Clubs And Organizations

Students who participate in extracurricular activities greatly enhance their college experience. Southwest Tech recognizes that such activities often reinforce and expand upon classroom learning, offer recreational benefits, and encourage social development.

Clubs and organizations, which are approved by the Student Senate, exist to further the educational, social, cultural, and organizational interests of Southwest Tech students.

Blue Line Organization. Students in this organization promote the Criminal Justice–Law Enforcement program and help area communities to better understand and appreciate the valuable services rendered by law enforcement. The Blue Line Organization is open to Criminal Justice students and to prospective students on the program waiting list. The organization may also grant honorary membership at its discretion.

Business Professionals of America (BPA). All students enrolled in business courses are eligible for membership in the local chapter of Business Professionals of America, which is affiliated with both state and national organizations. BPA members develop business leadership abilities, receive opportunities to demonstrate skill and job knowledge in competition, and grow in their appreciation of civic responsibilities.

Child Care Club (CCC). This is an occupational service club that enhances student members’ knowledge of the child care field. The CCC promotes leadership skills, service activities, and socialization. It is affiliated with the Professionals in Design, Family and Hospitality organization but also functions independently at the local level. Club activities include fundraising; participating in state competition, field trips, and early childhood conferences and meetings; donating to needy causes; planning social events for club members; and working with young children.

Cultures Lifestyles Advocating Student Success (CLASS) is a club for current SWTC students that promotes the importance of diversity. We provide support and education about different cultures and lifestyles through activities, events, food, field trips, and being role models.

Members are encouraged to suggest speakers, events, and activities to bring to campus. Members are offered leadership opportunities by being officers, role models, and influential speakers among their peers. They also get to enjoy field trips, such as The Peking Chinese Acrobats. You will see members proudly wearing their red polo shirts boasting the acronym "CLASS".

In the fall of 2008, CLASS began a sponsorship of a new scholarship worth $250 to a current student that is of minority status. New members are always encouraged to join. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments please contact either club advisor: Lisa Riley lpriley@swtc.edu (1-800-362-3322 Ext. 2650) or Sheila Marten smarten@swtc.edu 1-800-362-3322 Ext. 2335.

Culinary Management Society. This is the local chapter of the Madison Senior Branch of the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA). Student members attend district meetings and participate in fundraising activities to finance travel to the IFSEA national meeting. IFSEA is a professional organization dedicated to raising food service industry standards, educating members and future leaders, recognizing member achievements, and serving the growing needs of the industry. Students enrolled in the Culinary Management program are eligible for membership.

Human Services Associate Club (HSAC). Students who are enrolled in the Human Services Associate program or on its waiting list can join the HSAC. Club activities include fundraising events for local agencies and volunteering to promote the program and educate the community about the human services field.

National Student Nursing Association (NSNA). This organization is open to students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program and working toward becoming registered nurses. Members have an opportunity to maximize their leadership potential and enhance their career development.

Phi Theta Kappa. Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society which offers opportunities for scholarships, intellectual enrichment, and personal development. Membership in Southwest Tech’s chapter, Rho Beta Rho, is extended to students who are enrolled in a College program, have completed as least 12 hours of coursework that may be applied to an associate degree, achieve and maintain a 3.5 GPA, and adhere to the moral standards of the society.

Postsecondary Agricultural Students (PAS). PAS sponsors intracurricular personal growth and leadership activities that motivate students to excel by providing recognition for worthy accomplishments in the classroom and lab and during internship activities. The overarching goal of PAS is to facilitate improvements and development of instructional programs in agriculture at local and state levels.
The local PAS chapter is affiliated with both state and national PAS organizations.

Skills USA. Students pursuing careers in industrial occupations, as well as students in the Barber/Cosmetologist and Esthetics programs, are eligible for SkillsUSA membership. This organization promotes leadership, teamwork, professional development, fundraising, and civic and social activities. The on-campus chapter is affiliated with state and national SkillsUSA organizations, and students are encouraged to compete in their fields in SkillsUSA-sponsored competitions.

SouthWest Accounting Team (SWAT) Students pursuing careers in accounting and other business programs are encouraged to join SWAT. The club was started by Southwest Tech accounting students in 2004 to develop leadership skills, provide opportunities to listen to speakers, arrange career related field trips, and to network with other students and accounting professionals.  The club is also very interested in promoting environmental and social responsibility.  Proceeds from fund-raising activities have been used for area food pantries, flood assistance, local charities, holiday gifts for needy families, and environmental awareness activities.