Resources
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
College of Dental Medicine Illinois (CDMI) 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 University Student Senate. On the Downers Grove campus, the Student Senate is composed of 34 members and 22 voting members, representing each college and program. The executive board of the Senate consists of the Speaker, Vice Speaker, the Treasurer and the Secretary. Meeting every month, the 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. The University 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/Student Government Associations; (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/Student Government Associations
Individual college student councils/student government associations 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/student government associations is at the discretion of the elected/appointed officers of these councils/associations. College student councils/student government associations are encouraged to adopt bylaws that are consistent with the bylaws of the other college student councils/associations.
Individual college student councils/student government associations are required to develop and publish bylaws that describe: (1) the name of the student council/student government association; (2) purpose; (3) objectives of the council/association; (4) operation and relationship with other college student councils/student government associations; (5) membership and procedures for the election of officers/representatives and their terms of offices; (6) duties of student council/association 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 use of the recreation/fitness facilities located on the campus in Downers Grove. The Office of Wellness/Recreation offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, both athletic and non-athletic in nature. Campus facilities include a gymnasium, a fully equipped weight room, an aerobic exercise room, a music room, a craft room, racquetball courts, an outdoor sand volleyball court, and athletic fields for various intramural sports.
You may participate in a variety of University-sponsored extracurricular activities, classes and intramural sports programs. Programming varies by quarter, but examples of previous activities include volleyball, soccer, basketball, dodge ball, football, yoga, meditation, beading and stained glass making.
University-wide Student Organizations
The following student organizations are recognized by the appropriate campus Student Senate, respective Student Councils, and the Dean of Students 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.
Atheists, Agnostics and Free-Thinkers
Atheist, Agnostic, and Freethinkers shall promote the acceptance and advancement of all healthcare professionals holding Atheistic, Agnostic, or Freethinking beliefs. The group's focus shall be to provide a community and discussion forum for students with emphasis on education, philanthropy, and community service.
Fellowship of Christian Healthcare Providers
The Fellowship of Christian Healthcare Providers is an interdenominational group of Christian students and faculty brought together for the purpose of encouraging spiritual growth. The Fellowship provides the opportunity for both small and large group participation. Bible or topical study groups meet once every other week and fellowships meet once per month. Various activities are planned throughout the year with special emphasis given to serving the underserved in practical ways.
Geriatrics Club
The purpose of the Geriatrics Club is to encourages interest in geriatrics among faculty and students in various disciplines concerned with care of the elderly. Educational programs are planned in geriatrics which are open to the Midwestern University faculty and students as well as local health care professionals. Geriatrics Club encourages curriculum development to include geriatrics in the general curriculum as well as an elective and promotes education activities within community faciities.
GLASS (Gay Lesbian and Straight Students)
GLASS is designed to promote awareness and understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues to the University. GLASS will also strive to educate the University regarding health care issues related to the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual communities.
Health Care for All
Health Care for All strives to provide Midwestern University students with opportunities for education adn critical debate on issues of Health policy, equitable health care access and public health, to make available informational resources on health policy through speakers, panels, documentaries. literature and web sites, and to promote awareness of the problems of the uninsured and underinsured to the community through service and education.
Integrative Medicine Club
Integrative Medicine Club is dedicated to promoting awareness of complementary and alternative medicine with regard to new expanded use in clinical settings. In addition, the Integrative Medicine Club will focus on developing healthcare professionals who understand and will be able to apply this information in their careers.
Jewish Student Union
The Jewish Student Union's goal is to increase awareness and understanding of the Jewish faith to promote religious and cultural diversity. In addition, the Jewish Student Union works to unite Jewish students at Midwstern University and to serve as a resource on Jewish issues for the Midwestern community.
Muslim Student Association (MSA)
The purpose of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) shall be to increase awareness and understanding of the Islamic faith in an effort to promote religious and cultural diversity. This organization shall strive to serve the community by presenting the religion, its beliefs and rituals to all students in order to aid in global understanding of the world's various religions.
Newman Catholic Community
The Catholic Student Association is committed to promoting community service involvement, providing a forum to discuss current Catholic issues, increasing awareness and understanding of the Catholic faith in an effort to promote religious and cultural diversity, and showing the faith relation to the health care professions.
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.
