Student Organizations

Student Life, Inclusion and Diversity Office (SLIDO)
Williams Science Hall (Global Engagement Office)
Channing Bunch, Director of Student Life, Inclusion and Diversity Office
Kiara Kocsis-Gregurich, Student Organizations Activities Coordinator

slido@unmc.edu
www.unmc.edu/student-success/student-life/student-organizations/index.html

UNMC students carry with them a breadth of interests which evolve and expand over time and that students should be free to organize and join associations to promote those interests. The Student Life Inclusion and Diversity Office (SLIDO) is committed to the importance of these student associations in: 

• the development of leadership skills
• creating a vibrant campus culture
• enhancing the quality of life of students
• building a high-quality student experience

UNMC’s social, professional, service and advisory organizations are an integral part of life on campus. Membership in many is open to all Medical Center students. Others are open only to students of a particular health professional program or to persons with specified academic achievements. All organizations invite the interest and attention of students and conduct meetings open to nonmembers.

New Organizations

UNMC students who wish to form new student organizations and who plan to use campus facilities and services must receive formal recognition and approval. Application forms and guidelines can be found on Engage. For more information contact SLIDO by email at slido@unmc.edu. 

Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Student Organizations

AAPI Student Association
The AAPI Student Association is an interprofessional network whose mission is to facilitate meaningful connection and cultural exchange between students who identify as AAPI or are interested in learning about the AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) community.

Aging Interprofessional Group
AIG is a dynamic group of students who organize and facilitate events with the support from faculty advisors related to aging and older adults. The purposes of the Aging Interprofessional Group are to promote interdisciplinary healthcare that is essential to providing quality care to the geriatric population, recognize a growing need for geriatric knowledge across medical care settings and aim to inform & elevate awareness of geriatric needs and issues that are unique to this population, and provide students from all disciplines with opportunities to interact with geriatric patients and to practice clinical skills as they relate to this population.

American Cancer Society on Campus at UNMC
American Cancer Society (ACS) On Campus is a branch of the American Cancer Society that brings the fight against cancer directly to students through fundraising activities, encouraging education, raising awareness, inspiring advocacy, and celebrating survivorship.

Bangladeshi Student Association 
The purpose of BSA is to promote the best interests and values of the Bangladeshi community of students, faculty, and staff in a particular and the overall academic fraternity in general at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 

Bridge to Care (BTC)
Bridge to Care is an interdisciplinary student organization at UNMC that focuses on improving the health outcomes for recently resettled refugees in the Omaha area. It aims to discern group-specific needs; aid in acculturation and health care education; and improve cultural awareness among health care providers and students.

Campus Fellowship for Christ
Campus Fellowship for Christ assists medical students from any religious background in exploring elements of the Christian faith through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. We also receive guidance and mentorship from Christian medical professionals at events such as Healthcare Dinners and Ethics Lunches, which take place each semester.

Climb. Relax. Adventure. Gather.
Climb. Relax. Adventure. Gather. (CRAG) is a student-run, non-profit organization designed to provide UNMC students a safe and affordable means to learn rock climbing techniques, develop a deep knowledge of advanced climbing techniques and socialize with other climbers. CRAG aims to foster a deeper community within UNMC and the greater University of Nebraska campuses in a way that encourages students to stay active and have fun.

Community Home Elder Safety Solutions
The Community Home Elder Safety Solutions group (CHESS) is an interprofessional organization at the University of Nebraska Medical Center focusing on the well-being of older adults. CHESS members strive to improve the quality of life of elders in the UNMC community by enhancing their autonomy and decreasing their risk of accidents in the home. Students from all Colleges at UNMC are eligible to participate, including: Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health.

Crochet Club
The purpose of this organization is to: 

1. Enhance the wellness of students at UNMC through the creative outlet of crochet. 
2. Collaborate on crochet projects to benefit the community. 
3. Improve students’ fine motor skills in a non-medical setting. 

EMPOWER
EMPOWER is a student-led, interprofessional initiative founded in 2008 as a University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Service Learning Legacy project based in the College of Public Health. We have greatly expanded from our original foundations in the College of Public Health, as we now have board members from many of the colleges on campus. EMPOWER has a twofold mission focused on awareness and education of interpersonal violence. We achieve this through on-campus activities and community outreach events. EMPOWER seeks to provide students, health care providers, and community members opportunities to become involved in efforts to minimize domestic and sexual violence in our community and beyond. We hold seminars monthly that are dedicated to a certain topic surrounding interpersonal violence (i.e., sexual violence, domestic violence, and sex trafficking). All seminars are open to all UNMC students and faculty and UNMC health care providers.

Fostering the Future (FTF)
Fostering the Future is an interprofessional organization interested in impacting at risk youth in the Omaha metro.

