Students find their niche (or niches) in any of Hood's 60+ social, academic, creative, cultural and musical clubs and organizations.
Below is a listing, by category, of student groups on campus. If you don't see an organization here that fits you, just stop by the Student Activities Office to get the paperwork to start a new one!
Visit the Student Activities Office in the Whitaker Campus Center for updated lists and contact information for Student Organizations.
Academic/Departmental Organization
Student Advancement Committee (SAC)
Did you know Hood College exists because of a generous gift? The Student Advancement Committee plans, executes and participates in events on campus that focus on the idea of philanthropy and giving back to the Hood community. The group will interact with important Hood alumni who stay engaged and give back in order to keep Hood thriving year after year. If you are interested in learning more about philanthropy and connecting with Hood alums, join the Student Advancement Committee. In addition to running a yearly spring event to thank Alumni for their support and to raise awareness and educate current students about the long history of Hood philanthropy, the Committee will be called upon to help during reunion weekend and other events on campus that bring alumni back to celebrate Hood College. Contact: sardella@hood.edu
Free Radicals Chemistry Club
Free Radicals promotes interaction between student members, the faculty and the community. The organization accomplishes this through service projects, seminars, social functions and many other activities. Club membership is open to anyone with an interest in chemistry.
Health Professionals Career Club
The Health Profession Career Club promotes awareness and interest in all areas of the health professions, as well as campus and community service. The organization meets twice a month and was re-established in 2005.
Kappa Delta Pi
Kappa Delta Pi is the international honor society in education. The purpose is to provide members with the opportunity for scholarship, professional development and community service. More than 50 Kappa Delta Pi scholarships are given on an annual basis to education majors in undergraduate and graduate programs. To be nominated a member of this honor society, a student must meet these requirements:
- Undergrad: Minimum of 35 credits at Hood if in final semester, minimum of 50 credits for all others; 3.4 GPA overall and 3.5 education GPA based on a minimum of 12 education credits
- Post-bacs: 3.5 education GPA based on a minimum of 12 education credits and a 3.4 GPA overall
- Grad: minimum of 18 credits at Hood with 3.95 or higher GPA
Math Club
The Math Club presents opportunities to travel to local and national math conferences. The organization discusses new trends in mathematical sciences and invites speakers to present cutting-edge information in the field. The organization also sponsors numerous social events. ...read more
Mortar Board
Mortar Board, Inc., is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for distinguished ability and achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Mortar Board contributes to the self-awareness of its members, promotes equal opportunities among all peoples, supports the ideals of the College, advances a spirit of scholarship, recognizes and encourages leadership, provides service and establishes the opportunity for a meaningful exchange of ideas as individuals and as a group. Mortar Board sponsors the annual Safe Harvest Event, which provides a safe site for children of the Frederick community to participate in Halloween activities.
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta is a history honor society for students who have excelled academically. The induction to the honor society is held in the spring and is open to students who have declared a major in history.
Phi Beta Lambda
Phi Beta Lambda brings business and education together in a positive working relationship though innovative leadership and career development programs. Each year, Phi Beta Lambda members attend the state and national leadership conferences. This organization was founded in 2004.
Philosophy Club
The Philosophy Club promotes philosophical inquiry on campus. The motto of the club is “the unexamined life is not worth living.” The Philosophy Club hosts film showings and travels to guest lectures. The club meets once a month and was founded in 2002.
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
The Public Relations Student Society of America is an organization that is open to all undergraduates. Students from all majors are encouraged to join, as public relations skills such as communication, writing and marketing are important in all careers. The organization assists in creating publications and publicity for other student organizations.
Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC)
SAAC furthers athletics at Hood College by maintaining communication between the athletic teams and the Hood College Athletic Department. SAAC promotes Hood athletics throughout the campus through sponsorship of inter-team activities, fundraising, special projects and promotional, campus-wide activities. The committee assists the athletic department in evaluating sports programs and other events as necessary. SAAC also helps to plan the annual athletic banquet, sports picnics and Winter Weekend.
Student Education Association (SEA)
The Student Education Association unites students interested in pursuing careers in the field of education. The organization helps prepare students for the job search process, as well as and provides activities that encourage the exchange of ideas, so members gain a more complete understanding of the education field. Students join the Maryland State Teacher’s Association (MSTA) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) student chapters.
