Clubs and Organizations
A university degree is complemented by extracurricular activities. Cumberland University subscribes to the philosophy that involvement in campus clubs and organizations leads to a well-rounded student who exhibits skills and other traits desired by employers. Campus clubs and organizations offer opportunities to participate in service projects to practice leadership skills, accomplish goals, make friends, share social occasions, and learn to communicate within a peer group whose members have similar interests. Faculty and staff members may lend their expertise to campus organizations by serving as sponsors and advisors. Information on current campus organizations and how to begin new campus organizations is available from the Director of Student Life. All organizations must have a completed online file in the Student Life Office before being recognized as an organization at Cumberland University. Organizations desiring University approval must complete an Approved Organization Form at the beginning of the Fall semester. Approved Organization Forms may be obtained from the online student life platform. Other basic requirements for approved university organizations include a minimum number of members, a minimum number of community service projects and campus sponsored events to be fulfilled per semester.
Membership in a student organization is a privilege. Some organizations are university-based while others are affiliated with local, state, regional, or national organizations. While the University may regulate on-campus conduct of these organizations, governance of clubs or organizations may be relative to by-laws and regulations of the entity that sponsors/promotes the organization. The University reserves the right to deny any organization on campus which it believes contradicts its mission or has a mission to promote activities which are unlawful or poses a threat to the safety of the University community.
All active members of recognized organizations and clubs are eligible to serve as organizational leaders, officers, or representatives and to participate in University functions. Each student organization has the right to establish membership criteria above that of the University. All organizational events held on campus must have the prior online approval of the Director of Student Life. Organizational Event Forms (OEF) are available from the Office of Student Life. An event may only proceed after the OEF form has been approved through the online system. All event forms must be submitted two weeks before the event date. Any event held without an approved OEF may result in disciplinary action by the Office of Student Life.
The Abelian Group is a student chapter of the Mathematical Association of America. For more information about joining this group, contact Laurie Dishman at 547-1278.
Cumberland University is the site of Tennessee Lambda Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society for qualified juniors and seniors. Qualifications include: at least 60 credit hours earned, at least 30 credit hours earned at Cumberland University, and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50.
In 1988, Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society for freshmen was chartered at Cumberland University. Qualified students must earn membership during the freshman year with a grade point average of 3.50 or better during one or both semesters of the first year.
The Lambda Omicron Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi women’s fraternity was installed on campus in the fall of 1999. Alpha Omicron Pi is involved in several University and community service projects. All full-time female students are encouraged to attend all Recruitment Week activities.
Alpha Phi Sigma is the National Scholastic Honor Society that recognizes and promotes high scholarship among students in the area of Criminal Justice. The CU chapter was installed in spring 2000.
The National Honorary Dramatic Society, its purposes are to stimulate interest in college and university theatre. Installed at Cumberland University on April 15, 1997.
The Delta Mu Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau was installed on campus in 1998. After a four year hiatus, Alphs Sigma Tau returned to Cumberland University in the Summer of 2015. Alpha Sigma Tau is involved in several University and community service projects. All full-time female students are encouraged to attend any recruitment activity sponsored by the organization.
The Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, welcomes all Cumberland students as members. The BCM meets weekly at a time determined by the students each fall. The BCM sponsors Bible studies and fellowships as well as the opportunity to participate in state and regional meetings with other BCM students on other campuses.
Tri-Beta is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study. The Cumberland chapter was installed in October of 2003.
The Criminal Justice Club was organized for students in the field of Criminal Justice and related majors to discuss similar topics, host activities, and bring in speakers in the areas related to Criminal Justice.
The Cumberland University Athletic Training Student Association is an organization for students who are majoring in Athletic Training. This organization was established in 2005. The purpose is to promote unity among its members, provide networking opportunities, to organize and participate in community service events, to organize fund-raising events to assist its members in attending educational events, and to provide additional educational opportunities for its members in the field of Athletic Training.
The Cumberland University Band program consists of the Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble. The bands participate in campus concerts and perform at the University athletic games. One of the highlights of the Jazz Ensemble is the annual Jazz Fest held in March.
These two groups need talented men and women who enjoy expressing themselves musically. The Chorale and University Singers perform periodically at various University events.
An interest group established in the spring of 2012 for students who have a great interest in historical events and knowledge. The group focuses on raising awareness about historical events by hosting events on campus and taking trips in the surrounding area to enjoy historical monuments.
