Student Clubs and Organizations
The College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture offers its students numerous opportunities for learning and enjoyment through clubs and organizations. Getting involved in extracurricular activities adds another dimension to the college experience and it’s fun!
Student organizations within the college encourage interactions with practicing professionals, other students, and the public. These organizations also provide students the opportunity to gain exposure to projects, colleagues, and enhance professional and personal development through active participation.
These student organizations provide open membership to all of our students. Each organization has a faculty member who serves as an advisor. Participation in our organizations provides an opportunity for informal student and faculty interaction as well as a forum for outside speakers and guests. Representatives from each of the student organizations meet with the Associate Dean on a regular basis to discuss activities or any issues of concern in the college.
College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture student organizations include:
Alpha Zeta. Alpha Zeta is an honors fraternity for the college of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture. We are the official Maine chapter of Alpha Zeta. AZ has been on campus for almost 100 years, and we are excited to be celebrating our centennial this May. Our organization is focused on providing community service as well as promoting the future of the agricultural profession. Students need to have sophomore standing as well as a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible for membership.
Biology Club. The Biology Club was established in 1999 for students in the Department of Biological Sciences as a way to enhance their academic and social experiences. The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Maine has applied to form a chapter of TriBeta, or Beta Beta Beta, an honor and professional society for students of the biological sciences. TriBeta is designed to stimulate interest, scholarly attainment, and investigation in the biological sciences, and to promote the dissemination of information and new interpretations of biological data and concepts among students of the life sciences. This organization also undertakes community and social activities. For more information please contact Leonard Kass at (207) 581-2567 or email leonard@maine.edu.
Cooperative League of University Chicken Keepers (CLUCKs). The UMaine CLUCKs provides experience hatching and raising chickens, as well as a chance to take a break from the regular class routine to care for their 15 hens and one rooster, and to mingle with fellow chicken enthusiasts! They have worked with the AVS 145 Poultry Lab to provide hands-on experience to students. They have also provided demonstrations for animal control officers in how safely restrain chickens and give them physical exams. To join CLUCKS or for more information, contact Anne Lichtenwalner at (207) 581-2789.
Food Science Club. The Food Science Club is an approved student chapter of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Membership is open to any interested student or faculty member at the University of Maine. The purpose of the club is to promote student understanding of the food industry at the regional and national levels. Activities include participating in regional and national conferences to network with industry professionals. In order to support members who wish to attend these functions, the club organizes a number of fund-raising events. Members also compete in regional Food Science College Bowl Competitions, product development competitions, provide valuable community service, and tour processing plants in the New England area to learn first hand how various food products are made. For more information please contact Jason Bolton at (207) 942-7396 or email jason.bolton@maine.edu.
Forest Products Society. The Forest Products Society is the student chapter of the international association of the same name. Membership is open to any interested student, faculty, or staff member at the University of Maine. The club currently meets once a month during the academic year. The society was formed to encourage the development and application of wood utilization technology and provide a link between industry and research. Activities include: field trips, sponsoring of guest lecturers, fund-raising, and social activities. For more information please contact Doug Gardner at (207) 581-2846 or email douglasg@maine.edu.
Horticulture Club. The Horticulture Club is a student organization open to all undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in horticulture. Club activities include participation in the Bangor Garden Show, a series of speakers, fund raising, service activities, and social events. Involvement in the Landscape Horticulture Club provides students valuable experience which compliments course studies, encourages student/faculty interaction, and serves as a valuable link for students between the academic program and industry professionals. For more information please contact Stephanie Burnett at (207) 581-2937 or email sburnett@maine.edu.
Kappa Omicron Nu. Kappa Omicron Nu is the National Honor Society for the disciplines of food science, human nutrition and human development. The mission is to recognize and encourage excellence in scholarship, research, and leadership. Members are inducted as juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a GPA of at least 3.0/3.5 as undergraduates/graduates, respectively. Undergraduates must be in the top 25 percent of their class and graduates must have completed at least 12 graduate credits. The local chapter, Alpha Beta, meets monthly throughout the academic year offering programs of professional interest to members. For more information please contact Mona Therrien at (207) 581-3130 or email mona.therrien@maine.edu.
