Student Life
Downers Grove, IL Campus
Rich with possibilities. That's your life beyond the classroom at Midwestern University. Clubs and organizations, student government, recreational activities. You can find whatever fits your interests and enhances your life.
Student Government
Recreational Activities
University-wide Student Organizations
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) Organizations
Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) Organizations
College of Health Sciences (CHS) Organizations
Student Government
At MWU, student government provides a forum for discussing and resolving student concerns, initiating recognition of new student organizations, and conducting reviews of student organizations. Student government functions at two levels: (1) the University and (2) the College.
University Student Senate
All students at each campus are represented through a campus-wide Student Senate. Each Student Senate is composed of 12 members. Three members represent each college within the campus. The remaining three members are the Speaker of the Student Senate, Vice Speaker, and the Secretary. Meeting every other month, each Student Senate provides a mechanism for governance of campus-wide activities and functions. It also provides a vehicle for the exchange of ideas and perceptions concerning student issues that cross college lines. Each Student Senate is required to develop and publish bylaws that describe: (1) the name of the senate; (2) purpose; (3) objectives of the senate; (4) operation and relationship with the College Student Councils; (5) membership and procedures for the election of officers/liaisons and their terms of office; (6) duties of senate members; (7) meeting schedules; (8) parliamentary procedure selected; (9) procedure considerations (quorums, role of individual class officers, etc); and (10) adoption and amendment procedures.
College Councils
Individual college student councils function to provide governance for student issues related to the individual colleges, as well as conducting all-class and college-wide elections. Adoption of bylaws governing the individual college student councils is at the discretion of the elected/appointed officers of these councils. College student councils are encouraged to adopt bylaws that are consistent with the bylaws of the other college student councils.
Individual college student councils are required to develop and publish bylaws that describe: (1) the name of the student council; (2) purpose; (3) objectives of the council; (4) operation and relationship with other college student councils; (5) membership and procedures for the election of officers/representatives and their terms of offices; (6) duties of student council members; (7) meeting schedules; (8) parliamentary procedure selected; (9) procedure considerations (quorums, role of individual class officers, etc); and (10) adoption and amendment procedures.
Recreational Activities
Committed to the osteopathic concept of wellness, Midwestern University encourages you to use the recreation/fitness facilities located on the campus in Downers Grove, as well as in nearby areas. Campus facilities include a gymnasium, a fully equipped weight room, an aerobic exercise room, an outdoor sand volleyball court, and athletic fields for various intramural sports.
You may also participate in a variety of University-sponsored activities, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, ping-pong tournaments, softball competitions, martial arts training, yoga, and running.
University-wide Student Organizations
The following student organizations are recognized by the appropriate campus Student Senate, respective Student Councils, and the Dean for Student Services and have been approved by the Dean of the respective College. For more information about any of these organizations or if you have any questions about how to apply for membership, contact the president(s) of the respective organization(s). A list of organization officers is available from the MWU Office of Student Services.
Alternatives
Alternatives promotes awareness and understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual issues, and educates the University on health care issues related to the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community.
Christian Medical Association (CMA)
CMA, an interdenominational affiliation of Christian students and faculty, comes together in small and large groups to encourage spiritual growth. Bible or topical study groups meet once every other week and fellowships meet once per month. Other activities are planned throughout the year, with special emphasis on serving the underserved in practical ways. Any student is welcome to participate.
Geriatrics Club
Geriatrics Club encourages interest in geriatrics and concern with care of the elderly among faculty and students in various disciplines. Educational programs in geriatrics are open to the Midwestern University community and local health care professionals. Geriatrics Club promotes education activities within community faciities and encourages the inclusion of geriatrics in the general curriculum and as an elective.
Integrative Medicine Club
Integrative Medicine Club enhances medical education by introducing complementary modalities used in the art of medicine. Through awareness of alternatives to osteopathic medicine that may be incorporated into treatment, physicians are better able to appropriately counsel patients should they inquire about other forms of treatment.
Jewish Student Association
The Jewish Student Association increases awareness and understanding of the Jewish faith to promote religious and cultural diversity.
Latter-Day Saints Student Association (LDSSA)
The Latter-Day Saints Student Association, an approved program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is open to all students regardless of race, color, or creed, who are willing to maintain church standards.
Maharlika Eskrima Sports Club
This organization displays the Filipino culture and history, as well as the evolution of the Filipino martial arts, and welcomes all students interested and seeking instruction in martial arts.
