Emory & Henry sanctions many organizations and activities for students. The governing/supervisory body to all such groups is the Student Government. Campus groups include performing groups, Greek organizations, honorary societies, and many others. Students interested in any of these groups may contact Calvin Joyner, Director of Student Activities. Guidelines for creating a new organization can be found on page 113.
Any college organization engaged in a money-making project on campus must clear the project with the Vice President of Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging & Dean of Students. College organizations soliciting funds or advertisements from persons and/or businesses off campus may do so only with the written approval of the Vice President of Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging & Dean of Students, in conjunction with the Office of Institutional Advancement.
Please note that activities must benefit the college community in a way that is consistent with the College’s educational mission. In addition, if a fundraiser activity is being conducted to benefit an outside agency, the organization must submit a letter of approval from that agency prior to the activity being approved and scheduled. Request forms should be submitted for approval to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging & Dean of Students Office at least seven working days prior to the desired event.
For more information and forms concerning forming a new organization, planning fundraising events, and planning general events, please contact Emily Richardson at erichardson@ehc.edu
The Emory & Henry Student Government
Students at Emory & Henry have a long history of involvement in the governance of the College. The Student Government is composed of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch is led by the Student Body President. The Executive Branch is charged with administering all of the functions of the Student Government. The President is assisted by a group of cabinet officers charged with administering one of the six principal departments of Student Government. These include the Office on Judicial/Honor Affairs, the Office of the Student Body Treasurer, the Office of the Elections Commissioner, the Office of the Student Government Public Relations, Office of Administrative Affairs, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Student Advocacy, and the Office of Campus Activities. Each of these departments is headed by an officer appointed by the Student Body President.
2022 - 2023 Student Government Leadership
President: Carlee Sullins
Vice President: Ryan Vaughn
Advisor: Frederick George, Dean of Students
The College Senate is composed of 20 members of the College community: 16 students (4 Freshmen, 4 Sophomores, 4 Juniors, and 4 Seniors), 4 commuters, 3 faculty, and 3 administrators. The Senate is responsible for passing all legislation necessary for the operation of the Student Government. The Senate meets once a month. All meetings are open to the public. In addition, Student Government hosts Student Forums each semester to give students an opportunity to share ideas and concerns.
The Student Government administers an annual budget for use by campus groups. This budget funds services provided to the student body by the Student Government, including organizations and interest groups, in addition to all types of special activities and programs.
All students have access to the decision-making process through the election of representatives to the Senate and in the Presidential election, which elects both the Student Body President and Vice President. Students are also represented by Student Government on faculty committees and on the Board of Trustees.
The Student Government Constitution and other important documents can be found elsewhere in this handbook. They are the official statements of the Student Government and, if consulted, will serve to give the student a detailed understanding of Student Government and point out opportunities for involvement. Persons desiring to serve as senators or in other elected offices or wanting consideration for appointed positions should contact the Student Government Office by emailing sgaexecutive@ehc.edu
Student Government Association (SGA)
Students at Emory & Henry have a long and proud history of involvement in the governance of the College. The Student Government is composed of executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch is led by the Student Body President. The Executive Branch is charged with administering all of the functions of the Student Government. The President is assisted by a group of cabinet officers charged with administering one of the six principal departments of Student Government. These include the Office on Judicial/Honor Affairs, the Office of the Student Body Treasurer, the Office of the Elections Commissioner, the Office of the Student Government Public Relations, Office of Administrative Affairs, and the Office of Campus Activities. Each of these departments is headed by an officer appointed by the Student Body President.
Advisors: Frederick George. President: Carlee Sullins. Vice President: Ryan Vaughn
Student College Media
The Sphinx. The College yearbook, published since 1907, is a student-operated media. Issued annually in the spring, the yearbook documents college life during the academic year. A variety of staff positions are open to all students, with interest particularly in page layout, writing, photography, business management, sales, and more.
The Whitetopper. The College newspaper was first published in 1914 as The Weekly Bulletin and is now one of the oldest student-produced newspapers in the South. It is a student media published weekly during the school year.
Interest Groups
Blue & Gold Society: A student group that consists of tour guides who lead prospective student groups around the main campus of Emory & Henry. These "Ambassadors" provide a historical overview of Emory & Henry and explain different buildings, student organizations, academic offerings, etc. They serve the College through being positive and accurate representatives of its students, faculty, staff, and campus community. The Admissions Office entrusts them to build a positive relationship with guests so that each person has a first-class visit to the College. Activities are coordinated by Admissions Guest Coordinator Maureen Buescher.
College Democrats. Promotes interest and involvement in the Democratic party and its candidates in local, state, and national elections. Advisor, Dr. Ed Davis.
