Student Organizations

Alpha Rho Chi (APX)

Alpha Rho Chi is the nationally recognized professional fraternity for architecture, landscape architecture, building construction technology, and the allied arts.  Active chapters of Alpha Rho Chi are located at universities with accredited schools of architecture.  They are incorporated as “not for profit” organizations that provide leadership opportunities for students, encourage academic achievement, and explore professional career opportunities beyond the classroom.  In 1931, the Grand Council of Alpha Rho Chi established the Alpha Rho Chi Medal to “encourage professional leadership by regarding student accomplishment; promote the ideas of professional services by acknowledging distinctive individual contributions to social life; and stimulate professional merit by commending qualities in the student not necessarily pertaining to scholarship.”  This medal is offered yearly to over 100 schools of architecture.  The Seshait chapter was formed in 1992 at the SAET and was the first at an HBCU.
 

American Institute of Architecture-Students (AIAS)

AIAS was founded and organized in 1976.  In the early years, the chapter was instrumental in recruiting students into the program.  The chapter also served as a support group for the student body.  AIAS planned potluck dinners that gave faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to interact informally.  The main objectives of AIAS included the enhancement of the student’s education through various curricular and extra-curricular activities, strengthening ties with the professional community, and active student representation in the School.

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry. AGC represents more than 26,000 firms, including over 6,500 of America’s leading general contractors, and over 9,000 specialty-contracting firms. More than 10,500 service providers and suppliers are also associated with AGC, all through a nationwide network of chapters. Established in 1968, the AGC Education and Research Foundation awards scholarships to construction management and engineering students to help with the ever-rising cost of college tuition.  The Foundation also recognizes an Outstanding Educator and notable James L. All hands student essay through its awards programs.  In addition, the Foundation supports research that supports its mission of furthering industry goals.  Two of the research initiatives started by the Foundation include the Faculty Internship and Industry Case Study programs. To see more about this organization.

Dean’s Council

This Council is comprised of elected representatives from each design studio.  They meet with the Dean to discuss issues of concern.

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE, an association dedicated to advancing innovation and technological excellence for the benefit of humanity, is the world’s largest technical professional society. It is designed to serve professionals involved in all aspects of the electrical, electronic, and computing fields and related areas of science and technology that underlie modern civilization. IEEE’s roots go back to 1884 when electricity began to become a major influence in society. There was one major established electrical industry, the telegraph, which since the 1840s had come to connect the world with a data communications system faster than the speed of transportation. The telephone and electric power and light industries had just gotten underway.

National Organization of Minority Architects-Student Chapter (NOMAS)

The FAMU NOMAS chapter was founded in 1977.  The chapter was established to foster closeness within the minority student population and to establish mentorship relationships with minority practicing architects.  At the time of NOMAS’ founding, there were only two African-American architects in Florida. After the 1977 National NOMA Convention in New Orleans, LA, the students organized a constitution that established it as an official FAMU student organization.  NOMA approved the constitution at its annual national convention in 1978, making the FAMU chapter of NOMA the first legally recognized student chapter in the country.

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

The mission of NSBE is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. NSBE was founded at Purdue University in 1975 by six people: John Logan (deceased), Edward Coleman, George Smith, Stanley Kirtley (deceased), Brian Harris, and Anthony Harris. Their nickname is ‘The Chicago Six.’ The NSBE Torch symbolizes our everlasting burning desire to achieve success as engineers in our present society. The lightning bolts represent the striking impact that will be felt upon society and industry as a result of the contributions and achievements made by the National Society of Black Engineers. NSBE Headquarters is located in Alexandria, VA. NSBE is the largest student-managed organization in the country with hundreds of precollege, college and alumni/technical professional chapters all over the world. These chapters are geographically divided into six regions.

Tau Sigma Delta (TSD)

Tau Sigma Delta is the only honor society nationally recognized in the field of architecture, landscape architecture, and the allied arts.  The society is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.  This is a distinct honor that gives Tau Sigma Delta the same high rating enjoyed by the most distinguished honor societies of other educational fields.  There are numerous services and professional activities the honor society sponsors.  The Gamma Gamma chapter of Tau Sigma Delta was chartered at the SAET in 1992 and was the first at an HBCU.  To be eligible, a student must have entered the second semester of the third year of the program and have been at FAMU one academic year maintaining a cumulative 3.0 GPA and academically be in the top 20% of his/her class.