Maine Animal Club (MAC). The Maine Animal Club was formed in 1972 by students interested in creating an organization that would enhance students’ knowledge of animals and animal agriculture through social interactions. MAC provides an atmosphere that is dynamic and challenging that allows students to take on responsibility to be innovative, creative, and to enhance their understanding of animal agriculture in the United States. The club is a member of the National Block and Bridle Club as well as the Northeast Student Affiliate of the Animal and Dairy Sciences Societies. Club members compete each year with schools in the Northeast in livestock judging, quiz bowl, and paper presentations. The club also sponsors the Orono Royal, a local livestock show. For more information please contact Dave Marcinkowski at davidmar@maine.edu or visit the club’s website .
The Maine Society for Microbiology. The Maine Society for Microbiology is a collegiate branch of the American Society for Microbiology for undergraduate student and graduate students. Membership is open to any student with an interest in microbiology and to helping develop a healthy attitude about microbiologically related topics such as: emerging disease awareness, media related perspectives on microbiology, and current trends in research. We pursue these interests through relaxed gatherings, biweekly meetings, social gatherings, and by attending conferences. We also try to arrange opportunities for students to make professional contacts for help in identifying future careers and sources for advice.
Marine Science Club. The Marine Science Club hosts several guest speakers throughout the year on various subjects in marine science, as well as field trips to a variety of oceanographic institutions throughout New England. The club also serves as a place where undergraduates can ask advice about things like classes and summer internships. It also serves as a venue where seniors can learn about job placement within the marine science community as well as how to apply to graduate school. The club provides support for all undergraduates in marine sciences and is restricted to undergraduate members only. For more information please contact William Ellis at 207 581-4360 or email william.ellis@maine.edu.
National Association for Interpretation (NAI). The Black Bear Student Chapter of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) NAI was founded as the first student chapter of the eastern United States and is affiliated with the professional NAI (www.interpnet.com). The student run chapter originates in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department. It is open to anyone interested in environmental interpretation, education, and outdoor recreation. NAI certification is not a requirement for students, and any undergraduate or graduate student can join. The NAI Student Chapter provides a forum for those interested in our natural, historical, and cultural surroundings and is dedicated to the advancement of interpretation. NAI has taken on the mission of the former The University Recreation Club (TURC) by integrating recreation into our activities. NAI members will continue to participate in educational workshops, assist students in obtaining Certified Interpretive Guide training, service projects, hosting guest speakers, and involvement in national conferences. Some past NAI events include: “Trip Lunch” where members showed pictures of their outdoor adventures and discussed them, hosted professor emeritus, Wilbur LaPage, held movie nights ion outdoor sports and lifestyle, re-decorating South Annex B with student photographs, ice fishing trips, ’02-’03 guest lecture series, assisting students in obtaining Certified Interpretive Guide training and working within the community to develop interpretive programs and trail maintenance. For more information please contact John Daigle at 2850 or email john.daigle@maine.edu.
Nutrition Club. The Nutrition Club is a collective community open to all undergraduate students at the University of Maine interested in nutrition. The club focuses on nutrition and food-related activities while providing a number of benefits and opportunities. One of the main benefits to joining the Nutrition Club includes its ties to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The club is periodically updated on the events of the AND and changes in the professional world of dietetics. Finally, the club offers a number of different volunteer opportunities pertaining to careers in nutrition and dietetics through the “Volunteer for Your Career” program. Through this program, groups of students travel once a month to various sites within the area as well as on campus to help the in community and gain valuable experience in nutrition. These sites include The Ronald McDonald House and Manna Soup Kitchen in Bangor as well as the YMCA in Old Town. Overall, the Nutrition Club looks to provide volunteer opportunities and benefits to all students wishing to become more active within the field of nutrition. For more information please contact Robert Causey at rcausey@maine.edu.
