Get Involved
Whether you're just starting college or a seasoned professional returning for graduate studies, the School of Education has opportunities for you to grow professionally, network with community partners, and connect with other students who share your same passions.
From honor societies to social organizations, there are numerous opportunities to connect with faculty and other students outside of class. Browse the School of Education organizations listed below or visit UAB’s student organizations page to discover what groups best fit your interests and career aspirations.
It's easy to take the first step - it only takes a minute to email a faculty advisor or register for an upcoming event. Make the most of your time here at the School of Education and get involved!
Student Ambassadors
The School of Education Student Ambassadors (SOESA) assist with recruitment and retention initiatives within the School of Education at UAB. Student ambassadors are required to assist with recruitment events such as UAB Day, Scholarship Reception, and Transfer Day. Students also help with student engagement events, such as Homecoming, Welcome Week, and the Student Award Ceremony. Students interested in becoming a SOESA member must have a 3.0 GPA, be a full-time SOE student, and have already completed at least one semester at UAB before applying. If you have any questions,
Chi Sigma Iota (Zeta Chapter)
Chi Sigma Iota is an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling. The honor society promotes a strong professional identity through members (professional counselors, counselor educators, and students) who contribute to the realization of a healthy society by fostering wellness and human dignity.
Faculty Advisor: Dayna Watson
Eta Sigma Gamma (Beta Chi Chapter)
Beta Chi is the UAB Chapter of Eta Signma Gamma. The mission of the honorary is promotion of the discipline by elevating the standards, ideals, competence and ethics of professionally prepared men and women in Health Education. Visit www.etasigmagamma.org for more information about the organization.
Faculty Advisor: Larrell Wilkinson
FLAME
The purpose of FLAME (Future Leaders in Athletics, Management and Education) is to provide an opportunity for UAB students majoring in Physical Education Teacher Certification to serve in a professional club in order to make a unique contribution to the educational process through programs, projects and activities. Students will be given opportunities to develop leadership and cooperation skills, at the local, state, district and national levels of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance. Professional and community service opportunities will also be available.
Faculty Advisor: Sandra K. Sims, Ph.D
Graduate Society for Educational Diversity (GSED)
The mission of the Graduate Society for Educational Diversity is to promote scholarly discourse on topics of education, diversity, and outreach through engagement in advocacy, activism, service, and professional development. GSED provides an excellent opportunity for developing leadership experiences, new initiatives, networks, peer support, mentoring, and skills to enrich students’ professional and personal lives while raising the profile of educational causes they care about. Membership is open to graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA in any program/major within the School of Education including Master’s, Educational Specialist, or Doctorate degree.
Faculty Advisor: Andrew McKnight, Ph.D.
Kappa Delta Epsilon (Beta Iota Chapter)
Kappa Delta Epsilon (KDE) is an honorary education fraternity that recognizes outstanding students in the School of Education. Beta Iota is UAB's chapter of KDE.
Faculty Advisor: Malysa Chandler
Kinesiology Student Association (KSA)
The Kinesiology Student Association (KSA) provides educational opportunities and career guidance to students interested in, but not limited to, exercise physiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine and related fields. Opportunities for professional development are available through monthly guest speakers, career coaches and civic engagement.
Faculty Advisor: Eric Plaisance
Student Alabama Education Association (SAEA)
The Student Alabama Education Association (SAEA) is a division of the Alabama Education Association (AEA), and in whole a division of the National Education Association (NEA). SAEA is composed of college education majors: teachers, counselors, principals, and other school faculty. Two annual conferences are conducted each year for the members of SAEA. These conferences are designed to help prepare students for their future classrooms. Each conference allows students to participate in educational workshops while also allowing students to network with other future educators. At the annual state conference the student members will be able to vote for the SAEA state officers, attend workshops, and complete a community service project for a school local to the conference area.
World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP)
The World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to the advancement and/or dissemination of informational relating to all aspects of child advocacy and well-being.
Faculty Advisor: Grace Jepkemboi
Higher Education Student Association (HESA)
The Higher Education Studen Association is a student organization for those interested in a career in higher education. HESA welcomes all graduate and undergraduate students to join and help them in their mission to create an environment that promotes professional development, networking, social engagement, and mentorship for aspiring and current higher education professionals.
Faculty Advisor: Mary Ann Bodine Al-Sharif
Department of Human Studies Honors Program
High-achieving students in the Exercise Bioenergetics, Exercise Science, Sports Physiology and Performance, and Physical Education concentrations have the opportunity to participate in Honors courses and collaborate with faculty mentors.