Harm Reduction Advocates
Harm Reduction Advocates is a community-focused student organization that aims to use an evidence-based framework of harm reduction to address stigma across all professions, advocate for inclusive policy.

iEXCEL Student Society
The iEXCEL Student Society is an Interprofessional student group that works to advance health care professions education through different modes of simulation. As a member, you are able to participate in various projects inside the Davis Global Center, headquarters of iEXCEL and the most advanced simulation center worldwide. Various projects and involvement include, but are not limited to: hosting VIP visitors and participating in tours and other development opportunities; designing survey and conducting research; organizing and designing Interprofessional simulation events; participating in focus groups; test new modules prior to project completion; etc.

International Student Association
The International Student Association (ISA) caters to all the international students and scholars across campus. ISA holds major international events like Holi every year. In addition, with help from the Student Senate, ISA provides an opportunity for students to present information about their home countries through the monthly event- breaking barriers. ISA works around the basic idea that everyone is welcome at UNMC!

Jewish Student Association
The Jewish Student association is an interprofessional organization that aims to facilitate meaningful connection, cultural, and religious exchange between students who identify as Jewish or are interested in learning about Jewish culture and philosophies related to health.
We have regular meetings to discuss Jewish philosophies of health with kosher catering. We also serve as a point of contact for the broader Omaha Jewish community, promoting philanthropic and service work, and the celebration of Jewish holidays including Passover, Purim, Hannukah, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, etc...

Latino Medical Student Association
The Latino Medical Student Association unites and empowers medical students through service, mentorship and education to advocate for the health of the Latino community. This organization is open to any UNMC student who is interested in pursuing underserved and or global medicine in the Latino population. 

MUNA Box 
MUNA Box works closely with refugee and immigrant institutions, religious institutions, and community centers in the Omaha and Lincoln areas to provide nutritional and hygiene support to those in need. 

Muslim Student Association 
We, the Muslim students of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in our efforts to foster a sense of community, promote Islamic values and culture, and serve as a resource for Muslim students, faculty, and staff, do hereby establish and uphold the following constitution: As Muslims, we believe in the importance of unity, compassion, and service. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Muslim students at UNMC, regardless of their backgrounds, cultures, or beliefs. Through our association, we seek to promote awareness and understanding of Islam, its teachings, and its contributions to society.

Nebraska Rural Health Outreach
Nebraska Rural Health Outreach serves to connect UNMC professional students with high school students from rural Nebraska who have an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare.

Omaha Advocacy Club
The purpose of OAC is to introduce students to the different communities present in Omaha, Nebraska. An emphasis will be placed on the barriers to health care that diverse patient populations in Omaha face and how students can advocate for these populations to overcome health disparities. Monthly events throughout the academic year will allow students to learn about a variety of different special populations within Omaha, including but not limited to self-defined communities based on ethnicity, race, gender, age, disabilities, or sexual orientation. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to develop patient advocacy skills during an annual Omaha Service Trip, where members will work closely with multiple local organizations whose aim is to address health barriers for specific communities within Omaha.

One For the World
One For the World educates people about the effective philanthropy and provides individuals with a sample platform to donate to the world's most effective charities, doing the most to help people living in extreme poverty. Together, we can prevent the death and suffering of the world's most vulnerable people. OFTW works hard in order to make sure our portfolio features the most impactful charities in the world. We work closely with GiveWell, a top-ranked charity evaluator to determine our charity portfolio. Even though many of the nonprofits work across numerous countries and regions, their frontline work is rooted in local, on-the-ground operations. Our charities and their evaluators go to great lengths to ensure that treatments and interventions are as beneficial as possible to the communities they serve and are delivered in close partnership with local Governments, NGOs and communities. 

Pregnancy Success Support Group 
The Pregnancy Success Support Program aims to aid pregnant persons through their stay at UNMC by providing labor support and engaging pregnant people who are inpatient or under bedrest.

Recruit, Encourage, & Advance Careers in Healthcare (REACH) 
REACH is an interprofessional community volunteer and engagement organization that provides a pool of volunteers and speakers for local schools to recruit, encourage, and advance careers in healthcare and promote programs for which UNMC provides training.

Reproductive Health Advocates (RHA)
Reproductive Health Advocates is an organization made up of UNMC students who are directly involved with reproductive healthcare. This can include those from PA, nursing, pharmacy, medical, and allied health colleges. Our group holds educational events about reproductive healthcare regulations and laws at a state and national level. We also work to write letters and give testimony for the Nebraska Unicameral to provide non-biased medically accurate information to lawmakers deciding the future of reproductive healthcare in our state. In addition, we host clinical educational events where physicians instruct students with skills such as IUD insertion and D&C. Our organization is open for all viewpoints and encourages anyone interested to attend meetings and informational sessions. 

