Student Organizations

The objectives of AIChE are to advance chemical engineering in theory and practice, maintain a high professional standard among its members, and serve society, particularly where chemical engineering can contribute to the public interest. In addition to these goals, the student chapter provides a better communication link between the Department of Chemical Engineering and the student in social and academic endeavors. Weekly luncheons with speakers from industry, students/faculty events, peer counseling, "How to Succeed in Chemical Engineering" handbook, and many social events are among the activities that AIChE sponsors.

National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
More Information @ B027 Pierpont Commons or um-nobcche@umich.edu

NOBCChE was established in 1975 to develop and carry out programs to assist minority groups in realizing their full potential in science and engineering. To support the growth of minority scientists and engineers, NOBCChE sponsors national programs in education, professional development, and community service.

The goals of U-M chapter are to address the diverse needs and interests of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students; to provide access to support groups and job connections for students; and to promote awareness of the various fields involved with chemistry and chemical engineering.

The chapter meets bi-monthly to discuss upcoming campus and chapter events, and to provide a support system for minority students.

Omega Chi Epsilon
More Information @ 3082 Dow
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Phillip Savage, 3034 Dow, 764-3386

Omega Chi Epsilon is the national Chemical Engineering Honor Society. The society promotes high scholarship, encourages original investigation in chemical engineering, and recognizes the valuable traits of character, integrity, and leadership. Membership in the society is based on service, character, and grade-point average (Seniors need a cumulative grade point average 3.4 or greater; juniors need a cumulative grade point average 3.5 or greater). Eligible undergraduate students are notified in their junior or senior year. Omega Chi Epsilon provides academic service in the form of tutoring, exam files, and graduate school files. Community service, as well as social events, are arranged.

Alpha Chi Sigma is a Co-ed Professional Chemical Sciences Fraternity. It is open to all students in chemistry related fields of study, including chemical engineering, materials science, bioengineering, chemistry, biochemistry, and biological sciences. The purpose of the fraternity is to promote the science and profession of chemistry, and the unity and support of students and professionals in the field. Alpha Chi Sigma sponsors a number of professional, academic, community and social activities.

The Society of Minority Engineering Students is a student-run organization whose mission is the recruitment, retention, and successful graduation of its members. The organization acts as a vehicle to promote unity through programs that encourage academic excellence, personal growth, and professional development; thereby increasing the number of minority professionals who are committed to the development of the minority community. We are the umbrella organization for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).

The objectives of SWE are to inform young women, their parents, counselors, and the general public of the qualifications and achievements of women engineers, and the opportunities open to them; to assist women engineers with a return to active work after temporary retirement; to serve as a center of information on women in engineering; and to encourage women engineers to attain high levels of education and professional achievement. All students, male, female, graduate and undergraduate, are invited to participate. SWE is very active with projects including Career Fair, Big Sib/Little Sib, pre-interviews, newsletters, outreach, and social activities.

Tau Beta Pi is the national engineering honor society founded in 1885 to recognize students of distinguished scholarship and exemplary character. It is the only engineering honor society that incorporates members from ALL engineering disciplines. The Michigan Gamma Chapter is one of the largest chapters in the nation with over 7,000 members. To be eligible, undergraduates must have attended U-M for at least two semesters, and be in the top one-eighth of their junior class or in the top one-fifth of their senior class. Graduate students must have a 7.5 GPA, at least 11 credit hours earned at U-M, and a recommendation from their advisor. In additional to promoting academic excellence, Tau Beta Pi sponsors a variety of activities, including community service projects, community support fund-raisers, and social activities.