Student Social Work Organization (SSWO)
Founded in 1979, the Student Social Work Organization is open to all social work majors and minors. Other students interested in supporting the values and ethics of social work are also welcome to participate. The organization plans educational programs for members, as well as for the student body as a whole, and participates in community service projects. Members also serve on faculty search committees, seve on the Social Work Advisory Committee and participate in recruitment and orientation of social work majors.
Cultural Organizations
Anime Society
The Anime Society promotes awareness of modern Asian culture through an interest in Japanese animation and other Asian pop styles. The organization meets bi-weekly, screens movies and discusses the latest anime techniques.
Black Student Union (BSU)
The Hood College Black Student Union promotes awareness of the history and culture of African Americans; provides political, educational and social activities; promotes unity among students; works to meet the special needs of African American students on campus; and acquaints the Hood College community with these needs. Major BSU events include Liberation of the Black Mind Weekend, which showcases vendors and speakers who have an understanding of what affects the black community as a whole.
Hood African Students Association (HASA)
The association focuses on increasing awareness of the multicultural diversity of the African continent and the African people. The organization is dedicated to sharing the wealth and greatness of Africa with the campus community and, in turn, to learning about the cultural diversity of the United States. The association encourages interaction between African students and members of the college community of different races and religious inclinations. The organization strives to make the association a learning place through discussion and an exchange of ideas, and to foster the spirit of unity and communication. The association encourages events that broaden the spheres of cultural education and racial tolerance. Major events include the International Festival and Food from Around the World Sampler.
Hood College International Club
The International Club welcomes everybody who is interested in learning more about different world cultures. The organization promotes global awareness and harmony by showcasing the diverse cultures and beliefs represented on Hood's campus, as well as by promoting tolerance and acceptance of cultural differences.
Jewish Student Union (JSU)
The JSU fosters Jewish community spirit within the Hood campus through cultural, educational, spiritual and social events. The secondary purpose is to strengthen relationships between the College's Jewish student body and the Frederick community at large. Major events include holiday celebrations such as Passover and Purim.
La Union Latina
This organization provides a Hispanic voice to the Hood College campus, and educates the College and community about the various cultures, ethnicities and styles of the Hispanic population. The organization is also active in the Frederick community, providing educational programs and translation services.
Muslim Student Association (MSA)
The MSA provides opportunities for Muslims and non-Muslims to learn from one another in a safe environment. The organization also helps Muslim students in the College live according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. The organization provides students with the appropriate tools to practice Islam and support their identity as Muslims through meetings, lectures, discussions and celebrations of Islamic festivities.
Tolerance Education Acceptance (TEA)
TEA is dedicated to educating the College about the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. The organization, open to all students, provides advocacy, support and outlets for lesbian, gay and bisexual students. Major events include participating in the National Day of Silence and the TEA Prom.
Governing/Representative Organizations
Class Organizations
The freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes work to serve the Hood College community through class service and participation. The various classes meet to develop unity within the class and to organize class events. The classes also fund-raise to support their class activities and events.
Commuter Student Union (CSU)
The CSU, through its governing body, the Commuter Council, organizes social programming for commuter students, as well as provides a forum for commuter students to voice their concerns and propose solutions to improve the quality of education and commuter life at Hood. The CSU meets monthly. Major events include Fall Festival, Commuter Welcome Tent, Commuter Welcome Lunch, Mardi Gras Brunch and Senior Send-Off. The Commuter Council also maintains and updates the Commuter Lounge.
Student Government Association (SGA)
SGA is responsible for promoting the self-governance of the student body, listening to students' concerns and opinions, directing students to the appropriate administrative personnel and following up as needed, and funding student organizations. SGA's major events include the Exam Stress-buster and Give Your Heart to Hood Day. The Academic Judicial Council (AJC), whose purpose is to enforce the Honor Code, and the Residential Judicial Council (RJC), whose purpose is to uphold the Social Honor Code, are affiliated with SGA.
Media Organizations
Blazer Radio broadcasts via the Internet on campus.
Blue & Grey Today
Blue & Grey Today is a bi-weekly school newspaper that addresses student concerns and provides a forum to discuss changes on campus. The Blue & Grey Today is staffed by student writers and photographers.
Wisteria
Wisteria is Hood's creative arts journal, an entirely student-produced magazine of students' artistic and written works. Wisteria is issued bi-annually.
Performance Organizations
Chamber Singers
The Hood College Chamber Singers is open by audition to any member of the Hood College Choir. The singers present musical programs for the cultural enhancement of the entire College community.