Society for Conservation Biology. The University of Maine Student Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is an organization open to students in all majors interested in conservnig the earth’s resources, especially its living resources: among them plants and animals. SCB is currently involved with the Penobscot River Restoration Trust (PRRT) a plan to remove several dams, and upgrade others along the Penobscot River to restore native fish populations, and otherwise improve the condition of the community. SCB is planning outreach programs closely with the PRRT in hopes of garnering larger support from the community for this important project. We’re alsoinvolved with the Witter Farm project, invasive species removal in Veazie, social outings (such as hiking trips) and guest speakers. For more information please contact Aram Calhoun at 207 581-3010 or email calhoun@maine.edu.
Society of American Foresters (SAF). SAF is the national, scientific, and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. The student chapter at the University of Maine is dedicated to furthering professionalism, networking, and the learning experience of forestry students and related majors. The SAF student chapter offers many opportunities for its members. Chapter field tours have included trips to the White Mountain National Forest, active timber harvest operations, and forest products facilities. The chapter also hosts guest speakers that come from all corners of the forestry profession. Community projects have included work on the Orono Bog Boardwalk, trail mapping and maintenance at Leonardâ??s Mills Forest & Logging Museum, and helping local high school students learn tree identification in preparation for their Envirothon competition. Finally, the SAF student chapter endeavors to send as many interested students as possible to the Maine, New England, and National SAF meetings.
Standardbred Drill Team. The UMaine Standardbred Drill Team has been involved with showing and promoting the sales of the university-owned Standardbred horses since 2000. In addition, the Drill Team is a product of the UMaine ties to the Maine Harness Racing industry. Membership is subject to a riding evaluation and open to undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in or have completed the Equine Management Cooperative (AVS 303) and are actively volunteering at the university Horse Barn Co-Operative at Witter Farm. The Drill Team works through the year to perfect routines written by team members. They prepare to hold performances at Bangor Historic Track and Raceway in Bass Park and at Scarborough Downs, while allowing for the possibility to perform elsewhere on request. The Team has held clinics at the Witter Farm and the Skowhegan Fair grounds for 4-H groups and other youth horse clubs and done demonstrations at Witter Farm and the Common Ground Country Fair. Students also have the opportunity to travel to local horse shows throughout the year to promote those horses currently for sale by UMaine. For more information please contact Robert Causey at rcausey@maine.edu.
UMaine Dressage Club. The Dressage Club has been in existence at the University of Maine since 2000. The club is actively involved in the riding discipline of dressage. The UMaine Dressage Club works through the year to pursue clinics, shows, and events that will enhance club member’s knowledge of dressage and riding in general. Club members have the opportunity to ride and take lessons at Puckerbrush Farm (www.puckerbrushfarm.com), located approximately 20 miles from campus (carpooling is available). There is no skill level required, beginners to advanced riders are welcome. The Dressage Club competes with the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) and travels throughout New England for competitions. We are a collective group of students who love horses and want to learn more about them, share our knowledge through horse-related activities, such as club discussions, videos, hands-on activities, and lessons. We offer discounted riding lessons to members, as well as the opportunity to show intercollegiately. This is a fun club that is a great way to further your education in riding and meet people who share the same interest. We also partake in college events, such as Spring Fling to showcase our riding, as well as fundraisers, and community service. For more information please contact Dr. Robert Causey at rcausey@maine.edu or visit the club’s website.
University of Maine Equestrian Team. The University of Maine Equestrian Team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), Zone 1, Region 2. Region 2 schools in IHSA currently offer eight different levels of Hunt Seat Equitation and Hunter Over Fences Equitation, although we accept riders of all riding levels and disciplines. The prestigious and historical team has competed for years on the IHSA level and has perfected the art of learning, sportsmanship and fun. The team has use of members’ and our coach’s horses in order to improve horse handling, riding and knowledge skills. There are no try-outs for the team; however, incoming members undergo a riding evaluation to see what they know about horses and riding. Members through Walk-Trot and Open Jumping all have the equal chance to compete in shows and participate in practices. The Equestrian Team has much to offer athletes in playing an active role on the University of Maine campus and local community as well. For more information please feel free to contact Coach Amy Conforti at amy.conforti@maine.edu.
