Student Organizations
Office of Student Life
Become a part of the student experience! With over 30 organizations on campus, find
your niche, and explore the list below.
Alpha Phi Omega
Alpha Phi Omega is a national co-ed service fraternity founded on the cardinal principles
of leadership, friendship, and service. It provides its members the opportunity to
develop leadership skills as they provide service to their campus, to youth and the
community, to the nation, and to the members of the Fraternity. For more information,
contact advisor Jeremy Taylor at jtaylor@defiance.edu or 419-783-2305.
Alpha Xi Delta
National sorority involved in programming social activities and offers services to
various philanthropies. Requirements for membership: 2.25 GPA and selection by the
group. If interested, contact any member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority or the Office
of Student Activities & Leadership at 419-783-2388.
Ambassadors
This select group of students links the student body of Defiance College with its
alumni, faculty, and staff as well as the community of Defiance. Their purpose is
to promote and represent the College in an enthusiastic and positive manner to the
community and prospective students and families. Applications for new Ambassadors
are available in early October for the Spring semester and early February for the
Fall semester. Selection process is completed by late November for the Spring and
late March for the Fall. The group meets twice monthly and is advised by a member
of the Admissions staff. For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions,
419-783-2359.
Anime-Manga Club
Social and cultural activities related to Anime and Manga art form. Contact Todd Comer,
advisor, at 419-783-2348 for more information.
Athletic Bands
This organization provides an environment for like-minded participants to develop
a true love and understanding for the arts; to facilitate growth through the development
of skills, such as leadership, responsibility, and creative thinking to introduce
members and audiences to a wide variety of music from all stylistic periods; to provide
students with performance opportunities that will encourage community involvement.
For more information on Athletic Bands, contact Music Programs at music@defiance.edu.
Black Action Student Association
The Black Action Student Association (BASA) provides several avenues for students
to interact positively with the heritage of African-Americans and other cultures.
BASA serves as a "family unit" with respect to personal, social, and intellectual
growth for its members and others who participate in the campus community. BASA host
annual parties, poetry slams, and other programming. All students are eligible for
membership in BASA. Students interested in the events or activities sponsored by BASA
are encouraged to contact the Office of Intercultural relations at 419-783-2362.
Carolyn M. Small Honors Program
The Carolyn M. Small Honors Program provides opportunities for all Defiance College
students regardless of their major, to participate in an honors curriculum. Students
who meet the requirements of the program will be designated as Carolyn M. Small Honor
Scholars. For more information, contact advisor Mary Ann Studer at mstuder@defiance.edu or 419-783-2555.
Campus Activities Board
The purpose of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) is to provide a wide range of programs
and activities for the college community. CAB's programs are fun, diverse, and are
almost all free! CAB strives to collaborate with other campus organizations in its
planning of activities. All students interested in planning, coordinating, and creating
campus activities are encouraged to volunteer for membership on the board. Contact
Jake Arnold at jarnold@defiance.edu or 419-783-2388 for more information.
Catholics on Campus
Opportunities for fellowship, service, and retreats are provided. Catholics on Campus
often coordinates on-campus services for various holy days and feast days for the
convenience of Roman Catholic students, faculty and staff, and other interested parties.
All students and membership are welcome. For more information, contact advisor Brenda
Averesch at baveresch@defiance.edu or 419-783-2352.
Chamber Singers
Chamber Singers is an auditioned SATB choral ensemble, open to all students at Defiance
College. Repertoire contains music from all stylistic periods, including contemporary
music, and consists of small-form choral music performed a cappella and/or with chamber
instruments. Frequent performances on and off-campus, including tours, are expected
of this ensemble. For more information, contact Music Programs at music@defiance.edu.
Cheerleading
Cheer for the Jackets! For more information, please contact Christina Moore-Finley,
Head Cheer and Dance Coach, at cmfinley@defiance.edu or 419-783-2414.
Criminal Justice Society
The Criminal Justice Society is focused around the CJ major and provides opportunities
to give student out of the classroom exposure to criminal justice in the real world.
The Criminal Justice Society sponsors annual trips to metropolitan areas such as Chicago,
Washington D.C., and Detroit to visit a variety of criminal justice agencies. For
more information, contact advisor Steve Sondergaard at ssondergaard@defiance.edu or 419-783-2443.
DC Choral Union
A large choral ensemble open to students, college personnel and the surrounding community.
Repertoire consists of larger oratorios often performed with instrumental accompaniment.
The group performs three times during the academic year including a fall community
choral concert, Handel's Messiah in December, and a spring oratorio. An audition is
required for participation. For more information, contact Music Programs at music@defiance.edu.
DC Cosplay Club
The Defiance Cosplay Club (DC³) will be aiming toward several goals, listed in order of most to least importance.
