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. The form can be obtained from the Office of Student Life. 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. 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 and/or the Dean of Students.
Abelian Group
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.
AFRO
In this organization we strive to foster a fun and safe environment that engages our students in discussion on issues affecting African Americans and our surrounding communities. We hope to educate our members, then challenge them to take action, whether it being internal or external. We push to display to our community that we will take charge of our future, dismantle the negative stereotypes, build and secure our sense of community, and influence the world.
Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society
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.
Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society for Freshmen
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.
Alpha Omicron Pi
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
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.
Alpha Psi Omega
The National Honorary Dramatic Society, its purposes are to stimulate interest in college and university theatre. Installed at Cumberland University on April 15, 1997.
Alpha Sigma Tau
The Delta Mu Chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau was installed on campus in 1998. After a four year hiatus, Alpha 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.
Baptist Collegiate Ministries
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.
Best Buddies
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Beta Beta Beta
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.
Club Cumberland
Club Cumberland is a campus ministry that seeks to spread the gospel through the study of the Bible and cultivate close fellowship with one another. Our goal is that anyone who attends grows closer to Christ in prayer and scripture.
Creative Expression Club
Housed under the Creative and Imaginative Writing Department, this club offers bimonthly meet-up groups for Creative Wiring Wednesdays, and other creative expression activities including reader's theater and performance, and more held on select Wednesdays throughout the semester in the Black Box Theatre. All those who have an interest in writing are encouraged to attend. Meetings include creative prompts to inspire individuals to write and are intended for all - beginners to advanced!
Criminal Justice Club
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.
CUATSA
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.
CU Black Student Union
The Black Student Union of
Cumberland University promotes student leadership, scholarship,
community service, and a united voice for diverse students.
CU College Democrats
The College Democrats of America is a nationwide organization dedicated to electing Democrats across the country using the power of the student voice. All over America, College Democrats chapters are putting in the work to register students to vote, mobilize activists, and engage in their local and state governments.
CU College Republicans
A group of students who share a similar interest in government and politics. The CU chapter of College Republicans enjoys activities such as serving on local campaign boards, honoring our veterans, and working closely with local Republican elected officials and groups to host debates, town hall meetings, and discuss government topics and ideas.
Cumberland University Band of the Phoenix - Marching/Pep Band
The marching band is open to all qualified students, regardless of major, and scholarships are available by audition. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Band Director.
Cumberland University Concert & Jazz Bands
The Concert Band is an ensemble which performs concert and chamber pieces from various musical periods and genres. The Concert Band is open to all qualified students, regardless of major, and scholarships are available by audition.
The Jazz Ensemble is a select ensemble which performs combo and big band jazz and related musical styles. The Jazz Ensemble is open to any student, regardless of major, with approval from the instructor.
Cumberland University Chorale/University Singers
These two groups need talented men and women who enjoy expressing themselves musically. The Chorale and University Singers perform periodically at various University events.
Cumberland University History Society
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.
Delight Women's Ministry
Delight chapters are communities on college campuses all across the country that invite women to take part in Christ-centered conversations and relationships. Each chapter is run by student leaders who are passionate about Jesus and creating community on their campus. Delight is more than just a bible study. Each community meets weekly to share stories of God at work. They also incorporate worship nights, opportunities to serve and fun get-togethers that help foster relationships. Delight provides the opportunity for hundreds of women to Delight in the Lord together throughout their college journey
Delta Mu Delta
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.
English Club
We select a book each semester, meet weekly, usually with our lunches, and discuss the book over lunch! Anyone with an interest in reading for fun can attend. You do not need to be an English major to participate, just a book lover. Past book selections have included The Power by Naomi Alderman, The Only Woman in the Room by Heather Terrell, and Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
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.
FUTURO
A professional Association for Latino College Students whose mission is to be an inclusive organization that helps students uncover hidden rules to success as they chart their course from college to career. The purpose is to build future business and civic leaders and make a positive impact on students and their futures.
Gamma Beta Phi
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
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.
Greek Council
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.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Cumberland University sponsors varsity athletic teams for men in soccer, football, basketball, baseball, golf, cheerleading, volleyball, cross country, wrestling and tennis. For women, varsity teams compete in soccer, golf, volleyball, basketball, tennis, cheerleading, cross country, 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.