Delta Mu Delta is a National Honor Society for students who are pursuing a bachelor or masters degree in Business Administration. Undergraduate students in the top 20% of their respective junior or senior classes, who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better, are invited into membership. Graduate students enrolled in the MBA program are also eligible if they completed at least half of the degree requirements, reside in the top 20% of their class and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better.
Established in the Spring 2012 semester as a unique group whose focus is to have like minds meet and discuss the art of what entertains us. An interest in this related field is the only requirement for membership in the organization.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is open to all students, both varsity athletes and non-athletes. FCA organizes bible studies and fellowship activities throughout the year.
Freshman Outreach Committed to Uniting Students (FOCUS) is a student organization designed to assist incoming freshman with their integration into the Cumberland University community. FOCUS Ambassadors work with the Office of Admissions, represent Cumberland University to prospective students and their families, give campus tours to prospective students/families, serve as ambassadors at admissions related events, and work in the admissions office three hours per week.
The Gamma Beta Phi Society is an honor and service organization for students in colleges and universities in the United States. It is a non-secret, non-profit, and co-educational organization that requires prerequisite and continuing academic excellence and community service from members invited from freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and Graduate Students.
Gamma Sigma Alpha is a National Greek Academic Honor Society. It was founded to promote intellectual interaction between Greek students and the academic community. Students are eligible for membership based on grade point average and active membership in a Greek fraternity or sorority recognized by the University. The Eta Beta chapter was installed in February 2004.
Council made up of the Presidents and/or Delegates from all Greek Fraternities and Sororities at Cumberland University. Council meets on a monthly basis throughout the year to stay informed and plan events such as Greek Week.
Cumberland University sponsors varsity athletic teams for men in soccer, football, basketball, baseball, golf, cheerleading, wrestling and tennis. For women, varsity teams compete in soccer, golf, volleyball, basketball, tennis, cheerleading and softball. Junior varsity teams include football, baseball and men’s and women’s basketball. Cumberland holds membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the Mid-South Conference, and the TranSouth Athletic Conference.
Established in the fall of 1995, the organization is open to all international students in order to broaden their awareness of Cumberland University and the United States.
The Intramural Program falls under the Office of Student Life and is open to all students. All leagues and tournaments intend to further enhance a student’s social, physical, and personal development outside of the classroom. Intramural sports include flag football, dodge ball, basketball, volleyball, softball and other recreational events such as hiking, climbing, paintball, laser tag, etc.
Kappa Delta Pi is an educational honor society established in 1994 school year. This organization is designed to recognize and reward high achievement in the area of Education.
The Theta Prime Chapter of Kappa Sigma International Fraternity was originally chartered in 1887 and was re-established in 1991 as a colony. On April 9, 1993, the colony became Theta Prime Chapter. Kappa Sigma is involved in several University and community service projects. All full-time male students are encouraged to attend all Rush Week activities.
This group is comprised of each President from each student organization and meets once or twice every semester. Topics covered include semester calendar, policies and procedures, and current university issues. In the event that the President cannot attend, the Vice-President or other officer from that organization may take his or her place.
The Cumberland University chapter of the National Association for Music Education provides an opportunity for its student members to become acquainted with the privileges and responsibilities of the music education profession. Additionally, the chapter allows members to network with other music educators in Tennessee through participation in programs, demonstrations, discussions, and workshops.
The Phi Delta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi was established in the late 1990's. Omega continues to flourish, largely because of founders - Love, Cooper, Coleman, and Just. They were men of the very highest ideals and intellect. The Founders selected and attracted men of similar ideals and characteristics. All full-time male students who are entering their third semester of college are encouraged to attend an interest meeting to learn more.
Omicron Delta Kappa is a National Scholarship/Leadership Fraternity. Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes campus leadership accomplishments, academic achievements, community involvement, and personal integrity.
Peer Mentors work with the Office of Residence Life, work at the Cumberland University Experience, serve as a link to campus resources for Cumberland Freshmen and assist the Director of Residence Life & Greek Affairs in helping deliver a smooth transition from high school to Cumberland University for new freshmen. Peer Mentors serve as mentors to Cumberland University freshmen while they facilitate and participate in one section of the Foundations of Scholarship & Learning (FSL) freshmen class. Peer Mentors must hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 and are selected on the basis of personal integrity, campus leadership, school spirit, and ability to work with other students.