Minority Student Organization (MSO)
MSO helps improve the well-being of minorities and members of the University community by creating a receptive atmosphere for the expression of professional excellence and moral principles.
Muslim Student Association (MSA)
The Muslim Student Association increases awareness and understanding of the Islamic faith to promote religious and cultural diversity. Serving the community by presenting the religion, beliefs, and rituals to all students, MSA aids global understanding of the world's religions.
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
RHA fosters recognition of on-campus students' rights; facilitates communication between campus residents and campus administrators; provides educational, social, cultural, and representational benefits of individuals; and establishes and executes policies for the advancement of MWU housing facilities.
South Asian Student Association (SASA)
The South Asian Student Association brings together students from all colleges and all cultures to promote and educate the MWU community about the South Asian culture.
Sports Medicine Club
The Sports Medicine Club offers students interested in athletics and medicine a way to combine these activities and stay up to date on the latest medical approaches in this field by attending guest lectures. You can use what you learn by shadowing a collegiate athletic physician or by performing athletic physicals. Sporting events are offered throughout the year to raise club funds and test your athletic abilities.
Other University-wide Organizations
Cultural M.P.A.C.
Newman Catholic Community
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) Organizations
American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners (ACOFP)
ACOFP (formerly ACGP) is the largest college of the American Osteopathic Association and continually strives to improve the standards and training of family medicine physicians. The CCOM chapter of ACOFP encourages interest in family medicine by providing lectures, primary care information, and paid externships for its members. All osteopathic medical students are encouraged to join.
American Medical Association/Medical Student Society (AMA/MSS)
MSS connects the American Medical Association (AMA), the Illinois Association of Osteopathic Physician and Surgeons (IAOPS), Chicago Medical Society (CMS), and Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) to expand new roles and increase the awareness of osteopathic medicine in the medical field. The organization helps members increase contact with other Chicagoland medical students to provide a support network for coping with the challenges of medical school.
American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
The American Medical Student Association is committed to improving health care and health care delivery to all people; promoting active improvement in medical education; involving members in the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the profession of medicine; assisting in the improvement and understanding of world health problems; contributing to the well-being of medical students, interns, residents, and post-MD/DO trainees; and advancing the profession of medicine.
American Medical Women's Association/National Osteopathic Women Physicians Association (AMWA/NOWPA)
AMWA/NOWPA is a national organization of female osteopathic physicians that provides the common link to achieving personal and professional goals, primarily through networking with role models. Members meet and talk with female medical students, interns, residents, and attendings. Monthly meetings for first- and second-year students are held on campus. Bimonthly meetings for the general membership on special topics are held off campus. All women are urged to join in order to represent and address the needs of female osteopathic physicians. Male osteopathic physicians and medical students are always welcome at meetings and as members.
Emergency Medicine Club
Emergency Medicine Club's activities include advanced first aid certification, an introduction to advanced cardiac life support, an ambulance ride-along program, and guest lecturers from the field of Emergency Medicine.
Internal Medicine Club
Internal Medicine Club represents aspiring osteopathic internists by: (1) providing osteopathic medical students with an early exposure to the field of internal medicine; (2) stressing the understanding of osteopathic principles in relation to disease in the practice of internal medicine and its subspecialties; (3) affiliation with the American College of Osteopathic Internists to establish and maintain the highest educational, moral, and ethical standards in the teaching and practice of internal medicine; (4) serving as a liaison with the AOA and the ACOI to provide information on training and career opportunities in internal medicine to osteopathic students; and (5) keeping members informed of the latest developments in the field of internal medicine.
J. Martin Littlejohn Academy
The Academy explores the relationship between osteopathic medicine and current concepts in science and art. Members participate in group discussions and presentations to consider creative ideas and formulate research projects for the expansion of members' understanding of history, art, and science. All members are encouraged to make public speeches in an effort to better communicate with peers and to enhance the understanding of osteopathic medicine.
Military Medical Students Association (MMSA) of the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS)
Because CCOM has one of the largest contingents of military medical students in the nation, a student chapter of the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS) was recently founded. MMSA provides information concerning all aspects of uniformed service and military medicine in particular; promotes the practice and philosophies of osteopathic medicine in the military community; and fosters interservice relations and camaraderie among its members and their families.
Sigma Sigma Phi
The Epsilon Chapter is a student chapter of National Sigma Sigma Phi, an honorary osteopathic service fraternity. Students who have shown a high degree of scholarship and service to CCOM and/or the profession are offered membership. The fraternity furthers osteopathic medicine and its standards of practice as it promotes fellowship, scholastic achievement, and the betterment of CCOM and the fraternity as a whole.
