Rochester College recognizes and charters student organizations, which reflect the interests and diversity of our students. Student Life encourages the formation of any college-sponsored organization given that the proposed organization meets the policy set forth for all student organizations. The following is a list of sanctioned college-sponsored student organizations.
Professional Department Organizations
Alpha Chi is a national honor society. Membership invitations are extended each spring to traditional juniors and seniors who are in the top 10% of their class. For more information, contact Anne Nichols at anichols@rc.edu or 248-218-2159
Psi Chi is a national honor society for psychology students. For more information, contact Dr. Sieglen-Hinson (248.218.2102) or Dr. Matchynski (248.218.2157).
Delta Psi Omega is a national honorary theatrical fraternity for selected students. For more information, contact Dr. Cathie Parker at 248.218.2154.
Greek Life
The Rochester College Greek Life Program was instituted to offer the student body smaller peer group involvement, accountability, leadership development and service opportunities, and to foster a sense of unity in a Christian setting.
The Greek Life program at Rochester College is under the direction of the Center for Student Life. The Center for Student Life oversees and coordinates all Greek Life activities. This group works in conjunction with each of the clubs to help ensure that each particular mission is upheld and that unity within the social club program is encouraged in its meetings, activities, projects and programs.
Purpose of Greek Life
The purpose of Greek Life is to foster friendship, loyalty, develop leadership attributes, and help create individuals who value scholarship, integrity and strong relationships, not only to each other, but ultimately to Christ.
Greek Life membership is open to any Rochester College student enrolled in nine or more credit hours. Initial requirements include a willingness to attend mixers, meet people and participate in orientation activities. After New Member Orientation, members must attend regular meetings, pay dues, meet club standards of behavior, meet grade point average requirements and be an active part of club culture. For more information regarding social club membership, please see the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement or consult the Student Organization Handbook.
The commitment of Rochester College, in conjunction with the social club program, is threefold:
- To help foster appropriate social interaction, leadership opportunities and the responsibility to serve mankind.
- To involve staff, faculty and community adults in the sponsorship of the clubs in order to foster appropriate leadership and mentoring.
- To oversee the structural and financial responsibility of these organizations so that the credibility of the clubs can be maintained consistently.
Every social club exists because its founding members petitioned the College and received approval for its charter. Without following proper procedures, campus organizations cannot exist. It is crucial that the actions of each of the clubs and its members reflect a positive, Christ-like image in keeping with its mission, as well as the mission of the College.
Three Greek Life clubs currently serve as a basis for one venue of organized socialization at Rochester College providing special activities, sports rivalry, service projects and a smaller group of companions. Our co-ed Greek Life club is: Sigma Phi (women)/Delta Nu (men). Two gender-focused Greek Life clubs are: Epsilon Theta Chi (men) and Omicron Omega Zeta (women). For more details about each club, request a copy of the club’s mission statement or bylaws/constitution from the Student Life Office.
Student Government
The Rochester College Student Government represents the student body. Student Government consists of an Executive Cabinet and a Student Senate.
The officers who are elected to the Executive Cabinet include the Student Body President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasury. Elections are held each April to elect officers for the following academic year. Executive officers receive a stipend.
The Student Senate consists of the Executive Vice President who serves as the Chair of the Senate and other students leaders who are referred to as “Senators.” Senators represent selected areas within the campus community. Senators shall be elected by majority vote or appointed by the Executive Cabinet. The Assistant Dean of Student Engagement serves as the advisor.
The purposes of Student Government are as follows:
- To serve the needs of the students by representing students to the administration.
- To serve the needs of the institution by representing the administration to the students.
- To serve the needs of Christian education by assisting the College in reaching its goals and objectives.
- To serve Christ and mankind by exhibiting and promoting the ideals of the College in developing Christian character and unity among all in the college community—students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni and friends.
Shield, The Independent Student Media of Rochester College
Students produce the college magazine twice a year along with other media, providing experiences in writing, layout design, editing and photography. For more information, contact Lora Hutson at 248.218.2168.