Volume 35, Issue 2

Advocating for mental health maintenance is a top priority for Sigma Chi Eta. However, this topic carries a cumbersome quantity of nuance. Amongst the various debates of how one can and should properly care for their mental health there lies a common denominator. That common denominator is community. Complete social isolation is never a productive act when attempting to escape from a negative mindset. Although the student body is currently distanced; opportunities to connect are still present. Jefferson State offers several extracurricular activities. Albeit, finding these resources can be a bit intimidating. So, in this article, each of the extracurricular activities currently available at Jefferson State will be highlighted and broken down into a simple who, what, when, where and why.

Ambassadors

Who (Can Join):

Ambassador applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours for the Fall and Spring semesters. Potential Ambassadors may be enrolled part-time during the Summer semesters but must complete at least 24 credit hours for the Fall and Spring semesters combined.

What (It Is):

The Jefferson State Student Ambassador Organization is a group of individuals that serve as official hosts and hostesses for Jefferson State.

When (Can one Apply):

March 1,2021

All interested students must complete an Ambassador application, submit a current photo, current transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation (from a teacher, counselor, club or student group sponsor, principal etc.), along with a resume.

All new and current Ambassadors must re-apply and complete the interview process each Spring semester for the following academic year.

Application can be accessed at “Ambassadors - Jefferson State Community College”

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Activities take place on all three campuses. So, if traveling to each campus is problematic for you and your current circumstances, this may not be the best organization for you.

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
Resume Credentials
Networking

Contact for Organization:
Jacob Call
Fitzgerald Student Center 305
260 Carson Road
Birmingham, AL 35125
(205)-856-6097
jcall@jeffersonstate.edu

Art & Animation Guild

Who (Can Join):

Membership is open to all students

What (It Is):

A guild promotes campus and community awareness of the social value, impact, and importance of art

When (Can one Apply):

Year-round open enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Shelby Campus

Why (Join):

Opportunity to engulf yourself in the local art scene
Creative Outlet

Contact for Organization:
Camilla Avery
(205) 856-7837
cavery@jeffersonstate.edu

Association of Radiologic Technology Students

Who (Can Join):

Admission is open to all Radiology Technology Students

What (It Is):

An organization with a purpose to recognize and promote leadership among students, and to promote the high standards of the profession.

When (Can one Apply):

Year-Round Open Enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Shelby Campus

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
Resume Credentials
Networking

Contact for Organization:

Christie Bolton
(205) 983-5218
cbolton@jeffersonstate.edu

College Scholars Team                                                                                  

Who (Can Join):

Open to All Students

What (It Is):

This class travels to competitions that test student groups from various colleges on randomized scholarly trivia.

When (Can one Apply):

Enroll in Scholars Bowl as a class when classes are available/ Hum 298A

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Class occurs at the Jefferson Campus.
Competitions will occur at various colleges around the state.

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity

(If you are a full-time student you will receive a semester-by-semester scholarship for up to two academic years (six semesters) that includes tuition and fees.)

Contact for Organization:
Lucy Lewis
(205) 856-6046
llewis@jeffersonstate.edu

Sigma Chi Eta

Who (Can Join):

To join, you must receive an invitation from Sigma Chi Eta chapter at your college.

What (It Is):

Sigma Chi Eta (SCH) is the official community college honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA). Since 2000, SCH has fostered growth in the Communication discipline among two-year colleges and universities.

When (Can one Apply):

Not Applicable

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Shelby Campus

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
Looks Excellent on Academic Resume
Gain Writing Experience

Contact for Organization:
Zeta Chapter President: Daniel Davis,
ddavis74@jeffersonstate.edu

VP of Communications: Aimee Pierce,
apierce3@jeffersonstate.edu

VP of Service: MJ Dailey,
mdailey4@jeffersonstate.edu

Faculty Sponsor:Connie Caskey,
ccaskey@jeffersonstate.edu

Cross Country Team

Who (Can Join):

Open to all students

What (It Is):

Official Long Distance Running Team for Jefferson State

When (Can one Apply):

Year-Round Open Enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Lakeshore Trail
Levite Jewish Community Center
Mountain Brook High School

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
(Each team will provide 10 student-athlete scholarships to cover tuition and fees.)