Student's Associate Auxiliary (SAA)
SAA offers friendship and personal enrichment for student spouses. Through monthly meetings and activities, the auxiliary provides information on housing and transportation for new students, raises funds to support activities to benefit CCOM students, presents an annual gift to CCOM, and honors of its members whose spouses are graduating.
Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
The Student National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest student organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. SNMA programs serves the health needs of under-represented communities, educate people about important health matters, assure medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, and assist students in enrolling in and successfully completing their studies in U.S. medical schools.
Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
SOMA improves the quality of the health care delivery system for all people and contributes to the welfare and education of osteopathic medical students. It shares the purposes and ideals of osteopathic medicine and establishes lines of communication with other health science students and organizations. SOMA also prepares members to meet the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the osteopathic profession.
Student Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists Association (SOOGA)
The Student Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists Association (SOOGA) educates future osteopathic obstetricians and gynecologists, increases awareness of women's healthcare and medical issues, and provides an educational setting to exchange information through seminars, workshops, and guest speakers. SOOGA serves as a liaison with medical professional organizations and provides information on training and career opportunities in obstetrics and gynecology.
Student Osteopathic Pediatric Association (SOPA)
The Student Osteopathic Pediatric Association (SOPA) explores and studies the principles of osteopathic medical care relating to infants, children, and adolescents. SOPA facilitates interaction among students and faculty, conducts activities congruent with their concerns, and provides a forum to present topics of interest. SOPA members participate in community and campus projects related to pediatric health issues.
Student Osteopathic Surgery Association (SOSA)
SOSA, a national organization affiliated with the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), represents and educates future osteopathic surgeons. Through local chapters, SOSA stresses understanding osteopathic principles in relation to disease in the practice of surgery and provides a forum for discussion among students and surgeons. SOSA also promotes education in the field of surgery, including gowning and gloving, scrubbing, sterile techniques, suturing and tying techniques, operating room behavior, instrumentation, universal precautions, osteopathic manipulative management of the surgical patient, pre- and postoperative management of surgical patients, and surgical documentation.
Undergraduate American Academy of Osteopathy (UAAO)
UAAO, the collegiate arm of the American Academy of Osteopathy, develops the art and science of osteopathic medicine. At monthly meetings, students join faculty and guest lecturers in exploring the principles and practices of osteopathic medicine.
Other CCOM Organizations
CCOM Research Club
Community Health Clinic
International Health Club
Medical Business Association (MBA)
Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT)
Wilderness Medical Society–Student Interest Group (WMS-SIG)
Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) Organizations
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacists (AMCP)
The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy focuses on the development and application of pharmaceutical care to ensure appropriate health care for all. The student chapter encourages education and supports the advancement of managed care pharmacy; enhances the common academic and professional interests of the chapter members; offers professional opportunities and leadership within managed care pharmacy; and establishes, develops, promotes, and conducts educational programs relating to improving the health and welfare of human beings.
Academy of Students of Pharmacy (ASP)
ASP is the student branch of America's largest and oldest association of pharmacists, the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA). Within APhA, ASP has its own standing committee on educational programs, publications, awards, and policy. Each member of ASP also receives the full benefits of membership in APhA and, through periodic publications and meetings, can keep up-to-date on the developments and events that affect the practice of pharmacy. At the local level, student members can participate in service projects that benefit both the College and the community, as well as social activities that foster school spirit. Any pharmacy student can be a member of ASP and still be eligible for participation in any other campus organization.
Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPhA)
This chapter involves students of Indian descent in issues that affect their practice of pharmacy, fosters brotherhood among Indian pharmacists to achieve a more unified profession, assists practitioners in achieving the highest quality of practice, exposes students to the many roles available to pharmacists, and develops leadership and community service skills in all members.
Illinois Council of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ICHP)
The Illinois Council of Health-Systems Pharmacists creates awareness of pharmacy practice in health systems, provides information about career directions in and the credentials needed for pharmacy practice in health systems, and encourages membership and participation in the state society before and after graduation. ICHP also encourages the development of all pharmacy students into knowledgeable and competent health care professionals.
Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity
Kappa Psi, the world's largest and oldest professional pharmaceutical fraternity, fosters industry, sobriety, and fellowship that supports high ideals, scholarship, and pharmaceutical research. Kappa Psi actively participates in and supports projects within the College, University, and the community that advance the profession of pharmacy. Any pharmacy student is qualified to be a member of Kappa Psi.
Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity
Phi Delta Chi, a professional pharmacy fraternity, develops academic, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills necessary to become a competent pharmacist through meeting management, professional projects, social events, fund raising activities, alumni involvement, and interaction between members, other chapters, and the national office.
Rho Chi
Rho Chi is the national pharmacy honor society. Membership is by invitation only.
Rho Pi Phi International Pharmaceutical Fraternity :::
Gamma Gamma Rho Chapter
Rho Pi Phi, a professional and social organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for students to develop leadership and organizational skills while they receive pharmacy education. Rho Pi Phi originated at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1818 and has chapters in Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States.
Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
SNPhA, a national organization of pharmacy students, focuses on pharmacy issues, professional development, and minority representation in pharmacy and other health-related professions. SNPhA plans, organizes, coordinates, and executes programs geared toward improving the health, educational, and social environment of the community. All pharmacy students are welcomed to attend meetings and activities and to become members.
College of Health Sciences (CHS) Organizations
Physician Assistant Program
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
Chartered in 1968, AAPA is the national organization representing physician assistants. The AAPA is dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in the United States through its constituent members. The Academy promotes the interests of the profession by providing representatives to other medical associations, state governments, the Federal government, and the public at large. Students are encouraged to join. Applications for membership are available in the PA Program Office. For more information, contact the AAPA national office: American Academy of Physician Assistants, 950 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; 703/836-2272.
CHS/AAPA Student Association
The Midwestern University Physician Assistant Student Society (MWUPASS) in the Physician Assistant Program of the College of Health Sciences is a chartered chapter of the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA). For more information, contact the PA Program Director.
Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA)
The IAPA is a state organization and a constituent chapter of the AAPA for graduate physician assistants in Illinois. Activities include public relations and liaisons with the state government. The student society, MWUPASS, has a Constituent Chapter Student Representative who sits on the Board of Directors of the IAPA, representing his/her classmates as a liaison between the students and their professional state organization. For more information, the PA Program Director or the IAPA: Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, 414 Plaza Drive, Suite 209, Westmont, Illinois 60559; 630/655-0127.
Behavioral Medicine Club
The Behavioral Medicine Club explores and enhances the understanding of the important role of health care professionals like Physican Assistants, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists in addressing behavioral issues when treating patients. Activities include guest speakers, field trips to clinics and conferences, and orientations to broad topics and issues in behavioral medicine.
Pediatric Medicine Club
The Pediatric Medicine Club promotes awareness and understanding of pediatric medicine within the university community by highlighting the role of physican assistants, physical therapists, and occupational therapists in the care of children. The organization increases CHS students' comfort level during their interactions with the pediatric population, sponsors speakers and activities that provide opportunities for members to meet and connect with the pediatric population, and promotes discussion and ecucation on health-related issues relevant to the pediatric community.
Underserved Medicine Club
The Underserved Medicine Club contributes to the welfare and education of Physican Assistant students in the area of rural medicine. Members learn about the intricacies of rural medicine and receive information on higher educational opportunities in the field, job opportunities in rural clinics, as well as information on skills needed to maintain a successful clinic in a rural community, resources available to rural communities, and medical problems and issues related to people who reside in rural areas.
Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)
SEMPA enhances and explores the role of the Physician Assistant in the field of emergency medicine. Activities include guest lectures, introduction to advanced life support, and orientation to various aspects in the field of emergency medicine. For more information, contact the PA Program Director.
Physical Therapy Program
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
The APTA is a national professional organization representing nearly 60,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students throughout the United States. Its serves members and the public by increasing the understanding of the physical therapist's role in the health care system and by fostering improvements in physical therapy education, practice, and research. Students are eligible and are encouraged to join. Applications for membership are available in the Physical Therapy Program Office. For more information, contact: American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1488; 703/684-2782 or toll-free 800/999-APTA.
APTA Student Assembly
Established by the APTA House of Delegates, the Student Assembly provides a forum for physical therapy and physical therapist assistant students to share their common interests. The Student Assembly is the principal membership organization in conjunction with APTA membership for student and student affiliate members that provides students a voice in the House of Delegates and promotes student involvement in the APTA Student Assembly and in APTA for the development of future participation and leadership in the Association at the national, chapter, and local level. Student members of the American Physical Therapy Association are automatically members of the APTA Student Assembly. For more information, contact the PT Program Director or the Component Relations Department of APTA at 800/999-APTA (800/999-2782), ext. 3234.