Hood College Choir
The Hood College Choir is open to all members of the Hood College community. The choir presents the annual Messiah performance and other performances throughout the year.
Hood Dance Club
The Hood Dance Club is an eclectic group of dance enthusiasts whose styles range from modern to hip-hop, from Indian to African dance. The advanced students prepare choreography for the club's annual concert. Students can join the group with little or no experience and dance in selections choreographed by the faculty director or by other students.
Hood Dance Ensemble
The Hood Dance Ensemble is an auditioned group of dancers who perform on and off campus. They perform two spring concerts and at Dance Fest, a county-wide event at the Weinberg Center.
Hood Student Theatre
Hood Student Theatre is ideal for students interested in any aspect of theatre, from being on the stage to sitting in the audience. This club promotes theatrical activity at Hood by helping to bring professional theatrical performances to campus and by sponsoring and producing student-run performances.
Programming Organizations
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
CAB is an energetic club that welcomes out-of-the box ideas for campus programs such as pool parties, bonfires and coffeehouses. CAB builds a unified community at Hood College through the execution of diverse, high-quality and inspired activities. CAB's major events include Fright Night, Messiah semi-formal dance and Spring Parties.
Service Organizations
Best Buddies
The Best Buddies service organization assembles students interested in making a difference in the community. Best Buddies is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships, promoting such friendships through buddy matches and individual and group activities. This organization is affiliated with the National Best Buddies Organization.
FLIPS
FLIPS promotes the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages at Hood College events, serving genuine mocktails and other novelty drinks at College functions. The members learn how to prepare and serve these beverages to their peers in and outside of the Hood community. Membership is open to anyone.
Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter
Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter is a service organization that, along with the Frederick Country Chapter of Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., works with people in need to improve their living conditions. The organization participates in the Frederick chapter's functions and building projects, and helps to make lunches for volunteers. The organization is linked with Food & Friends, an organization that delivers food to people who are unable do their own grocery shopping.
STARs
This organization performs a variety of vital functions in the admissions recruiting process, including leading campus tours, hosting prospective students and meeting and greeting students and families at special events. Meetings are held bi-monthly.
Strong Women of Today and Tomorrow (SWTT)
Embracing Hood College's past as an all-women's college, SWTT strives to empower the women of the campus by establishing sisterhood and unity among its members. SWTT also provides enrichment services for the campus and surrounding communities.
Student Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Any Hood student may be a member of the Hood College chapter of SADD. The organization raises the Hood community's consciousness about issues concerning alcohol, sexual activity and health.
Social Organizations
Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA)
FMLA promotes equality and the definition of feminism. The organization sponsors speakers and films specifically related to women's issues, and advocates for women's rights. The organization was established in 2005.
Hood College Democrats
The Hood College Democrats unite to create a uniform understanding of political concerns within the U.S. government. The organization discusses the policies that are instituted in state and federal legislatures as well as promotes support for certain political candidates. The club addresses issues that concern the local and national Democratic Party.
Hood College Republicans
The Hood College Republicans strive to promote values consistent with the Republican Party. They encourage student participation in the election process and sponsor activities designed to create awareness among Hood students. The organization works with the local and regional Republican Party.
Maryland Student Legislature
The Maryland Student Legislature is a student organization that simulates the Maryland General Assembly. The organization has four events each year, culminating with the Annual Session in the spring, at which the group meets and debates student-written legislation at the Capitol building in Annapolis.
Model United Nations (MUN)
The Model UN organization, open to all Hood College students, participates in the weeklong National Model United Nations simulation each spring in New York City. During the fall, members learn about the operations of the United Nations, as well as the specific policies of the country or nongovernmental organization (NGO) that they will represent at the MUN simulation. The organization also participates in a number of activities that publicize the work of the United Nations.
Spiritual Organizations
Gospel Ensemble
The Hood College Gospel Ensemble brings students together in fellowship to praise, to sing and to have fun. Gospel Ensemble hopes to bring the joy of the Lord to the campus through song. Anyone who has an interest in singing can be involved.
Haven
Haven promotes respect for all aspects of the human body by advocating for informed choices. Haven informs students about the seen, unseen, short- and long-term effects their choices have on the body, mind and soul. Haven teaches students to explore healthy and beneficial alternatives, which can be found on campus or in the Frederick community.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF)
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is dedicated to aiding in the spiritual lives of students. The organization holds weekly meetings that include prayer, Bible study, worship singing and fellowship. IVCF also helps students get involved in local churches and provides social events on weekends.