Contact for Organization:
Gerald Johnson
Men’s & Women’s Cross-Country Coach
(205) 567-4343
resoluterunning.com
coachgerald@resoluterunning.com

Men’s Golf Team

Who (Can Join):

All Jefferson State student male golfers

What (It Is):

Competitive golf team at the state and national level

When (Can one Apply):

Golfers are accepted in the fall and spring terms

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Applications of interest are found on our website under Sports Application for Male’s Golf

Why (Join):

Opportunity to build athleticism and community

Contact for Organization:
Mike Bracken
mensgolf@jeffersonstate.edu

Women’s Golf Team

Who (Can Join):

All Jefferson State student female golfers

What (It Is):

Competitive golf team at the state and national level

When (Can one Apply):

Golfers are accepted in the fall and spring terms

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Applications of interest are found on our website under Sports Application for Women's Golf

Why (Join):

Opportunity to build athleticism and community

Contact for Organization:
Wendy Shuffett
Head Coach
(205) 983-5202 Office
wshuffett@jeffersonstate.edu

Intramural Sports

Who (Can Join):

Open to All Students

What (It Is):

The program, which is not based on skill,offers athletic competition in flag football, basketball, table tennis, volleyball and other sports.

When (Can one Apply):

Year-Round Open Enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Organization takes place at each Jefferson State campus

Why (Join):

Opportunity to build athleticism and community

Contact for Organization:

Shelby-Hoover Campus
Tyrece Mickens
tmicken6@jeffersonstate.edu

St. Clair- Pell City Campus
John-Michael Norris
jnorri25@jeffersonstate.edu

Chilton-Clanton Campus
Corey Short
cshort4@jeffersonstate.edu

Jefferson Campus
Sheridan Miller
smille66@jeffersonstate.edu

Jefferson State Singers

Who (Can Join):

Auditions are open to all Jefferson State students who enroll as a full-time student at Jefferson State Community College, have/maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA, meet attendance requirements at rehearsals and performances and that can either read music or take the class MUS 110 (where this skill is taught).

What (It Is):

Choral Group

When (Can one Apply):

Year-round open enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Fitzgerald SC

Why (Join):

Opportunity to build vocal ability without any financial commitment

Contact for Organization:
Michael Thomas
Jefferson Campus
George Layton Building 012
(205) 856-7900
mthomas4@jeffersonstate.edu

Who (Can Join):

Applicants must rank in the upper 20% of students pursuing business degrees. Additionally, applicants must have completed a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit, of which a minimum of six are in business subjects toward the degree program.
Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

What (It Is):

The purpose is to recognize scholarship and accomplishment among business students pursuing associate degrees.

When (Can one Apply):

Not Applicable, access is by invitation only

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Activities and Meetings take place on all campuses

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunities
Resume Credentials

Contact for Organization:
William Blanton
Business/Economics Instructor
(205) 856- 6026
bblanton@jeffersonstate.edu

Multicultural Students Association

Who (Can Join):

Open to All Students

What (It Is):

Organization that promotes the appreciation of cultural diversity and inclusivity.

When (Can one Apply):

Year-Round Open Enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):
Via Zoom until further notice

Why (Join)

Social Exposure
Scholarship Opportunity

Contact for Organization:
Stacye Thompson
Coordinator of International Student Services
sthompson@jeffersonstate.edu
(205) 856-7920
(205)-856-8091

Veterinary Technician Associations

Who (Can Join):

Membership is open to all veterinary technology students.

What (It Is):

The purpose of the organization is to represent and promote the profession of veterinary technology.

When (Can one Apply):

Year-Round Open Enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Events do not take place at a specific Jefferson State campus but could take place at various Animal clinics and shelters throughout the state.

Why (Join):

Resume Credit

Contact for Organization:
Michelle Campbell
(205) 856-8551
mcampbell@jeffersonstate.edu

Phi Theta Kappa

Who (Can Join):

The local chapter determines eligibility, and requirements can vary by chapter.

What (It Is):

Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is two-fold: To recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programming.

When (Can one Apply):

Not Applicable, access is by invitation only

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Shelby and Jefferson Campus

Why (Join):

Great Volunteer Opportunities and Potential Scholarship Opportunity

Contact for Organization:
Jefferson Campus & St. Clair-Pell City Campus
Matt Boehm
mboehm@jeffersonstate.edu
(205) 529-4443

David McRae
dmcrae@jeffersonstate.edu
(205) 812-2717

Pi Pi Office
Jefferson Campus
Bethune Deramus Hall 119
(205) 856-7703
ptkpipi@jeffersonstate.edu

Shelby-Hoover/Chilton-Clanton Campus
Liesl Harris
HSB 229
(205) 983-5956
lwharris@jeffersonstate.edu

Queer Straight Alliance

Who (Can Join):

Open to all students.

What (It Is):

The Queer Straight Alliance was founded in 2014 in response to an acute need for a safe space on campus where LGBTQ+ students could be themselves.

When (Can one Apply):

Year-Round open enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Activities and Meetings take place on all campuses

Why (Join):

Great Opportunity to meet like minds and support members of the Jefferson State student body.

