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Nursing Student Government Association (NSGA)

Student studying outsideAll undergraduate students at the University of Maryland School of Nursing are members of the NSGA. The purpose of the NSGA is to encourage fellowship among students and to create a sense of unity, cooperation, and understanding between the faculty and students. NSGA is a unique setting wherein students can voice their opinions and have an influence on the School of Nursing. The NSGA seeks to enhance students' experiences by organizing activities and educational opportunities. The NSGA is involved in school curriculum development, faculty/student dialogue, and career-based activities. For more information, contact the president of NSGA, at NSGA@umaryland.edu.

Black Student Nurses Association (BSNA)

The BSNA is dedicated to enriching the lives of all nursing students. All students are invited to join. This organization provides support for minority students enrolled in the School of Nursing and cooperates with representatives of the faculty in developing programs that stimulate multicultural communications. For more information, contact the president of BSNA, at BSNA@umaryland.edu.

Chi Eta Phi Sorority

Chi Eta Phi is the nation's oldest national Greek professional nurses' organization. The School of Nursing's chapter, Gamma Beta Beta, was chartered on May 6, 2000. Chi Eta Phi's overall goal is to serve humanity through community-based programs and projects. For more information, contact Jennifer Wallace, President of Chi Eta Phi, at CEP@umaryland.edu, or visit their website.

Hispanic Association of Nursing Students (HANS)

The Hispanic Association of Nursing Students (HANS) was founded in 2004 by a group of Hispanic/ Latino students. HANS welcomes all students, both undergraduate and graduate, to join the organization.

The main goals for this student organization are to provide students with:

For more information, contact the president of HANS, at HANS@list.umaryland.edu, or visit their website.

Maryland Association of Nursing Students- University Chapter (UMANS)

All student nurses are eligible to join the state organization which provides an opportunity to become involved with a variety of activities. Legal, administrative, local and national issues related to health care delivery, as well as community/volunteer services, are examples of some of the concerns of this organization. For more information, contact the president of UMANS, at UMANS@umaryland.edu, or visit their website.

Honor Societies

Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing, Pi Chapter

Sigma Theta Tau International, founded 1922, is the honor society of nursing. The Pi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau was established by the University of Maryland in 1959. The purposes of Sigma Theta Tau are to recognize superior scholastic achievement, encourage and support research activities, and strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the nursing profession. Scholarships are offered by the Pi Chapter to nursing students each year.

Candidates for membership are selected by Sigma Theta Tau from the undergraduate senior class and the graduate programs, as well as from the nursing community. Undergraduate students must have completed ½ of the nursing curriculum, have at least a GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 grading scale), rank in the upper 35 percentile of the graduating class, and meet the expectation of academic integrity. Graduate students (Master's and Doctorate) must have completed ¼ of the nursing curriculum; have at least a GPA of 3.5 (based on a 4.0 grading scale), and meet the expectation of academic integrity. Selection is also based on leadership qualities, creativity, professional standards, and commitment.

Students selected for membership are invited to join the Society. Bi-annual inductions are held in December and May; there is an induction fee. Yearly dues are required for active, continuing membership. Students who are not eligible for induction during the baccalaureate program may apply for induction as graduate students or as community members. Students selected for membership in Sigma Theta Tau are recognized at the annual Convocation.

Phi Kappa Phi

Phi Kappa Phi is a national honor society which was established at the University of Maryland in 1920. Its objective is to foster and recognize outstanding scholarship, character and social usefulness in students from all areas of instruction. Undergraduate and graduate students must rank in the top 10 percent (or higher depending on local chapter standards) of their class. Students are initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in the spring of each year. Students who completed their programs of study in the summer or fall of the previous year also may be considered for membership. Students selected for membership are recognized at the annual Convocation. For more information, visit their national website.

National Organizations

National Student Nursing Association (NSNA)

The NSNA mission is to organize, represent, and mentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, as well as those enrolled in baccalaureate nursing programs. The NSNA also aims to convey the standards and ethics of the nursing profession and promote development of the skills that students will need as responsible and accountable members of the nursing profession. NSNA advocates for high quality health care and contributes to advances in nursing education as well as advocating for the development of nursing students who are prepared to lead the profession in the future. For more information, visit their national website.

Other National Organizations of Interest