Students for Environmental Awareness and Action (SEAA)
The Midwestern University Students for Environmental Awareness and Action will provide an open forum for students to learn about and discuss environmental problems as well as plan and partake in specific actions to benefit the environment. SEAA will seek to educate further healthcare professionals on the important connections between environmental health and human health.
Students for Organ Donation
The Students for Organ Donation run programming in an attempt to increase enrollment by members of the MWU Community in state organ donation programs. The organization also educates the surrounding lay community regarding the value of organ donation.
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM) Organizations
American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)
The goals of AAPI-MSRF are to represent medical students of South Asian origin, increase osteopathic representation on the national body of AAPI, to promote, uphold and maintain standards of excellence, professionalism, ethics and service, to provide a channel for networking and support, and promote health awareness and involvement.
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 seeks to connect 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 both 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 in an effort to provide a support network for coping with the difficulties 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. The goal of AMWA/NOWPA is to provide the common link to achieving personal and professional goals, primarily using networking with role models. Members have the opportunity to meet and talk with female medical students, interns, residents, and attendings. Monthly meetings for first- and second-year students are held on campus and 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.
American Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (AMOPS)
AMOPS provides CCOM with a military organization that will establish unity among the students on Armed Services scholarships. The organization will seek to provide members with osteopathic mentors working in the Armed Forces.
Asian/Pacific Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
This organization has a mission to bring together Asians and others interested in health issues that affect Asians so they can directly promote the health and well being of the Asian community as well as help all health care workers who work in Asian communities understand how to care for the Asian paient in a culturally sensitive manner. They plan to sponsor speakers, host quarterly events and participate in charitable fund raisers.
CCOM Research Club
The CCOM Research Club is dedicated to providing an interdisciplinary organization comprised of students from all classes at CCOM dedicated to active basic science, clinical, or osteopathic research. This organization also strives to form connections between students and faculty investigators who will serve as research mentors and provide a forum for research presentations.
COM Student Auxiliary Association
The CCOM-SAA shall be dedicated to connecting and establishing relationships among the spouses, significant others, family and friends of the current and alumni CCOM students. The purpose of this body shall be to 1) support family and friends of CCOM students, 2) support the Osteopathic profession, 3) provide strong common-ground connections through various events established and 4) provide opportunities to enhance the lives of student families, through education in managing finances, stresses and relationships.
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Emergency Medicine Club
This club was formed to stimlulate student interest in the field of Emergency Medicine. The 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.
Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS)
The purpose of the Gold Humanism Honor Society is to recognize and honor CCOM students who have demonstrated humanism in medicine through leadership, attitude and behavior; to demonstrate humanism, in our community through service, leadership and education; to promote the attributes of Dr. Arnold P. Gold, including integrity, excellence, compassion altruism, respect, empathy and service; and to uphold and incorporate osteopathic philosophies, values and approaches to medical care and health promotion into the mission of this body.
Internal Medicine Club
Internal Medicine Club strives to represent aspiring osteopathic internists by stressing the understanding of osteopathic principles in relation to disease in the practice of internal medicine and its subspecialties. Affliated with the American College of Osteopathic Internists, teh Internal Medicine Club works to maintain the highest educational, moral, and ethical standards in the teaching and practice of internal medicineas well as servins as a liaison in providing career and training opportunities.
International Health Club
This organization promotes increased awareness of international health., education and awareness. International Health Club also strives to be a resource for information and referrals for students and faculty interested in learning more about global health and related issues.
Medical Business Association (MBA)
The goals of the organization are to foster an understanding of the business aspects of medicine for physicians-in-training; to enhance and advance the professional development of all members by introducing them to, and expanding their understanding of, subject matter beyond the scope of the traditional curricular aspects of the biomedical and psychosocial sciences; to promote the holistic virtue of Osteopathy and augment the benefits it offers to medical professionals and the public.
Midwestern Psychiatry Association
The Association will provide an open environment for students to increase their passion, learn and discuss the field of psychiatry through speakers, community service, mentoring, participation in conferences and research. The Association will also provide insight into residencies, placement and the characteristics of a good candidate for residency.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Club (PM&R)
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Club provides an open environment for students to increase their passion, learn and discuss the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The club sponsors speakers, arranges for shadowing eperiences and mentoring, encourages research and faciliates the process of obtaining residencies through information sharing.
