Graduate student organizations
Graduate student organizations
Counseling
- Mu Chi Alpha, a chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) – Advised by Maya Georgieva: The mission of CSI, an international honor society, is to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership, advocacy, and excellence in counseling, and to recognize high attainment in the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling.
- Graduate Counseling Students of Color Affinity Group – Advised by Sarah Brant-Rajahn and Tracey Duncan: The mission of this affinity group is to foster an informal, safe space where students of colors are able to build community, speak about their experiences authentically, receive support and navigate challenges.
Higher Education Leadership
- Chi Sigma Alpha – Advised by Dottie Weigel: The mission of Chi Sigma Alpha, an international honors society comprised of graduate students, alumni, faculty, and higher education professionals, is to promote and recognize excellence in academics, research, and service to the profession of higher education.
Eligible students are in one of the degree pathways within the Graduate Program in Higher Education Leadership and have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.7 or higher. Students must apply and write a statement about how they will pursue excellence in academics, research, and service to the profession of higher education in order to be considered for membership.
Occupational Therapy
- Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) – Advised by Leanne Rutt: The mission of SOTA is to advocate for the value of occupational therapy and the professional growth of students through service to our program and communities.
- Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) – Advised by Jim Foster: The mission of COTAD is to empower occupational therapy leaders to engage in practices that increase justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression for a transformative occupational therapy profession. The vision of COTAD is to work towards a future in which occupational therapy is accessible, inclusive and effective for all. COTAD is a national organization and celebrated its ten- year anniversary in 2023.
Physical Therapy
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Organization (DPTSO) – Advised by Amy Humphrey: The mission of DPTSO is to foster professional relationships among its members and to develop leadership skills applicable to the healthcare field. Using a faith-based approach, students will have the opportunities to network with established clinicians and develop competency as future physical therapists.
- PT awareness: spread awareness of what Physical Therapy is and how we care for our patients; be involved in APTA and local PPTA.
- Mentorship: provide a program to assists students who may be academically struggling, appoint designated students who feel confident in specific topics; create mentorship programs establishing professional relationships between prospective PT students and current PT students
- Interprofessional collaboration: host interprofessional events with fellow Messiah University Graduate programs to build awareness of each respective field and promote professional collaboration; establish networking opportunities outside of Messiah University with current healthcare professionals
- Community outreach: create service opportunities for students to participate in community service outreach programs, clothes drives, food distribution, pro-bono clinics, etc.
- Professional growth: create opportunities for students to professionally grow as physical therapists and as future healthcare providers.
- White coards for ceremony: white coats are worn at the white coat ceremony in early March.