While academic success is obviously essential to any rewarding college experience, it is certainly not the only component in the equation. To many students, in fact, academic success wouldn't be possible without the development of meaningful professional and personal relationships. As a result, there is a thriving sense of community in this department, thanks in no small part to our highly active student organizations. These organizations provide a multitude of professionalization opportunities, in addition to collaborating to host events that unite our undergraduate and graduate student body. These events promotes communication, collaboration and much needed opportunities to have fun and relieve stress.
Benefits
Students are encouraged to be active and participate in events related to their study as a means of implementing their knowledge outside of the classroom. This involvement helps to develop:
- Teamwork
- Community building
- Presentation, leadership and management skills
Our alumni tell us that these practices helped them find work in managerial and leadership positions.
Student organizations
Geology Club WMU Student Chapter of American Institute of Professional Geologists
The Geology Club at Western Michigan University, one of the oldest and most well recognized Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus has been in operation since 1965. The Geology Club at WMU was chartered as a student chapter of American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) in 2015. The Geology Club at WMU was recognized in 2024 with a Golden Bronco Award as the RSO of the Year at WMU and as National AIPG Student Chapter of the Year in 2023 and 2024!
AIPG organizes social and educational events to promote geology as a profession and is the largest association dedicated to promoting geology as a profession. It presently has more than 5,000 members in the U.S. and abroad, organized into 35 regional Sections. AIPG emphasizes competence, integrity and ethics and it is free to become a student member.
Our student organization aims to:
- Stimulate an active interest in geology and earth science through the sharing of new ideas, discussions and presentations.
- Increase an awareness of geoscience through education and outreach.
- Build a sense of belonging, offer mentorship opportunities and network with alumni and professionals in the greater geologic community.
- Foster new experiences in geosciences through geology field trips and numerous community events, such as their famous rock and mineral sales.
Interested in finding our more about the Geology Club at WMU? Please our RSO organization page or send us an email at wmugeologyclub@gmail.com.