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 goals of the fraternity are to further osteopathic medicine and its standards of practice, to promote fellowship and scholastic achievement, and to promote the betterment of CCOM and the fraternity as a whole.
Society for Teaching and Inspiring Life-Long Learning of Osteopathic Medicine (STILL-OM)
This organization strives to maintain the skills of palpatory diagnosis and treatment during the years of clinical rotations and residency through clinical lecturers, Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) review sessions and student-led clinical case study presentations.
Student American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics
This is a local branch of the national SAOAO which is working to bridge the gap between orthopedic physicians and student physicians. The organization plans to host speakers and provide opportunities for stduents to shadow and assist medical professionals in the community doing orthopedic-related community service. The organization is also a pipeline of shared information and knowledge accumulated and disseminated from medical progessionals to residents and CCOM students of all years.
Student Component of the American Society of Anesthesiologists
The CCOM-SCASA is dedicated to enhancing awareness of the anesthesiology specialty by encouraging education, research and scientific progress in medical students interested in pursuing careers in anesthesiology.
Student Ear, Nose and Throat and Ophthalmology Society
The goal of this organization is to provide students with opportunities to learn about the fields of otolaryngology and ophthalmology. The Society will provide opportunities to learn about the field in general, including specialization, current research and the process of applying to residency.
Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)
SIGN seeks to provide opportunities for medical students to participate in activities related to the field of neurology, including discussions by neurologists, patient presentations, seminars, journal clubs, learning materials and through showing of neurologists in the workplace. SIGN will offer opportunities for students to participate in mid-year and annual conferences.
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Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
SOMA strives to both improve the quality of the health care delivery system for all people and to contribute to the welfare and education of osteopathic medical students. It also seeks to familiarize its members with the purposes and ideals of osteopathic medicine and attempts to establish lines of communication with other health science students and organizations. Currently, SOMA prepares members to meet the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the osteopathic profession.
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Student Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists Association (SOOGA)
The Student Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists Association (SOOGA) was developed to educate future osteopathic obstetricians and gynecologists, increase awareness of women's healthcare and medical issues, and provide an educational setting to exchange information through seminars, workshops, and guest speakers. SOOGA serves as a liaison with medical professional organizations for the provision of information on training and career opportunities in obstetrics and gynecology.
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Student Osteopathic Pediatric Association (SOPA)
The purpose of the Student Osteopathic Pediatric Association (SOPA) is to explore and study the principles of osteopathic medical care pertaining to infants, children, and adolescents. SOPA strives to facilitate interaction among students and faculty expressing interest in these issues and to conduct activities that are congruent with their concerns. SOPA provides a forum to present topics of interest. SOPA members participate in community and campus projects related to pediatric health issues.
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Student Osteopathic Surgery Association (SOSA)
SOSA is a national organization affiliated with the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS). The purpose of SOSA is to represent and educate the future osteopathic surgeon. Through its local chapters, SOSA both stresses understanding of osteopathic principles in relation to disease in the practice of surgery and provides a forum for discussion among students and surgeons. Additionally, SOSA 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.
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Undergraduate American Academy of Osteopathy (UAAO)
UAAO is the collegiate arm of the American Academy of Osteopathy. The purpose of the UAAO is to develop the art and science of osteopathic medicine. Monthly meetings are held in which students join members of the faculty and guest lecturers in exploring the principles and practices of osteopathic medicine.
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Wilderness Medicine Society
The Wilderness Medical Society is an organization for medical professionals and wilderness medicine enthusiasts that is dedicated to wilderness and travel medical issues. Physicians and professionals members are committed to expanding their knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of wilderness diseases and injuries. Membership in this organization offers resources, professional publication, and accredited continuing education opportunities. Student Interest Groups (SIG)offer students an opportunity to cultivate their interest in the field of wilderness and travel medicine and also have a connection to the professional community.
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Chicago College of Pharmacy (CCP) Organizations
American Pharmacists Association/Academy of Managed Care Pharmacists (APhA/AMCP)
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.
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American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
The Chapter will exist to encourage all pharmacy students to become more knowledgeable about senior care pharmacy practice and its operation within the society by encouraging student attendance at chapter, regional and national ASCP meetings, to increase student awareness of current issues facing senior care pharmacy, to provide appropriate consultant pharmacy resources to pharmacy students and to support student pursuit in the area of senior care pharmacy.
Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPhA)
AIPhA brings together pharmacy students to achieve common goals in promoting and educating others about Indian culture, and to increase awareness and understanding to promote community and social diversity within the pharmacy profession. This chapter exists to involve students of Indian descent in issues that affect their practice of pharmacy, to foster brotherhood among Indian pharmacists to achieve a more unified profession, to assist practitioners in achieving the highest quality of practice, to expose students to the many roles available to pharmacists and to develop leadership and community-service skills in all members.
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Illinois Council of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ICHP)
The Illinois Council of Health-Systems Pharmacists has been organized to make students aware of pharmacy practice in health systems, provide information to students about career directions in, and the credentials needed for, pharmacy practice in health systems, and encourage membership and participation in the state as a student and upon graduation. ICHP also encourages the development of all pharmacy students into knowledgeable and competent health care professionals.
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Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity
Kappa Psi is the the world's largest and oldest professional pharmaceutical fraternity. The purpose of Kappa Psi is to develop industry, sobriety, and fellowship and to foster 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. Kappa Psi will enable students to form friendships that will not only last througout the students' academic years but continue throughout their practicing careers.
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Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity
Phi Delta Chi is a professional pharmacy fraternity that seeks to develop academic, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills necessary to become a competent pharmacist. These skills are developed through meeting management, professional projects, social events, fund raising activities and alumni involvement through between members, other chapters, and the national office. Phi Delta Chi intends to promote leadership in pharmacy.
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Phi Lambda Sigma
Phi Lambda Sigma is the pharmacy leadership society. Its mission is to foster and recognize student leaders and to support leadership commitment.
Rho Chi
Rho Chi is the national pharmacy honor society. Membership is by invitation only.
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Rho Pi Phi International Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Gamma Gamma Rho Chapter
Rho Pi Phi is a professional as well as a social organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for students to develop leadership and organizational skills while they receive pharmacy education. The pharmacy fraternity has chapters in Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Rho Pi Phi originated at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1818.
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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.
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College of Health Sciences (CHS) Organizations
Physician Assistant ProgramAmerican Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
The AAPA was chartered in 1968 as the national organization representing physician assistants. The Academy provides a variety of services to its members and functions to promote the interests of the profession by providing representatives to other medical associations, state governments, the federal government, and the public at large. The AAPA is dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in the United States through its constituent members. Students are encouraged to join the AAPA. Applications for membership in AAPA are available in the PA Program Office. Additional information concerning the activities of the AAPA can be obtained by contacting the AAPA national office: American Academy of Physician Assistants, 950 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; 703/836-2272.Return to TOP
AAPA Student Association
Students have established the Midwestern University Physician Assistant Student Society (MWUPASS) within the Physician Assistant Program of the College of Health Sciences. This society is a chartered chapter of the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA). For more information, contact the PA Program Director.Return to TOP
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. This student represents his/her classmates and is a liaison between the students and their professional state organization. Further information is available on request from the PA Program Director and from the IAPA: Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, 414 Plaza Drive, Suite 209, Westmont, Illinois 60559; 630/655-0127.Return to TOP
Physician Assistant Challenge Bowl
This organization seeks to train physician assistants for competition at the National American Academy of Physician Assistant Conference.
Physician Assistant Surgical Society
PA Surgical Socieyt is an organization that plans workshops and speakers for students to help them become familiar with the surgical field and to gain more knowledge on the variety of surgical fields, techniques, and the PA role in surgery. In addition, the PA Surgery Club works better to prepare students for their surgical clinical rotation and to educate others outside the field on the role of PA's in surgery.
Behavioral Medicine Club
The Behavioral Medicine Club was established to explore and enhance the understanding of the important role of health care professionals like physican assistants, physical therapists, and cccupational therapists in addressing behavioral issues when treating patients. Activities include, but are not limited to, guest speakers, field trips to clinics and conferences, and orientations to broad topics and issues in behavioral medicine.Return to TOP
Pediatric Medicine Club
The Pediatric Medicine Club is a club designed to promote awareness and understanding of pediatric medicine within the University community. The purpose of this organization is to educate others on the role of physician assistants, physical therapists and occupational therapists in the care of children; increase CHS students' comfort level during their interactions with the pediatric population; sponsor speakers and activities that provide opportunities for members to meet and connect with the pediatric population and to promote discussion and learning of health-related issues relevant to the pediatric community.Return to TOP
Student Advocates for Oral Health
Student Advocates for Oral Health is a professional student organization open to all Midwestern students. The goal of this organization is to educate students, as future health care providers, on pertinent issues of oral health. This organization will examine the increasing focus by the NIH on the connection between oral health and overall physical wellness from the perspective of each health care field represented. By addressing oral health issues during students' educational training, this organization hopes to provide professional development for each member. Lastly, this organization will serve as a networking tool for future students of the College of Dental Medicine.