Most vital is to express ourselves in a productive and positive environment. Additionally,
we hope to further the hobby of cosplay (costume play), to introduce and educate on
the concept of cosplay for Defiance College students, to assist students who are new
to the craft with creating their own unique costumes, and to attend conventions as
a club. For more information regarding DC³, please contact advisor Kristi Jo Leaders at kleaders@defiance.edu or 419-783-2545.
DC Investing and Portfolio Management
The organization’s purpose is to provide opportunities to DC students to identify
investing strategies at multiple levels, including personal, large portfolios, and
hedge funds through lectures of executive speakers, study trips, and discussion forums.
Additionally, the organization will incorporate investing strategies for different
age groups, with the overall goal to identify quality and efficient investment opportunities.
For more information, please contact advisor Arif Sultan at 419-783-2431.
DC Pride
This student organization provides programming for the campus intended to broaden
and deepen our understanding of the issues and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and queer persons. DC Pride has sponsored a "Day of Silence" program,
and has collaborated with the Intercultural Community Task Force (ICCTF) and the Office
of Spiritual Life in offering discussion groups on the topic of Sexual Identity and
Religion. Students interested in DC Pride and its programs and events are encouraged
to contact their advisors: Lynn Braun, 419-783-2548 and Mercedes Clay, 419-783-2362.
The Defender
Campus newspaper with opportunities to gain experience with reporting, feature articles,
photography, editorials, and more. Viewable online at http://defender.defiance.edu. Contact Todd Comer at 419-783-2348 for more information.
Defiance College Community Band
The Defiance College Community Band (DCCB) is organized to serve the musical needs
of Defiance College, provide artistic performance opportunities for the Defiance community,
and provide a performance outlet for college and area musicians. The band is comprised
of not only college students, but includes adult musicians of all vocations as well
as area music instructors. The ensemble performs four major concerts per season as
well as appropriate music for special occasions. There are no auditions required;
however, musicians should be moderately proficient on their instrument. Participation
in the band may be taken for credit if so desired. A complete syllabus is issued at
the first rehearsal for the band on the first Tuesday after Labor Day. The band rehearses
on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 pm in Schauffler Hall. For more information, contact
Music Programs at music@defiance.edu.
DC Players
The DC Players are an informal group of students who assist in the development and
production of the College's twice-annual dramatic productions. Students interested
in performing in these shows may contact Music Programs at music@defiance.edu.
Ecology Club
This organization was established to promote ecological restoration, develop/restore
small ecosystems, and increase environmental awareness by connecting with nature through
positive learning experiences which will benefit ourselves, our environment, and wildlife
in our community. Ecology Club is responsible for the campus-wide recycling program
and road-side pickup. Open to any student with an interest in environmental issues
and the outdoors. For more information, contact advisor Doug Kane 419-783-2593.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
The Defiance College chapter of FCA seeks to affirm the mission of the National FCA
and statement of faith, as well as to enrich campus by coming alongside other organizations
in service, providing an atmosphere that fosters both Christian and non-Christian
comradery, and garnering genuine study and conversation regarding faith-based issues,
which this chapter holds to include all things. For more information, contact advisor
Becca Rupp at 419-783-2525.
Forensic Science Club
The objectives and purposes of this club are to: develop the understanding of the
organization in prospective members, provide a voice in the matters that affect members,
influence the conditions under which prospective members are being prepared for their
professional role in society, advance the interests and welfare of prospective members,
and increase the retention of Forensic Science majors by providing assistance in areas
where needed. For more information, contact advisor Nathan Griggs at 419-783-2592.
Free the Slaves
The purpose of this organization is to empower Defiance College students and the community
to effectively combat human trafficking. In recognizing the need for a holistic approach
in addressing modern slavery, our objectives are to: raise a general awareness about
modern day slavery, with a particular emphasis on domestic and international human
trafficking; identify and respond to the questions and issues that arise when addressing
trafficking in persons, collaborate to increase awareness, identify victims and high
risk populations, and facilitate multi-sectoral involvement between the DC community
and local organizations such as Children’s Lantern and Legal Aid of Western Ohio Human
Trafficking Protection Project. Free the Slaves also strives to stimulate greater
academic research by students, faculty, and alumni at DC about human trafficking locally,
nationally, and internationally. For more information, contact advisor Tim Wedge,
419-783-2415.
Habitat for Humanity
This organization helps to build and renovate housing in partnership with people in
need and builds awareness of poverty housing issues. Contact Judy Lymanstall at 419-783-2300
for more information.
High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA)
The DC Chapter of HTCIA is designed to encourage, promote, aid, and affect the voluntary
interchange of data, information, experience, ideas, and knowledge about methods,
processes, and techniques relating to investigations and security in advanced technologies
among its membership. For more information, contact advisor Tim Wedge at 419-783-2415
or twedge@defiance.edu .
Inter-Greek Council
The Inter-Greek Council (IGC) coordinates fraternity and sorority activities, and
meets regularly to increase communication among the three member chapters. Members
include each Greek chapter's chief executive, along with another member from each
chapter. Executive officers are chosen from within the group to help organize and
plan Greek activities throughout the year. For more information about IGC, please
contact Jake Arnold at jarnold@defiance.edu or 419-783-2388.