A national History Honor Society which established a chapter at CU in the Spring of 2012. A vital interest in history is a basic requirement for membership with each student demonstrating high achievement in history courses and academic work in general. Each student must have completed at least 12 hours of history courses with an average GPA of at least 3.1 in those courses and an overall academic GPA of at least a 3.0.
Outside the classroom experience is important in all areas, including business. Phi Beta Lambda, the business fraternity at Cumberland University, gives Business majors the opportunity to experience this growth by providing interaction with other Business students, surrounding companies, and business leaders. Phi Beta Lambda recognizes and promotes achievement in all fields of business.
In Spring 2015, five undergraduate men started a chapter of Phi Beta Sigma at Cumberland University. Phi Beta Sigma seeks to strengthen and serve proactively the brotherhood, as a supportive resource that positively impacts the Fraternity's growth as well as reaffirm and maintain a strong commitment to brotherhood, scholarship, and service. All full-time male students who are entering their second semester of college are encouraged to attend an interest meeting to learn more.
Students interested in performing in plays or attending theatrical productions are encouraged to contact the Speech and Theatre instructors for tryout dates and other information.
Pi Gamma Mu is a National Social Science Honor Society established at Cumberland University in the fall semester of 1994. This organization strives to promote and recognize high achievement in the area of Social Science.
The Pre-Professional Society of Medical and Health Sciences are for those students involved and interested in Medical and Health Sciences.
Formed in 2011, the Pride Alliance seeks to provide a safe environment for those students who do not identify with a hetero-normative society. The organization, which is open to all students for membership, celebrates diversity while seeking to educate and raise awareness to eradicate homophobia on campus. Pride Alliance works to accomplish its purpose through hosting activities such as a Day of Silence, Campus Pride, and Take Back the Night.
Psi Chi is the National Scholastic Honor Society that recognizes student’s achievement in the area of Psychology. The CU chapter was installed in spring 2000. Psychology students may also be a member of Psycurious which is not based on a required grade point average.
Psy Curious is an interest group where students can learn about and discuss topics related to psychology, such as personality, behavior, thought processes, and more.
SHAPE (Students Helping Achieve Physical Fitness and Exercise) Association is open to any student at Cumberland University no matter what your major if you have a strong interest in working with special needs individuals, children of all ages, and enjoy all aspects of physical fitness.
One of the largest Greek-letter secret and social men’s fraternities in North America with 244 active chapters in the United States and Canada and more than 300,000 initiates. "The purpose of the fraternity is to cultivate and maintain the high ideals of friendship, justice, and learning upon which Sigma Chi was founded.”
Sigma Theta Tau is Cumberland University's National Nursing Honor Society. This organization recognizes high achievement in Nursing. For more information on qualifications for Sigma Theta Tau you may contact The Rudy School of Nursing & Health Professions.
Sigma Tau Delta is Cumberland University's National English Honor Society. This organization recognizes high achievement in English. It also strives to promote an interest in English and literature at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional level.
The purpose of this organization is to be the governing body of Cumberland University in matters involving students of Cumberland University, to establish a close relationship between the students and the administration, to promote a spirit of community, to exchange constructive ideas, to discuss school problems, to promote and aid in student activities, and to be the students’ voice of Cumberland University.
One of the growing areas on the Cumberland University’s campus is the Nursing Division. The Student Nurses Association provides unity for students in this area. All Nursing majors meeting the organizational requirements are encouraged to join. Interested persons should contact the Nursing Department at 547- 1215.
All Education majors are encouraged to become involved in the Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA). Members participate in both local and state activities, receive journals and other education-related materials, and sponsor activities related to Education.
The Cumberland Chronicle is the student newspaper that is published by students and distributed periodically throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.
The Phoenix was the University's yearbook and has been the most permanent and complete historical record of the people, events, and environment of Cumberland University in a given year. In an effort to be more current Cumberland University no longer publishes a book, however, photos and information is shared in various areas online. Students are invited and encouraged to participate on The Phoenix staff in it's new format.
TISL is a group of four delegates who represent Cumberland University by serving on the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature by attending an annual state delegate assembly and other functions.
WFMQ is the campus radio station. Students have the opportunity to gain on-the-air experience as radio personalities and expertise in radio station operations.