International Student Organization
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.
Intramural Athletics
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 Alpha Psi
In the Spring 2019, seven undergraduate men started a chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at Cumberland University. The fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi, achievement in every field of human endeavor, as envisioned and verbalized by the founding fathers gives this organization its unique and distinguished aspects. All full-time male students who are entering their second semester of college are encouraged to attend an interest meeting to learn more.
Kappa Delta Pi
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.
Kappa Pi Honor Society
Kappa Pi International Art Honor Society promotes artistic excellence at the collegiate level and beyond by maintaining high academic excellence. It is open to any student who has talent for or supports visual art. Kappa Pi has 360 collegiate chapters across the United States and Internationally. The purpose of this group will be to form bodies of representative students who will, by their influence and artistic interests, uphold the highest ideals of a liberal education; to provide a means whereby students with artistic commitment meet from the purpose of informal study and communication; to raise the standards of productive artistic work among the students in the colleges and universities.
Kappa Sigma International Fraternity
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.
Leadership Council
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.
NAfME
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.
Nurses Christian Fellowship
Nurses Christian Fellowship is not only a ministry on a local campus; it is also a professional organization for nursing students, nurses and educators. During the intensive learning process of acquiring a nursing degree, nursing students may be seeking answers to big questions about life, suffering, death, and how to offer hope to patients. Nurses Christian Fellowship helps students navigate these questions and find a foundation for their lives and nursing practice that is centered in the love and truth of Jesus Christ. The first group began in the Spring 2016 at Cumberland University.
Omega Psi Phi
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
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.
Panhellenic Council
The Cumberland University Panhellenic Council is the umbrella organization for the 2 NPC sororities chartered at Cumberland, and is responsible for organizing for 26 international and national women's fraternities and sororities. Each member group is autonomous as a social, Greek-letter society of college women and alumnae. Members are represented on more than 600 college and university campuses in the United States and Canada and in more than 5,300 alumnae associations, making up fore than three million sorority women in the world.
President's Ambassadors
Peer Mentors work with the Office of Admissions, 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.
Phi Alpha Theta
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.
Phi Beta Lambda
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.
Phi Beta Sigma
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.
Phoenix Players
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
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.
Pre-Professional Society of Medical and Health Sciences
The Pre-Professional Society of Medical and Health Sciences are for those students involved and interested in Medical and Health Sciences.
Pride Alliance
Pride Alliance stands for a community of acceptance, unity and friendship through education and enhanced awareness of diversity on Cumberland University's campus, as well as provide a loving environment for those who identify in the LGBTQ spectrum and the individuals who support them.
Psi Chi
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
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.
SFA - Sanctuary for All
Our mission is to create, empower and advocate to better our campus and community. We believe in a fair and just campus for all students despite sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, culture, race, financial status or any other differences. Our goals and objectives are to create a unified campus that supports and advocates for each other, working towards creating our campus a sanctuary campus.
SHAPE
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.
Sigma Chi
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
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
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.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The purpose of this organization is to be the governing body in matters involving students of Cumberland University. The SGA strives 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.
Student Nurses Association
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.
Student Programming Board
Student Programming Board is a group who want to be involved with campus programming and planning throughout the year. The group works closely with Student Life and Residence Life offices to assist with planning for special events all year such as Homecoming, concerts, Awareness Weeks, and athletic promotions.
Student Tennessee Education Association
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.
Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL)
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.
United Methodist Student Movement
The Wesley Fellowship at Cumberland University is affiliated with the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church, and we are an open and inclusive community who welcomes all no matter their background, identity, or journey of faith. The Wesley meets every Wednesday for devotionals and fellowship. We offer students missional opportunities within the Tennessee community, around the country, and across the United States borders. We also value relationships with local churches and other Wesley organizations in the United States.
Zeta Phi Beta
Zeta Phi Beta came to Cumberland University's campus in the Spring of 2018 as a colony under the Williamson County Almunae Chapter. The purpose of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is to foster ideas of service, charity, scholarship, civil and cultural endeavors, sisterhood and finer womanhood. All full-time female students who are entering their second semester of college are encouraged to attend an interest meeting to learn more.