing a creative and artistic outlet in the form of a literary magazine, published once a semester.
The Sewanee Purple is a bimonthly newspaper run by University students that covers events, provides a forum for student opinion and debate, and serves as an outlet for photographers, writers, artists, and all those interested in any aspect of newspaper production.
COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Break Trips (Fall, Christmas, Spring) coordinated through All Saints' Outreach Ministries provide opportunities for service in locations such as the Mississippi Gulf Cost, New Orleans, New York, Miami, Haiti, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.
Big People for Little People pairs students with elementary youth for mentoring.
Community Action Committee works with local food bank distribution.
English as a Second Language/GED serves the local community through adult tutoring; Spanish language skills helpful.
Extended School Program provides after school tutoring for Sewanee Elementary School students.
Housing Sewanee, Inc. is Sewanee's version of Habitat for Humanity with building projects that has constructed multiple homes for community families on the Domain.
Headstart is tutoring program for pre-school age children.
Homeless Shelter Outreach assists in the staffing of the shelter in Chattanooga.
Middle School Mentors provide tutoring in neighboring county schools.
Senior Citizens Visitations offer a pastoral presence with residents of nursing homes.
Sewanee Aids Awareness Association brings HIV/ Aids issues to the community awareness.
Waste Not Recycling is a local recycling effort in conjunction of Environmental Residents.
Youth Baseball provides the services of field maintenance, umpiring, and coaching to local kids.
Youth Soccer offers refereeing and coaching to the local league.
SPIRITUAL/RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Acolytes and Lay Readers aid in both the daily and Sunday chapel services. All interested students are welcome to participate. All Saints' Chapel hosts a variety of Bible studies and student groups guided by the leadership of Catherine Outten, Lay Chaplain, and Tom Macfie, University Chaplain, as well as Annwn Myers, Associate University Chaplain.
Baptist Collegiate Ministries is an organization open to students from any denomination with the purpose of furthering Christian growth and fellowship.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes provides a relaxed atmosphere for people to come sing and hear speakers talk about Christian ideas, feelings, etc.
The Muslim Student Association purpose is to increase awareness about Islam in the community, hold seminars and lectures about Islam, and have session prayers, including Juamu (Friday prayer).
Presbyterian Campus Ministry is open to students from any religious creed and meets for Bible study and Christian worship and fellowship as well as service through the Outreach office.
The Sewanee Catholic Community provides for the discussion of faith and related issues, provides community service, and offers Roman Catholic Mass and other services for the purposes of worship. There are currently no Roman Catholic Mass services in Sewanee, but there is a weekly van service providing transportation to the 10:30 a.m. service at Good Shepherd Church in Decherd, Tenn.
Young Life is a nationwide ministry dedicated to meeting high school students “on their own turf” and building strong relationships through which the gospel may be communicated. University students serve as leaders for local Young Life groups.
MUSIC, ART, FILM, RADIO
Art Forum seeks to inform, educate, and stimulate the role of art in our community by bringing different speakers to campus and provide trips to nearby exhibits.
The Bishop’s Common Program Board provides, stimulates, and promotes a well-balanced variety of social, recreational entertainment, and educational programs for the Sewanee community.
The Cinema Guild endeavors to bring first-rate foreign and classical American films free of charge to the Mountain and University community. In 2011-12 films will be shown at theSewanee Union Theatre on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Ballroom Society fosters an appreciation and opportunity to learn different types of popular dance through lessons, trips and actual dances.
WUTS 91.3FM is the student-run radio station that provides music and educational programming, as well as news broadcasts and features, 24-hours a day during the school year. WUTS broadcasts at 200 watts of power, covering not only Sewanee but approximately a 20-mile area.
PERFORMANCE GROUPS
Dionysus and Company provides theatre experiences outside the theatre department through student run and guest directed performances.
Perpetual Motion is a performing dance company designed to give students an opportunity to perform for the Sewanee community the many forms and styles of dance.
Sewanee Cadence provides an outlet for the development of individual voices through ensemble repertoire often drawing from madrigal traditions.