E&H Dance Team. The Dance Team (The Golden Stingers) was founded in 2011 by students with a passion for dance who wanted to share that passion with the E&H community. They perform at football and basketball games during halftime and on the sideline. In addition to this, they compete at various competitions throughout the year. Tryouts are held in May each year. All students with a dance background who love to dance and perform are welcome to try out. Previous experience in dance is preferred. Ideal candidates will have experience in Jazz, Hip Hop, and Pom styles. Coach: Ashlee Cole
Emory Climate Collaborative. Leads the college community toward a sustainable human habitat through conservation, fun earth-friendly events, and the promotion of simple living. Students lead trips, bring in speakers and performers, and organize for change. Advisor, Dr. Ed Davis.
Emory Activities Board (EAB). The Emory Activities Board (EAB) brings fun and exciting campus-wide events to the community. From concerts and lyceums to Quidditch and midnight premieres at the Abingdon Cinemall, EAB adds excitement, free of charge, to campus life for everyone. EAB has an open membership, and all students are able to join. Advisor, Emily Richardson.
Healthcare Professions (Pre-Health) Club. Advises students planning careers in the health professions, promotes interest through field trips and speakers, and sponsors visits to graduate programs in health care. Advisor, Beth Funkhouser.
Hermesian Literary Society. Founded on the values are virtue, eloquence, and learning, the Hermesian Literary Society is one of the oldest debate societies on campus. The society’s goals are to promote engaged and intellectual discourse on campus on debate issues facing society today. Must be at least a second-semester freshman with a GPA of 3.4 to join.
Pre-Law Society. Provides programming to enrich students’ pre-professional legal skills and studies. These programs include events, such as law forums, that facilitate discussion between students and legal professionals. The Society hosts guest speakers, sponsors visits to law schools, offers LSAT advice, and assists in securing internships. Advisor, Sarah Fisher.
River’s Way. It provides an opportunity for establishing and maintaining dedicated relationships with youth and young adults with disabilities in this region. Activities include team building programs, activities with student groups/athletics, theatre outings, fitness programs at the Bristol Family YMCA, overnights on campus, adventure programs, and engaging participants in developing workforce soft skills. Advisor, Leah Wilson.
Sports Management Club. The purpose of this organization is to provide students majoring in Human Performance, Sports Management, and/or Teacher Preparation with enhanced educational and professional development opportunities. Members will have opportunities to attend in-service meetings and events outside of the school environment and will also be provided with additional leadership opportunities. Professional development activities will include involving members in professional organizations such as the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and/or North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM).
Strength & Conditioning Club. The Purpose of the Emory & Henry Strength & Conditioning Club is to provide students interested in strength & conditioning and physical fitness the opportunity to seek further education outside of the curriculum provided at Emory & Henry College.
As a member, there will be several opportunities dependent upon one’s desired level of involvement. Club membership utilizes a tier system that includes a general membership, strength & conditioning internship, and certified professional examination preparation.
All members will have the ability to attend student or teacher-lead discussion meetings on campus. Tier II and Tier III allows for involvement in academic opportunities outside campus through sponsored National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) events. After completing an internship with the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, members will be able to attend national or state conferences through the NSCA.
Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society. Provides students interested in the sciences with opportunities to become involved in the scientific community. Sponsors speakers, provides networking opportunities with career chemists (e.g. at local ACS meetings and conferences), performs science-oriented demonstrations, and tours graduate schools, government labs, and local industry.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). SAAC is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight into the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses.
The purpose of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is as follows:
- To streamline and promote efficient communication between the athletic department administration and the student-athlete population.
- To provide the student-athlete population with an opportunity to more effectively communicate with the athletic department administration and provide suggestions on programs designed to serve its needs.
- To actively encourage more involvement of student-athletes in campus and community outreach projects.
- To design and implement programs that will encourage academic achievement, health promotion, social responsibility, and general life skills awareness.
Club Sports
Club Sports are organized by students with similar interests in a given sport or activity. Clubs can be competitive, instructional, performance-based, or recreational in nature. Club sports must first meet the requirements of Campus Recreation and Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in registering as a sports or recreational student organization. Once registered, clubs may request affiliation with Campus Recreation and become a recognized sports club.