CHS/APTA Student Assembly Liaison
The Student Assembly Liaison Program is a network for enhancing communication between PT/PTA students, the Student Assembly Board of Directors, and APTA. Liaisons provide input from each program and communicate current activities and news to their fellow students. For more information, contact the PT Program Director or the Component Relations Department of APTA at 800/999-APTA (2782), ext. 3234.
Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)
The IPTA is one of 52 chapters of the APTA operating in the United States and its territories. Chapters are components of APTA with their own governing body, committee structure, and representation in the APTA House of Delegates. Chapters regularly offer newsletters and professional development activities, which focus on the needs of the members within state or territorial boundaries. APTA bylaws require simultaneous payment of National and Chapter dues. Student members of APTA must belong to the chapter of the state in which they live or attend school or an adjacent state where more active participation is possible. For more information, contact the PT Program Director or the Illinois Chapter office.
Eastern District-Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)
The Eastern District is one of eight districts of the IPTA operating in Illinois. Districts have their own governing body and committee structure; Illinois districts have representation in the IPTA Assembly of Representatives. The district boundaries are areas of Cook and DuPage counties north of Route 6 and east of Route 53. The structure of the districts allows closer, more regional contact. Districts regularly offer benefits such as newsletters and professional development activities, which focus on the needs of the members within the specific geographic area. Each student member of the APTA is automatically assigned to a district based on his/her address within the state chapter designated by the student. For more information, contact the PT Program Director or the Illinois Chapter office.
Illinois Physical Therapy Association Student Activities Committee
This committee represents the concerns and interests of all IPTA student members and fosters communication between physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs within the state by increasing student involvement and interest in the IPTA/APTA. Two student representatives (one first-year and one second-year student from each physical therapy/physical therapist assistant program) are selected to serve as liaisons between the committee and the students from each program in Illinois. For more information, contact the PT Program Director or the Illinois Chapter office.
APTA Sections
APTA Sections serve as another voice for the physical therapy profession, communicating interests and concerns within areas of specific practice settings or interest. Sections are components of APTA with their own governing body and committee structure and are represented in the APTA House of Delegates. Currently there are 19 Sections within APTA: Acute Care/Hospital Clinical Practice, Administration, Aquatic Physical Therapy, Cardiopulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Community Home Health, Education, Geriatrics, Hand Rehabilitation, Health Policy, Legislation, & Regulation; Neurology, Oncology, Orthopedic, Pediatrics, Private Practice, Research, Sports Physical Therapy, Veterans Affairs, and Women's Health. Student members of APTA are eligible for membership in Sections of their choice. For more information about services and activities of the Sections, contact the APTA national office.
Support Organization for Minority Physical Therapists (SOMPT)
Established in 1982 in Chicago, SOMPT provides opportunities for professional growth, involvement, and social interaction to increase minority representation in the physical therapy profession. Members include physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students, and honorary members throughout the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area. For more information about SOMPT, contact the PT Program Director or call or write SOMPT: Support Organization for Minority Physical Therapists, P.O. Box 2430, Homewood, IL 60430; 708/335-4437.
Occupational Therapy Program
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
The AOTA is a national professional organization representing over 55,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students throughout the United States. Students are eligible and encouraged to join. Applications for membership are available in the Occupational Therapy Program Office. For more information, contact the Occupational Therapy Program Fieldwork Coordinator and/or the AOTA national office: American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220; 301/652-2682.
American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association (ASCOTA)
The American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association offers a voice for student concerns and a vehicle for student input into the affairs of AOTA. For more information, contact the Occupational Therapy Program Student Liaison/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and/or the AOTA national office.
Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA)
The Illinois Occupational Therapy Association officially represents the occupational therapy profession in the state of Illinois. IOTA acknowledges and promotes professional excellence through a proactive, organized collaboration with occupational therapy personnel, the health care community, governmental agencies, and consumers. Students are eligible and encouraged to join. For an application or more information, contact the Occupational Therapy Program office or Illinois Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., 715 Lake Street, Suite 710, Oak Park, IL 60301; 630/386-9393.
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
SOTA, a service organization for occupational therapy students, promotes the profession of Occupational Therapy by providing opportunities to participate in volunteer services, additional educational experiences, and social interactions within the university and the greater community.
Other CHS Organizations
PA Challenge Bowl Club