The University Choir is first and foremost a Chapel choir. The group sings every Sunday for the University service in All Saints’ Chapel, offers an Evensong service on the first Sunday of the month, and performs traditional services throughout the year.
The University Orchestra is devoted to the performance of serious chamber music repertory and on occasion plays as a pit orchestra for performances of opera and musical theatre.
Theatre Sewanee is the theatrical production company of the University of the South. Open auditions are held for each of the four to six major productions annually as well as the numerous student-directed studio and cabaret performances.
SPECIAL INTEREST ORGANIZATIONS
ABRE, which means "open" in Spanish, is an organization that seekes to create awareness and dialogue about political, economic and social issues through a vareity of activities such as discussions and speakers.
The Arcadians are students who volunteer to assist the Admission Office in attracting prospective students to Sewanee by giving campus tours, serving as overnight hosts/hostesses, and driving prospective students to and from the airport.
BACCHUS is an organization that encourages responsible drinking behavior within the campus community by providing safe rides on campus.
The Bairnwick Women’s Center Board strives to promote women at the University by sponsoring workshops, lectures, and other events. The Pinnacle Series meets bi-weekly during lunch to listen to a guest speaker share his or her life experiences.
Chess Club serves the entire community of the University of the South by promoting the interest in playing and improving in the game of chess through activities and club meetings. The Chess Club’s purpose is, moreover, to create a social atmosphere in which one can experience the game of chess in a fun, educational, and meaningful manner.
College Democrats provides an avenue to participate in and contribute to the political discourse in Sewanee as well as the larger community.
College Libertarians are an affiliate of the Libertarian Party and may cooperate with other affiliates of the Libertarian Party. The purpose of the CL shall be to promote the principles of libertarian political philosophy.
College Republications is a student organization that supports and promotes the political ideology and activities of the Republican Party.
Cumberland Contra Clan fosters an appreciation and passion for the culture, music, and fellowship of contra dancing.
Ducks Unlimited exists to inform students about the need to conserve North American wetlands and the many important ways each person can help in conservation, restoration, and protection.
The Green House is "theme house" in Sewanee's residential living system.
The Eco-House gathers students interested in protecting the natural environment and living a sustainable lifestyle in community while setting an example of sustainable living for the rest of the University and Sewanee community.
Environmental Resident Program seeks to increase environmental awareness through education and running a recycling program in the residence halls.
Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) provides a setting for confidential and frank discussion concerning human sexuality. Its goal is to dispel stereotypes about sexual orientation by building community and providing education.
Hiking for a Cause raises money for various charitable organizations through sponsored hikes and other outdoor activities throughout the domain.
HOLA — Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness — is a student leadership organization whose goal is to increase understanding of Hispanic heritage and current issues through social and educational events.
Model UN strives to increase the awareness of the student body concerning current global issues and prepares its active members to represent the University at regional and national IMO conventions.
Knitting and Crochet Club encourages, supports, and educates others in the arts of knitting and crochet.
Men Against Sexual Violence is a voluntary affiliate of the national organization, “Men Can Stop Rape,” and may choose to cooperate with its affiliates. The purpose of MASV shall be: to raise awareness about sexual assault, especially among men, on the campus of the University of the South and the surrounding community.
Mountain Top Musicians extend the appreciation of live music at the University of the South by providing resources and equipment to students on a free lease for a weekend. In that weekend the band or musician can opt to perform live with high quality and reliable equipment ensuring the best sound, or record their music with professional equipment resulting in a flawless sound and a well-produced CD. These outlets can boost a musician’s reputation and allow the community and their peers to appreciate the culture of music. Students learn with other students the ins-and-outs of performing and producing great music of any genre.
Omicron Delta Kappa is the Sewanee chapter of a national leadership honor society for college students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni.
The Organization for Cross-Cultural Understanding (OCCU) encourages all students to recognize, appreciate, and understand ethnic diversities on campus through social and educational activities.
The Sewanee Conference on Women brings noted speakers to campus each spring to inform the community on issues of particular concern to women.
The Sewanee Natural History Society (SNHS) celebrates the natural world on and around the Sewanee Domain. An enthusiastic student-led society that works in partnership with the geology and bology departments and the Sewanee Outing Program and hosts several outings each week.