Riflery at UNMC
We are a group of students promoting the sport of riflery. We welcome students from all UNMC colleges to join us at the range meetings for stress relief, wellness, community building, and to safely introduce interested shooters to the sport. 

Self Defense Through Martial Arts
The purposes of this organization are to enrich the UNMC community in the following ways: 

1. Promote fitness through Martial Arts by: 
   1. Teaching exercises that will increase strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance 
   2. Providing a competitive outlet for those who so desire 
2. Teach the art of Self-Defense through 
   1. De-escalation training 
   2. How to effectively retreat/avoid confrontational situations 
   3. Awareness of surroundings
   4. Maneuvers and submissions to protect yourself and others 

Student Alliance for Global Health (SAGH)
The Student Alliance for Global Health (SAGH) is a multi-disciplinary organization focused on service and international healthcare. Our organization features speakers on global health, engages in philanthropic initiatives, and hosts international medical service trips. SAGH hosts an interprofessional medical mission trip to Falmouth, Jamaica annually during spring break. 

Student Alliance for People of All Abilities (SAPAA)
SAPAA is a multidisciplinary, interprofessional student interest group devoted to outreach and education about working with individuals of all motor, emotional, and cognitive abilities. Partnering with MMI, members will engage in activities and projects all geared towards improving the lives of others and to learn ways of providing more targeted care.

Student Association for Rural Health (SARH)
The Student Association for Rural Health (SARH) is an intercollegiate student interest group open to all UNMC students who are interested in rural health and connecting to communities they wish to serve while preparing themselves to become leaders in health care. Students gain knowledge and experience that will help them lead rural communities to better health through service learning, mentorship, and educational opportunities. SARH members meet monthly for both presentations from regional experts on rural health topics and for hands-on experiential activities.

Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS)
SPOTS is dedicated to teaching teens and pre-teens about sun safety and skin cancer prevention. 

UNMC Culinary Interest Group
The purpose of this organization is to:

1. Enhance the wellness of students at UNMC by means of fellowship in the culinary arts.
2. Broaden cultural awareness through exposure to differences in dietary habits and cuisine.
3. Engage in philanthropic endeavors involving food insecurity.
4. Improve general nutritional literacy for the benefit of both health professionals themselves and their future patients.

UNMC Disc Golf Club
UNMC DGC is a student-run organization that aims to provide a safe and affordable extra-curricular activity that will provide an outlet to professional students at UNMC. This club looks to advance disc golf skills through dedicated practices/competitions. 

UNMC Healthy Earth Alliance
UNMC Healthy Earth Alliance’s mission is to lead the university and the surrounding metropolitan area of Omaha in environmental education and sustainability, through community projects, engaging educational programs, and extraordinary leadership. 

UNMC Racquet Club
UNMC Racquet Club provides professional students opportunities for teamwork building, networking, and unrivaled competition in racquet sports without the demands of a dedicated league or collegiate level competition.

UNMC Running Club
To encourage running by UNMC students as a means of stress relief, wellness advocacy, and facilitating healthy means of exercise through weekly run club meetings.

UNMC Student Delegates
UNMC Student Delegates is a grassroots advocacy program comprised of a network of people who are interested in receiving state and federal legislative updates, and who are willing to advocate on issues of importance to UNMC and the University of Nebraska. We hold educational events about different legislative topics in the fall, and advocate on behalf of student-selected legislation in the Nebraska Unicameral in the spring.

UNMC Student Interprofessional Society (SiS)
The aims of the UNMC Student Interprofessional Society are to promote the development of UNMC students as successful interprofessional team members, provide input regarding the existing IPE curriculum at UNMC and formulate new ideas for IPE integration within the current educational framework of this institution. As a group, we hope to promote the development of UNMC students as successful interprofessional team members.

UNMC Student Pride Alliance (SPA)
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Student Pride Alliance is a campus-wide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and Ally (LGBTQIA+) education and support group. SPA fosters acceptance of students, faculty and staff to create a more diverse and accepting environment. In addition, the alliance advocates patient care issues and health disparities that disproportionately affect the LGBTQIA+ community. The group meets regularly throughout the year, and meetings are open to all students, faculty, and staff.

UNMC Student Senate
The UNMC Student Senate exists for the purpose of influencing University policy and promoting the interests of all students attending UNMC. As the official representative of the student body, the Senate consists of senators from each educational unit of UNMC. Class presidents or vice-presidents automatically serve as senate representatives upon election. At-large senators are elected each year in November by their fellow students in Allied Health Professions, Graduate Studies, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. The president of the UNMC Student Senate serves as a non-voting member of the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.