University of Maine American Fisheries Society Student Subunit. We are an independent student chapter of the American Fisheries Society, an international organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the world’s fisheries and their habitats. Students benefit through professional development activities (hosting guest speakers and skills workshops) that prepare them for success in the natural sciences field. Our members engage the public through communication and presentations that spark interests in fisheries ecology, research, and the scientific process. Members also involved in organizing and teaching hands-on lessons in aquatic sciences at local schools. We also organize fishing trips and fly tying workshops. We hold meetings twice a month and always welcome new undergraduate and graduate students. For more information please contact Joe Zydlewski at josephz@maine.edu or Christina Murphy at christina.murphy@maine.edu, or check out the club’s Facebook page for current activities and meetings.
University of Maine Geology Club. The University of Maine Geology Club was founded in 1947 (originally as the “Rock and Hammer” Club). The club is for undergraduates and graduates, usually involved in the Department of Earth Sciences and the Institute for Quaternary Studies. Objectives include planning and attending geological field trips, attending professional meetings, support service projects which work toward a cleaner environment, develop educational materials for the department, institute, and the public and enrich the social life of the University of Maine students interested in earth sciences. Trips to other areas of Maine, Canada and the United States are all possible for field research. Events this year include Grafton Notch Hiking, Department Potluck, Chili Cook-off and skiing and other social events. For more information please contact Dan Lux at (207) 581-4494 or email dlux@maine.edu.
University of Maine Pre-Veterinary Club. The Pre-Vet Club was established to provide an outlet for students interested in attending veterinary school. The club meets weekly and allows for students to discuss classes, exams and to provide a stress-free environment for students to support each other in their endevours. Each week the club participates in a discussion about a veterinary college, the GRE’s, the application process or about real world case studies. The club is actively involved in the UMaine community and puts on events such as a wreath and dog treat sale and participates in events put on by other student organizations. A trip is planned each year. Past trips have included Tufts Veterinary School, Cornell Veterinary School, and PEI. For more information please contact Anne Lichtenwalner (anne.lichtenwalner@maine.edu) or visit the club’s website.
Wildlife Society. The Wildlife Society (TWS) is the student chapter and link between the parent chapter and undergraduates who are training to enter the wildlife profession. The parent chapter of The Wildlife Society is a professional organization dedicated to the wise management and conservation of the world’s wildlife resources. Activities of the student chapter include numerous outings to local ecosystems, field trips (such as whale watching, ice fishing, and bird watching), conducting owl surveys, hosting a seminar series, fundraising for student scholarships, and the maintenance of wood duck nesting boxes in nearby wetlands. Recently, TWS has been working on a research project to integrate wildlife ecology, policy education, and management of a local wetland ecosystem. This organization is a very active group and has strong commitment to conservation and community outreach. In addition, the society sponsors a number of educational activities which are well-attended throughout the year. For more information please contact Sabrina Morano at sabrina.morano@maine.edu or visit the club’s website.
Women in Science. Women in Science (WIS) is a University of Maine organization devoted to exploring/promoting achievements made by women in the sciences. In addition WIS participates in several community projects related to environmental issues and works closely with the Friends of Edith Patch. Both men and women interested in promoting women in science related careers are invited to join. For more information please contact Crisanne Blackie at (207) 581-2587 or email cblackie@maine.edu.
Woodsmen’s Team. The Woodsmen’s Team is a co-ed organization dedicated to maintaining the old woods skills and competing on the intercollegiate level throughout the Northeast and Canada. This team has been a University of Maine tradition for over 40 years. Since the beginning, men and women have competed in such events as the cross-cut and bow saw, log roll, fire building, axe throw, speed chop, pulp toss and quarter split. These events are meant to simulate the traditional logging activities from the turn of the century. For more information visit the Team’s website.
Xi Sigma Pi. Xi Sigma Pi is the Forestry Honor Society and has traditionally been an organization providing services to the students and local community. Acceptance into the society is based on high scholastic standing and professional involvement. For more information please contact Louis Morin at (207) 581-2854 or email lmorin@maine.edu .