Sewanee Peace Coalition desires to increase awareness in and around the Sewanee community of the importance of nonviolent alternatives in solving domestic and international disputes.
Sewanee Pre-Health Society is an organization of students curious about and/or actively pursuing health-related professions after graduation.
Sewanee STAND is a student-run organization currently focusing on raising awareness and helping to end the genocide currently occurring in Darfur, Sudan. The three main goals of this chapter are to: increase consciousness, nationally and abroad, about presently occurring genocides; take nonpartisan political action for a swift and sustainable solution to the crisis; and coordinate national and international efforts to achieve the two goals above.
Students for Positive Extracurricular Engagement (SPECE) is committed to helping students find their place in the Sewanee community by creating a supportive network of students engaged in substance free programs and activities.
The Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature — the University of the South Delegation advances and advocates excellence in legal and public service by: a) Upholding and promoting the integrity, ethics, and professionalism of the legislative and legal fields; and b) Promoting the understanding of the legislative and legal process of the State of Tennessee; and c) Providing students with relevant and competent experience in the legislative, legal, communications and public affairs fields.
Waste Not is a student recycling organization dedicated to finding effective and efficient ways to recycle materials, educating students about the ways and benefits of recycling, as well as creating on-campus programs in which students can participate.
CLUB SPORTS
Canoe Team is a sports organization dedicated to teaching the sport of rowing and competing. The club focuses on developing pride, team unity and tradition.
Sewanee Crew Team, a club sport with a varsity mindset, now has over 50 members. With a coach and experienced cabinet members, three boats brought home medals (two silver and one gold) at their first regatta in Oakridge in Fall 2006. Students are proud to have built this team and even their own dock! Donnie Jones, Coach (x.1208) Sewanee Crew website
The Sewanee Men's Rugby Club is one of the Universities most successful sport clubs, winning the Mid South Rugby Union Division 3 championship in 2005 and 2006, and ranked as one of the top four D3 sides in the south east. The club is very active in promoting the world's no. 2 most popular sport on campus, running a first and second team, and offering a warm welcome to all students who wish to learn more about rugby.
The Sewanee Women's Rugby Club is composed entirely of women who came to campus with no previous rugby experience. These women are a self-motivated group of hardworking, fun-loving athletes. The women's rugby club practices weekly and competes in intercollegiate matches with teams across Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and occasionally farther. No experience is necessary and on the field training is provided.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Climbing Club promotes all facets of rock climbing including weekend trips, participation in sport climbing competitions, and monitoring land management of climbing areas on the Domain.
Cycling Team provides amateur and serious, competitive cyclists with the opportunity to race against other schools primarily in the Southeast.
Martial Arts Club meets several times a week to learn various forms of martial arts and competes in tournaments.
Paintball Club is designed to give students and faculty an opportunity to participate in a constructive and educational outdoor activity that develops teamwork in an interactive and fun environment.
Sewanee Fencing Society teaches all interested people to enjoy the sport of fencing and compete in local, regional, and national tournaments.
Sewanee Outing Program promotes outdoor recreation, sports, and activities such as skiing, canoeing, hiking, caving, backpacking, climbing, and biking through instruction and the coordination of local excursions. The SOP operates a low-cost Bike Shop and lends outing equipment to students. John Benson, Director (x1214) SOP Website
Sewanee Table Tennis Club is open to all members of the Sewanee community and seeks to foster team spirit and camaraderie through the promotion of table tennis.
The Tiger Girls is a dance team that performs at athletic events.
Ultimate Frisbee is a group of men and women that meet several times a week to play.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Sewanee Emergency Medical Service provides full emergency medical and non-emergency medical care to Sewanee and surrounding areas year round. The service is composed of both students and community members who are licensed Emergency Medical Technicians by the State of Tennessee. To be considered for the Service, all interested parties must successfully complete the EMT course offered at Sewanee and undergo a rigorous selection process.
The Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department is responsible for fire protection in Sewanee and the surrounding area. While anyone interested can go through the fire classes one has to be selected to serve the department since there are limited spots available and a minimum requirement for necessary technical skills and intellectual aptitude.