Contact for Organization:
Dusty Kuehner
ashleykuehner@yahoo.com

Alex Fague
afague53@gmail.com

Matt Boehm
mboehm@jeffersonstate.edu
(205) 983-5200

Sigma Kappa Delta

Who (Can Join):

Admission is by invitation only

What (It Is):

The National English Honor Society for two-year colleges. The purpose of this organization is to reward and encourage outstanding student achievement in English language and literature. SKD provides opportunities for advancing the study of language and literature, developing writing skills, meeting scholars and writers, attending conferences, submitting work for publication, and winning scholarships and awards.

When (Can one Apply):

Not Applicable

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Activities and Meeting take place on all campuses.

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
Looks Excellent on Academic Resume

Contact for Organization:

Katie Boyer
Jefferson
(205) 856-6085
kboyer@jeffersonstate.edu

Dianna Hyde
(205) 983-5959
dhyde@jeffersonstate.edu

Sigma Phi Sigma

Who (Can Join):

Membership to XI Chapter (Jefferson State) is open to all students majoring in Funeral Service Education and accepted into the program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 after the completion of two terms with emphasis on becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

What (It Is):

A national funeral service organization that seeks to promote scholarship, unity and professionalism among its members.

When (Can one Apply):

Year-Round Open Enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Jefferson State Campus

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
Leadership Skills
Networking
Resume Building
Opportunity to help others through service projects

Contact for Organization:
Jzyk Ennis
(205) 856-7852
jennis@jeffersonstate.edu

Speech & Debate Team

Who (Can Join):

All students may audition for access into the organization

What (It Is):

An organization dedicated to the development of live performance debate skills in the Jefferson State student body.

When (Can one Apply):

April,2021

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

The Speech & Debate Team meets every Monday night (and most Wednesdays) on the Shelby Campus in the General Studies Building at 5 pm.  Meeting room numbers can vary from semester to semester, so contact Dr. Ralya for more information.

The Jefferson State Community College Speech and Debate Team travels to colleges and universities throughout the country and competes in IPDA (International Public Debate Association) debate.  We also compete in Individual Events such as impromptu and extemporaneous speaking and perform for on-campus events.

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
Great Opportunity to gain confidence and improve oratory skills

Contact for Organization:
Dr. Janice Ralya
jralya@jeffersonstate.edu

Spotlight Drama Club

Who (Can Join):

All students may audition for access into the organization.

What (It Is):

The Spotlight Drama Club seeks to provide interested students with opportunities for hands-on education and participation in theater.

Each year, Spotlight produces a minimum of three full-length plays of high literary and entertainment value.

When (Can one Apply):

Year-Round Open Enrollment

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

The Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA) in Pell City

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
Access in Alpha Psi Omega
Access into Delta Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society

Contact for Organization:
Shelby-Hoover Campus
Kevin Townes
(205) 983-5207
ktownes@jeffersonstate.edu

St. Clair-Pell City and Jefferson Campuses
Lesley Warren
ggray2@jeffersonstate.edu

Student Government Association

Who (Can Join):

Open to all students

What (It Is):

The Student Government Association is the voice of the student body at Jefferson State Community College and works as the hands that organize student body events such as relief projects, dances and holiday celebrations.

When (Can one Apply):

To join the organization the student must run in an election and get voted into the organization by the student body.
SGA Executive Council elections are held each spring. Student Senate elections are held each fall.

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Activities take place on all Jefferson State Campuses.

Why (Join):

Scholarship Opportunity
Opportunity to become heavily involved in student body events.

Contact for Organization:
For more information, please contact the SGA at sga@jeffersonstate.edu

Student Nurse Association

Who (Can Join):

Open to all nursing and pre-nursing students enrolled at Jefferson State

What (It Is):

Jefferson State Student Nurse Association (JSSNA) is the local chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association and provides an opportunity to practice leadership skills and to participate in activities, which promote high standards in health care and the nursing profession

When (Can one Apply):

For full membership including the right to vote and hold an office go to  “Membership” and follow the links for Membership Services,

Join/Renew/Update Online.

Where (Activities and Meetings Take Place):

Active on all Jefferson State Campuses

Why (Join):

Low annual membership cost is only $35 which includes Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS) and National Student Nurse Association (NSNA) membership

Scholarship program
“Imprint” – NSNA professional magazine for student nurses; the only magazine published by student nurses for student nurses
Discounts – NCLEX-RN review resources, FREE professional portfolio, school and office supplies, hotel/motel, uniforms & accessories, health insurance, etc.

Contact for Organization:
Cynthia Hill
(205) 856-6013
chill24@jeffersonstate.edu