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. If you'd like to start your own organization,
contact the Office of Student Life at 419-783-2388.
Alpha Phi Alpha
Omicron Mu chapter of the National Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. Requirements
for membership: Junior or senior status with a 3.0 overall GPA and 3.25 GPA within
the social work major. For more information, contact Alesia Yakos-Brown at 419-783-2425
or aybrown@defiance.edu.
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.
Black Action Student Association (BASA)
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 (CAB)
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
the Office of Student Activities & Leadership at 419-783-2388 for more information.
Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU)
A connection of faith and athletics for students on campus. To learn more, contact
Janelle Rubio at jrubio@defiance.edu or 419-783-2364.
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 Kris
Knight at kknight@defiance.edu or 419-783-2445.
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 Camille Lively, Choir Director, at
clively@defiance.edu or 419-783-2421.
Chess Club
For more information, contact advisor Brett Decker at bdecker@defiance.edu or 419-783-2417.
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 Camille Lively, Choir Director, at clively@defiance.edu or 419-783-2421.
DC Community Orchestra
The DCCO is a full orchestra open to all strings, winds, brass, and percussion. This
ensemble combines the talents of college students, community members, and local music
students to perform a variety of classic and contemporary orchestral literature. This
ensemble offers musical growth and development, as well as performance opportunities
for all involved, including our DC Community Music School students. Students interested
in joining should contact Cassidy Nalepa, Director of Music Programs, at cnalepa@defiance.edu or 419-783-2331.
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.
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 defender.defiance.edu. Contact Todd Comer at 419-783-2348 for more information.
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.
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 at
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.
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 (ITA)
The purpose of Iota Tau Alpha 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.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band is a non-curricular ensemble open to students with an interest in jazz
music and performance technique. This group meets once weekly and works on music of
various styles including swing, funk, blues, rock and latin. The flexible nature of
this ensemble allows for a traditional big band set-up or various combos based on
student interest/instrumentation. If interested, contact Cassidy Nalepa, Director of Music Programs, cnalepa@defiance.edu or 419-783-2331.
Marching Band/Pep Band
The DC Marching/Pep Band provides 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
should contact Cassidy Nalepa, Director of Music Programs, at cnalepa@defiance.edu or 419-783-2331.
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 at 419-783-2305.
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 Homier at thomier@defiance.edu or 419-783-2556.
Sports Business Administration (SBA)
The Defiance College 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
Scott Hirko shirko@defiance.edu or 419-783-2336.
Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC)
The mission of 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. For more information, contact the Office of Student Activities & Leadership at 419-783-2388.
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 (SVA)
The purpose of the 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.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band performs traditional and modern works for wind band. This ensemble
provides musical growth as well as a social connection for all who enjoy performing.
The Symphonic Band includes additional opportunities for solo and chamber ensemble
experiences. Students interested in joining should contact Cassidy Nalepa, Director of Music Programs,
at cnalepa@defiance.edu or 419-783-2331.
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.
