Interdisciplinary Student Organizations
Computer Club
The Computer Club exists to promote a better understanding of computers for members of the WMU community. This goal is achieved through projects, member presentations, Linux Install Parties, and discussions at our meetings. We welcome anyone regardless of computer experience.
Do you need help getting your computer to function properly?
Are you interested in installing Linux?
Do you just want a place to hang out and have a good time?
If the answer to any of those questions is 'yes' then you should come check us out. We welcome anyone (regardless of computer experience) who is willing to share whatever talents they have, listen to others, and have a good time.
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robert Trenary | Student President: Greg Ferell |
| Email: robert.trenary@wmich.edu | Email: ccpresident@yakko.cs.wmich.edu |
| Phone: 276-3127 |
Engineers Without Boarders
Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is a non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities worldwide in order to improve their quality of life. This partnership involves the implementation of sustainable engineering projects, while involving and training internationally responsible engineers and engineering students. The purpose of EWB-WMU shall reflect and support the values and mission of EWB-USA.
The activities of EWB-USA range from the construction of sustainable systems that developing communities can own and operate without external assistance, to empowering such communities by enhancing local, technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial skills. These projects are initiated by, and completed with, contributions from the host community working with our project teams.
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tom Joyce | Student President: Perry Lyford-Stojic |
| Email: thomas.joyce@wmich.edu | Email: ewb.wmu@gmail.com |
| Phone: 269-276-3515 | Phone: 269-491-0979 |
National Society of Black Engineers
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) strives to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
NSBE is the largest student ran organization in the world.
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Edmund Tsang | Student President: Alexander Plair |
| Email: edmund.tsang@wmich.edu | Email: nsbe.wmu.president@gmail.com |
| Phone: 269-276-3249 |
The International Association for the Exchange of
Students for Technical Experience
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE, pronounced
I-ess-tay,) is a global organization, with chapters in more than 80 countries, that connects students in technical and scientific schools with internship opportunities all across the world. IAESTE's mission is to operate a high quality practical training exchange program between members in order to enhance technical and professional development and to promote international understanding and goodwill amongst students, academic institutions, employers and the wider community.
Western Michigan University's chapter of IAESTE is just over a year old, but is working closely with the Haenicke Institute of Global Studies, and has already successfully hosted an intern from South Korea. All members of the WMU chapter of IAESTE have the opportunity to work abroad in their field of study, and are invited to attend regional, national, and even global conferences hosted by IAESTE.
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Betsy Aller | Student President: Danielle Boyd |
| Email: betsy.aller@wmich.edu | Email: danielle.l.boyd@wmich.edu |
| Phone: 269-276-3354 | Phone: 810-938-3498 |
Society of Automotive Engineers
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) provides opportunities for students interested in automotive engineering to network with members in the industry while attending lectures and various social events with students of similar interests. There are two branches of SAE at WMU: the Formula Racing Team and the Baja Team.
The Formula Racing Team advances the education of future engineers by designing and building a vehicle to compete in the annual Formula SAE competition. The mission of the Formula Racing Team is to build the best vehicle possible using acquired engineering and real world skills while having a good time. Many skills used to build the formula vehicle are not taught in the class, but gained through trial and error along with plenty of practice. Because of the vast range of skills students learn while being a team member, the project produces very well-rounded engineers with an appreciable understanding of how to apply engineering principles to every day challenges.
The Baja Team is a new branch of SAE. The Baja Team is working on creating an organized group structure so they can compete in the 2010 National Baja SAE events. The team is beginning to design a brand new car and is seeking funding. They will begin construction as soon as they have a solid design and necessary materials. Any and all students are welcome to participate.
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Claudia Fajardo | Student President: Chris Hartman |
| Email: claudia.fajardo@wmich.edu | Email: wmu.sae@wmich.edu |
| Phone: 269-276-3434 | Phone: 517-204-1676 |
Society of Women Engineers
The goal of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is to create a welcoming environment for female engineers. It offers networking, volunteer, and social activities for female engineers at WMU. SWE is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. It empowers women to succeed and advance in those aspirations and be recognized for their life-changing contributions and achievements as engineers and leaders.
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Margaret Joyce | Student President: Courtney Heath |
| Email: margaret.joyce@wmich.edu | Email: swe.wmu@gmail.com |
| Phone: 269-276-3514 | Phone: 847-687-3681 |
Sunseeker Solar Car Team
The Sunseeker Solar Car Team is open to students from all academic disciplines to design and build a solar powered vehicle that utilizes state of the art technology to make the most efficient use of the available solar energy. Students have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to a hands-on project utilizing teamwork to achieve a common goal. The culmination of the project is the biennial, cross-country, international, intercollegiate North American Solar Challenge. A 2500 mile test of the efficiency, safety and durability of the student built solar powered vehicle. WMU has participated in all nine American challenges and is one of only four universities to have done so.
The Sunseeker Solar Car Team also promotes the use of renewable alternative energy and the advancement of related technologies by educating the public through the presentation and demonstration of a solar powered vehicle at schools, museums, energy fairs, car shows, parades and other special events.
| Faculty Advisor: Mr. Abraham Poot | Student President: Nicholas Killoran |
| Email: abraham.poot@wmich.edu | Email: nicholas.k.killoran@wmich.edu |
| Phone: 269-276-3372 | Phone: 586-713-8561 |
Tau Beta Pi
(Engineering Honor Society)
Tau Beta Pi is the most widely recognized engineering honor society that includes members from all engineering disciplines. Membership is by invitation only and is based on demonstrated engineering excellence and personal integrity. Tau Beta Pi is more than just an honor society. Service to the community and engineering profession are hallmarks of the organization.
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Damon Miller | Student President: Krisana Gutierrez |
| Email: damon.miller@wmich.edu | Email: tau_beta_pi_wmu@yahoo.com |
| Phone: 269-276-3158 | Phone: 810-614-1872 |
Theta Tau
(Professional Co-Ed Engineering Fraternity)
Theta Tau strives to develop and maintain a high standard of professional interest among its members, and to unite them in a strong bond of fraternal fellowship. Theta Tau is the largest and oldest professional fraternity in the field of engineering. It follows carefully a program in the selection and development of its members that stresses the importance of high professional ethics and exemplary practices. Within each chapter, the Fraternity stimulates professional activity and social compatibility; provides a framework for group participation in campus, community, engineering, and fraternity affairs; and promotes lasting friendships - a lifetime of brotherhood in an engineering environment. The Fraternity presents awards for outstanding personal and chapter achievements.
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dennis VandenBrink | Student President: Danielle Larson-Jaramillo |
| Email: dennis.vandenbrink@wmich.edu | Email: thetatau.wmu@gmail.com |
| Phone: 269-276-3440 | Phone: 248-701-7458 |