Underserved Medicine Club
The purpose of the Underserved Medicine Club is to contribute to the welfare and education of physican assistant students in the area of rural medicine. Members of the organization are provided with information on the higher educational opportunities in the field of rural medicine, given information on job opportunities in rural clinics, informed of necessary skills needed to maintain a successful clinic in a rural community and taught about the various medical problems and issues related to people who reside in rural areas. The Underserved Medicine Club strives to inform others of the intricacies of rural medicine.Return to TOP
Women's Health Organization
CHS Women's Health Organization is a group that sponsors speakers and activities that provide opportunities for members of the Women's Health Organization and the University to meet and connect with the female populations. They strive to increase the comfort level of intereactions between health care providers and the female populations as well as to promote discussion and learning of health related issues relevant to the female community.
Return to TOPPhysical 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 the APTA. Applications for membership in the APTA are available in the Physical Therapy Program Office. Additional information concerning the services and activities of the APTA can be obtained by contacting the APTA national office: American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1488; 703/684-2782 or toll-free 800/999-APTA.Return to TOP
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 provides students with a voice in the House of Delegates. The mission of the Student Assembly is to be the the principal membership organization in conjunction with APTA membership for student and student affiliate members that acts to promote 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. Further information is available from the PT Program Director or the Component Relations Department of APTA at 800/999-APTA (800/999-2782), ext. 3234.Return to TOP
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 along with communicating current activities and news to their fellow students. Further information is available from the PT Program Director or the Component Relations Department of APTA at 800/999-APTA (2782), ext. 3234.Return to TOP
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 and committee structure; chapters have representation in the APTA House of Delegates. Chapters regularly offer a variety of benefits such as 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. Further information is available on request from the PT Program Director or the Illinois Chapter office.Return to TOP
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. Further information is available on request from the PT Program Director or the Illinois Chapter office.Return to TOP
Illinois Physical Therapy Association Student Activities Committee
This committee represents the concerns and interests of all IPTA student members, fostering communication between physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs within the state and 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. Further information is available on request from the PT Program Director or the Illinois Chapter office.Return to TOP
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; sections have represention 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. Additional information concerning services and activities of the Sections can be obtained by contacting the APTA national office.Return to TOP
Support Organization for Minority Physical Therapists (SOMPT)
Established in 1982 in Chicago, SOMPT's goals are to increase minority representation in the physical therapy profession and provide opportunities for professional growth, involvement, and social interaction. As of 1994, membership has grown to include approximately 100 members composed of 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.Return to TOP
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. Additional information concerning the services and activities of AOTA can be obtained by contacting 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.Return to TOP
American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association (ASCOTA)
The American Student Committee of the Occupational Therapy Association provides a mechanism for the expression of student concerns and offers a means whereby students can have effective input into the affairs of AOTA. Additional information concerning the services and activities of the ASCOTA can be obtained by contacting the Occupational Therapy Program Student Liaison/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and/or the AOTA national office.Return to TOP
Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA)
The Illinois Occupational Therapy Association is the official representative of the occupational therapy profession in the state of Illinois. IOTA acknowledges and promotes professional excellence through a proactive collaboration with occupational therapy personnel, the health care community, governmental agencies, and consumers. Students are eligible and encouraged to join IOTA. Applications and additional information are available in the Occupational Therapy Program office or through: Illinois Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., 715 Lake Street, Suite 710, Oak Park, IL 60301; 630/386-9393.Return to TOP
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)
The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) gives occupational therapy students a service organization in which to promote the profession of occupational therapy by providing members with opportunities to participate in volunteer services, additional educational experiences, and social interactions within the University and the greater community.
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College of Dental Medicine Illinois
American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
The American Student Dental Association is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry
Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry (SPEA)
The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry promotes lifelong thought and action in the arena of dental ethics that will accompany students throughout their professional careers.
