TWC Student Life: Clubs & Organizations

College years should be memorable ones both inside and outside the classroom. To that end, Tennessee Wesleyan strives to help students find a special place. Opportunities abound for musical, dramatic, athletic, religious, social, and professional activities. A major boon of attending a small college is that the joys of such activities are heightened by that special caring spirit that forms such a part of the Tennessee Wesleyan experience.


National Honor Societies

Alpha Chi, a National College Honor Scholarship Society, is a “coeducational society whose purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character.” Founded in 1922 and now consisting of some 300 chapters in 37 states and two countries, it is a general scholarship society open to both men and women who rank in the top ten percent of the junior, senior, and graduating classes and who in addition have an overall 3.40 grade-point average. High scholarship is the primary requisite for membership, but good character and reputation are considerations. Elections by the faculty are held in the fall and spring terms. The purpose of the society is to encourage sound scholarship and devotion to the truth, not only among its members, but also among all the students on campuses on which there are chapters.

Pi Lambda Theta is an International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education. The society supports excellence in education and highly effective teaching.

Psi Chi, founded in 1929, is the National Honor Society in Psychology. Membership requirements include completion of at least 9 semester hours of psychology, rank in the upper 35% of academic class, overall grade-point average of 3.00, and Psychology grade-point average of 3.00.

Sigma Tau Delta, the National English Honor Society, promotes scholarship in English. Membership is extended to English majors and minors who have completed a minimum of two college courses in English or literature beyond freshman com, have achieved a B average in college English, have completed at least three semesters of college coursework, and rank in the top 35% of their class in general scholarship.


Organizations

The Business Club is an organization open to anyone interested. Its purpose is to increase awareness of local business and business leaders and the responsibility they hold in the community. Guest speakers present on a vast array of business topics. Field trips are also used as a learning tool.

Circle K, sponsored by the Athens Kiwanis Club, is a service organization for college men and women, as well as a leadership and character-building group serving the campus and the community.

Education Angels is an organization that provides an environment for developing fellowship, personal growth, services opportunities, and involvement in areas pertaining to education.  Membership is open to any full- or part-time student, faculty, or staff of the Tennessee Wesleyan College Education Department that wishes to participate.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a group that is works to provide students a Christian perspective for college living and participating in athletics and intramurals.  Membership is open to all currently enrolled students.  

French Club is open to all students and required by student enrolled in French class during the appropriate semester.  The club provides the opportunity for all students to learn about the French culture. 

Hackberry and Oak Society is a select group of students chosen to support and represent the advancement effort of the College.  All members of this society are interviewed and chosen by the Office of Institutional Advancement. 

Martial Arts Club  is an organization that introduces students to various styles of martial arts including Boxing, Capoiera, Taekwondo, Aikido, Kubudo, Jiujitsu, and Isshinryu Karate. Membership is open to all students, faculty, and staff and meets every Tuesday at 9 p.m. at Karate Academy (509 W. Madison Ave., Athens, TN).

Math Club is open to any student interested in mathematics.  The purpose of the group is to provide a community for those interested in math and other related fields to network and socialize.   

Lambda Alpha Epsilon (Criminal Justice Club) is primarily for those students majoring in a field associated with the criminal justice profession.  The group seeks to provide a medium that facilitates interaction between students, faculty, program alumni, professionals in the field and members of the broader community.  Membership is dependant applicant/member maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

The National Student Nurses Association is an organization of nursing students for the purpose of maintaining and promoting professional standards, providing a unified spirit among student nurses, and stimulating interest in the professional organization.

Natural Science Club is an organization designed to create an atmosphere where senior students can mentor underclassmen outside the classroom and establish lasting relationships.  In addition, the club assists the Science Department with various activities around campus such as “Science Olympiad” where students can foster a love or respect for science disciplines in children or youth in the surrounding communities. 

The Psychology Club is primarily for those students majoring in psychology or human services. However, it is open to all Tennessee Wesleyan College students who express an interest in psychology.

The Student Ambassadors are a select group of outstanding students who serve as representatives for Tennessee Wesleyan College. They assist with greeting dignitaries to campus, conducting tours for Open House and Orientation, participating in outreach admissions campaigns, and representing the college in community and campus events.

The Student Government Association serves as liaison among the student body, faculty, and administration. It seeks to increase a sense of community among students and to aid in the interpretation of College policies. SGA consists of both Legislative and Judicial Councils. Membership, eligibility, and qualifications for office are defined in the Student Handbook. Election is by a simple plurality of votes cast.

Up ‘til Dawn is a nationwide collegiate fundraising effort to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Up ‘til Dawn is open to all students. 

Religious Activities

In cooperation with the Chaplain's Office, a variety of religious activities are available on the campus of Tennessee Wesleyan College.  Chapel Service provides contemporary, as well as, traditional experiences of worship.  Students and faculty unite weekly to share their concerns, and their prayers.  All religious activities on the campus seek to supplement, not substitute for participation in a local church.

Wesleyan Christian Fellowship is an ecumenical student group providing opportunities for fellowship and service each week.  Activities involve a weekly celebration of Holy Communion open to all student, Bible study, meals and service to those in need in the community.

Baptist Collegiate Ministries provides a nondenominational membership opportunity for Christian fellowship to share concerns and prayers.  Student led Bible study is held weekly, as well as a fellowship luncheon.

Greek Organizations

Two sororities maintain chapters on the Wesleyan campus. They are Alpha Xi Gamma and Sigma Kappa. Both new and returning students are eligible to pledge these organizations. Upon completion of a pledge period, a student with a “C” average and enrolled in at least three courses is eligible to be formally initiated. Sigma Kappa holds national affiliation, while Alpha Xi maintains only local status.

Delta Zeta Phi, Alpha Chapter is a local fraternity founded at Tennessee Wesleyan College and was established to reinforce its members to strive for higher standards of excellence in all areas of their lives. The chapter is a social as well as philanthropic society and makes every effort to help further the school community at Tennessee Wesleyan College by example, works, and spirit. Upon completion of a pledge period, a full-time student with a minimum semester G.P.A. of a 2.5 is eligible to be formally initiated.


Athletics (TWC Bulldogs)

Tennessee Wesleyan College is a member of the NAIA and the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Students who participate in intercollegiate athletics must meet the eligibility rules of both of these organizations. Tennessee Wesleyan is also a recognized “Champions of Character” institution in a special program sponsored by the NAIA. The college fields intercollegiate athletic teams in men’s basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, and cross-country and women’s basketball, soccer, tennis, softball, cross-country, and volleyball. All full-time Tennessee Wesleyan College students are admitted without charge to all athletic events, except for tournaments.

The College’s Intramural Program promotes wholesome recreation by providing athletic activities for the general student population throughout the school year. There is also a YMCA facility and a fitness center within easy walking distance of the campus.

TWC Cheerleaders are chosen by tryouts.  They must meet the standards for admission to TWC and maintain a “C” average in order to remain on the squad.  Information regarding tryouts will be posted around campus prior to tryouts. 

Publications

Students are invited to serve on the staffs of The New Exponent, the student newspaper, The Nocatula, the College yearbook, and The Springs of Helicon, the literary magazine. Editors of these publications are chosen by The Publication Board