Emory and Henry Rugby Football Club
Rugby is one of the fastest-growing club sports in America, with more than 32,000 college players registered with USA Rugby. Since 2016 the Emory & Henry Rugby men’s club has grown and become competitive in the Cardinal Athletic Conference. In 2019 Emory and Henry started a women’s team and are also looking to grow. Players from both teams report two weeks prior to the start of class for camp. When classes start, practice is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with games on Saturdays. The fall season concentrates on 15 vs. 15 and is our conference season. There is also a spring season, in which we play some 15 vs. 15 and attend 7 vs. 7 tournaments. The teams are made up of players who played in high school as well as players with no experience. All players can receive a scholarship to join the team. The team is led by coach Tom (Doc) O’Neill, who is a level 200 USA Rugby Certified Coach and 2018 Cardinal Collegiate Rugby Union coach of the year.
Performing Groups
Opportunities are available in theatre, voice, and instrumental music. In all areas, provisions are made to accommodate students who have had prior experience and training, as well as those individuals who may be venturing into the performing arts for the first time. All areas, except dance, have options for formal academic training and academic credit related to practice and/or performance.
Choral Ensembles. Emory & Henry College offers choral performance opportunities for all students interested in singing. Ensembles include Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. Concert Choir, which is open to all students, typically has 40-50 singers and performs 2-3 concerts per semester, including an annual tour. Concert Choir rehearses on TTh from 3:00-4:20 pm. The Chamber Choir is a highly select ensemble open to all students through audition. The Chamber Choir is comprised of 16-20 singers and performs 3-4 concerts per semester, including an annual tour. Chamber Choir rehearses on MW from 3:30-4:20 p.m. Both choirs participate in an international tour every four years. All choirs are taken for 0.5 credit hours and fulfill the Artistic Expression Mode of Inquiry. For information on auditions, rehearsals, and expectations, please contact Jessica Spafford jrspafford@ehc.edu
Instrumental Ensembles. Brass Quintet, Brass Choir, Trumpet Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band are available to majors and non-majors who have prior experience on an instrument, depending upon interest and numbers. Rehearsals and performances at campus events. 0.5 credit hours per ensemble. Director: Dr. Matt Frederick.
Marching Band. Students with marching band experience, either as musicians or color guard, are welcome to join the marching band. The band rehearses two to three times per week as needed to prepare for the next game. The music consists of popular marching band repertoire. .5 credit hours for Marching Band. Director: Dr. Matt Frederick.
Theatre. The theatre department presents four major theatrical productions plus a number of student-directed showcases every year. Productions offer opportunities for students to gain experience in acting, directing, design, and backstage work. Auditions for all shows are open to all E&H students. Students participating in any of the four major productions are required to enroll for at least one hour of Theatre Practicum (THRE 401-404) after receiving the instructor’s permission. For more information, contact Professor Dr. Kelly Bremner @ kbremner@ehc.edu.
Honorary Groups
Alpha Psi Omega. National Honorary Theatre Society for students interested in the Theatre Arts; membership by invitation to students with an active interest in the theatre arts and are familiar with play production in areas such as directing, acting, management, musical theatre, and/or design and technology. Advisor, Annalee Tull.
Beta Beta Beta. Promotes excellence and research in biology; to be eligible for full (regular) membership, students must be biology majors who have at least: 1) an overall 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA; 2) a 3.0 GPA in their Biology courses and have completed at least three biology courses beyond BIOL 117. For associate membership, students with an interest in the Natural Sciences or Biology majors who do not yet fulfill full membership criteria are eligible. Advisor, George Argyros.
Blue Key Honor Society. Junior and senior students who have been of service to the College through extracurricular and academic achievements; membership by invitation; email for more information. Advisor, Shannon Patterson.
Gamma Theta Upsilon. Geography students exhibiting academic excellence. Promotes interest, research, and leadership in the discipline. Advisor, Dr. Ed Davis.
Pi Delta Phi. French Honor Society. The purpose is to recognize outstanding scholarship in the French language and its literature, to increase the knowledge and appreciation of Americans for the cultural contributions of the French-speaking world, and to stimulate and encourage French and francophone cultural activities.
Pi Sigma Alpha. A national political science honor society founded in 1920 at the University of Texas for upper-level undergraduate students. Advisor, Sarah Fisher.
Psi Chi. An International Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Open to all students who meet the international criteria.
Sigma Delta Pi. Spanish National Honor Society. Honors encourages and fosters excellence in the study of Spanish. Promotes respect for the culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. Advisor, Amanda Romjue.
Sigma Mu. Senior students ranked academically in the upper one-tenth of their class, and junior students ranked in the upper one-fifteenth of their class; membership by invitation.
Spiritual Life
While E&H traces its historical roots to the Methodist tradition, Spiritual Life at E&H seeks to provide spiritual support to students from every denomination and faith tradition. We value relationships with students, faculty, and staff of all faiths. The college years are rich with new experiences, and Spiritual Life offers the following:
a place to deepen and discover new aspects of faith,
a community that shares the highs and lows of life, classes, family, etc….
a welcoming and safe space to ask hard questions and grapple with difficult issues,
friendships that will last a lifetime.