Intramurals
Intramurals offer a wide variety of sports and recreational activities throughout
the academic year for all students, faculty, and staff. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook. You can also contact the Office of Student Activities & Leadership at 419-783-2388
for more information.
Iota Tau Alpha
The purpose of Iota Tau Alpha (ITA) Athletic Training Education Honor Society is the
promotion and encouragement of scholarly activity in athletic training and the recognition
of outstanding achievement among students enrolled in athletic training education
programs. Activities shall be designed to stimulate interest, scholarly attainment,
and investigation in Athletic Training Education, and to promote the dissemination
of information among students of Athletic Training Education. Students interested
in this organization should contact advisor Matt Lundin at 419-783-2423.
Pep Band
The Defiance College Pep Band was formed in the winter of 2008-2009 in order to provide
a musical outlet for DC students centered on school spirit and support of the athletics
teams. All students, regardless of musical ability or experience, are encouraged to
participate with the group. Rehearsals are established to coincide with preparation
for playing opportunities. Students interested in joining the Pep Band should contact
Music Programs at music@defiance.edu.
Phi Alpha Theta
Honor society for history majors. Must have a 3.1 GPA or higher and courses in history,
and a 3.0 GPA or higher in all other courses. Those interested should contact advisor
Jeremy Taylor 419-783-2305.
Phi Sigma Chi
Social fraternity involved in campus activities and offers service to various philanthropies.
Must have a 2.2 GPA and selection by group. For more information, contact any member
of the Phi Sigma Chi fraternity or Jake Arnold at jarnold@defiance.edu or 419-783-2388.
Progeny Literary Magazine
Progeny is Defiance College's semi-annual literary and photography magazine. The magazine
provides opportunities for publication of poetry, short stories, and personal essays.
Progeny members also coordinate several literary activities both on and off campus.
For more information, contact MC Harper at 419-783-2461.
Project 701
Student-run non-profit involved in various service projects. For more information,
contact advisor Brad Harsha at bharsha@defiance.edu or 419-783-2553.
Social Work Organization
The Social Work Organization was created for the benefit of Defiance College social
work students, those with allied majors, or those with an interest in exploring social
work as a career. The Organization annually co-sponsors a fundraiser for the local
homeless shelter, an urban trip to a major metropolitan city, various speakers and
workshops on relevant social issues, as well as other social and professional activities.
Those interested should contact advisor Tess Sullivan at 419-783-2556.
Sports Business Administration
The Defiance College Sports Business Administration (SBA) is an student-run organization
comprised of individuals who aspire to enrich their educational experience with applied
sport management, business, and wellness opportunities outside the classroom. SBA
seeks to provide opportunities for professional networking, working with guest speakers,
group outings, and becoming more involved in local communities. SBA is open to any
student at DC with an interest in advancing their career in the sports industry. For
more information, contact advisor Isabell Rhenwrick at 419-783-2336.
Student Athlete Advisory Council
The mission of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) is to enhance the total
student-athlete experience by promoting opportunities, supporting fellow student-athletes,
and fostering a positive student-athlete image to the campus and community. SAAC supports
and upholds the core values of Defiance College excellence, integrity, community,
and respect.
Student Senate
The Student Senate serves as the voice of the students in the leadership and governance
of the College. Representatives from various campus organizations form the general
body of the Student Senate. Senate representatives choose executive board officers
from among the general body of the Senate. Class representatives are chosen through
elections from among the student body. Class presidents and the Senate Executive Board
also serve as student panelists in the College’s judicial system. The Student Senate
Chairperson serves as an ex-officio member of the Defiance College Board of Trustees.
Students interested in participating in Student Senate may contact the Office of Student
Life at 419-783-2437 for more information.
Student Veterans Association
The purpose of the Student Veterans Association (SVA) is to support and guide Veterans,
current military members, dependents, and advocates (VMDA) throughout their academic
career. Contact SVA advisor Jack Lawson for more information at 419-783-2313 or jlawson@defiance.edu.
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Founded in 1899, Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) is the world’s largest social fraternity
with over 265,000 initiated members since its founding and more than 290 active chapters
and colonies located throughout the United States and Canada. TKE is in the business
of building better men who reflect highly on their family, school, community, and
the fraternity. TKE is not just something you experience in your 4 years in college
- it's a brotherhood with fellow men that share common values and bonds and an experience
that lasts a lifetime. Contact any member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity or the
Office of Student Activities & Leadership at 419-783-2388.
Tau Mu
Tau Mu is a social work honor society and a member of the Phi Alpha National Social
Work Honor Society. Requirements: 3.0 overall GPA and 3.25 GPA within the social work
major. Those interested should contact Alesia Yakos-Brown at 419-783-2425.