Spiritual Life offers weekly on-campus opportunities for shared meals, worship, and conversation.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is open to athletes and non-athletes alike. Participants gather weekly on Sunday evenings at 8:45 in the King Center. Group members and guest speakers lead devotions, share concerns, and encourage one another “to meet the challenge and adventure of following Christ.” FCA small group Bible studies for men and women are held weekly, as well as an annual spring College Advance Retreat.
9:02 Worship (9:02) is a weekly evening worship experience led by the 9:02 Student Praise Band and featuring a variety of speakers from the student body, faculty, and staff. 9:02 worship on Monday evenings at 9:02 PM in Memorial Chapel Sanctuary. Psalm 9:2 “I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.”
Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF) offers a time for students to share a home-cooked meal, followed by a devotion or Bible study and discussion led by a student or a guest speaker. CCF meets on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the Mason Fellowship Hall in Memorial Chapel.
Young Women’s Bible Study meets weekly on Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. in Memorial Chapel. Homemade dessert is served every week!
Interfaith Student Union (ISU) seeks to inform, educate, and raise awareness of religious diversity through a variety of events and discussions. Any and all religious and spiritual paths are welcome. Weekly meeting times for the upcoming semester are TBA. An Interfaith Room is located in Room 103 in the Memorial Chapel and is open to all for prayer and meditation.
Kerygma is a Greek word meaning “proclaim”. Kerygma is an organization whose purpose is to support college students who are exploring ministerial career paths–pastors, youth pastors, music directors, missionaries, etc…Monthly Kerygma meetings are TBD. Visits by and to theological seminaries are organized by Kerygma.
Sunday Morning Worship--On-campus opportunities include a 9:30 a.m. breakfast and worship service with the congregation of Emory United Methodist Church in Memorial Chapel. The student-led 9:02 Worship Band participates in morning services, along with the church and handbell choirs. We are also glad to assist students with locating off-campus worship opportunities.
Craft Room and Study Spaces--The basement (1st floor) of Memorial Chapel contains rooms that are open to students any time of the morning/day/evening. The Craft room is stocked with art supplies. There are rooms available for individuals or groups to meet and study together. The Interfaith Room is also there if you need moments of peace and quiet.
Spiritual Life Housing is part of the College’s Theme House program. Carter House in The Village is a co-ed residence providing an atmosphere that is focused on the spiritual qualities of community and hospitality.
Retreats/Conferences that are offered annually include FCA College Advance, E&H Fall Spiritual Life Retreat, Passion Conference, and Feet First Young Adult Retreat.
Spiritual Life Summer Internships provide students with the opportunity to spend a summer immersing themselves in the collaborative work of churches serving their communities. Rural and urban placements are available where interns learn about the work that congregations are doing to make an impact on issues such as addiction and homelessness. Students are provided with housing, academic internship credit, and a stipend.
Greek Life
Governed by the Greek Council, the nine fraternities for men and seven sororities for women offer students opportunities for fellowship, service, and social activities. All Greek organizations are local, meaning that they are unique to the Emory & Henry campus. The Director of Student Activities, Calvin Joyner, serves as the official College liaison with the fraternities and sororities. Greek organizations, like all other student organizations, are governed by the College through the Student Government. According to policy established by the Student Government, membership in approved social organizations is open to students, sophomore level and above, who have earned at least 12 credit hours at Emory & Henry, maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.0, and are free of academic or social probation. First-year and transfer students are also eligible for membership after earning 12 credit hours at the College, maintaining a GPA of 2.75, and remaining free of academic or social probation. Individual organizations may establish standards for membership which are higher than these minimums.
Fraternity and sorority members have an opportunity to gain leadership experience by representing their organizations on the Greek Council. Each fraternity and sorority has two representatives on the governing body. From fraternity and sorority representatives, a president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, and a sergeant-at-arms are elected. Council responsibilities include: coordinating rush and induction periods, leadership development, council-wide service projects, and campus events. Greek Council President: Blake Madaris
Emory & Henry Sororities: Alpha Beta Chi (ABX), Delta Omicron Pi (ΔΟΠ), Delta Rho Delta (ΔΡΔ), Kappa Phi Alpha (ΚΦΑ), Pi Sigma Kappa (ΠΣΚ), Sigma Upsilon Nu (ΣϒΝ), and Zeta Phi (ΖΦ).
Emory & Henry Fraternities: Beta Lambda Zeta (ΒΛΖ), C Phi C (CΦC), Dom-I-Necher (DIN), Phi Pi Alpha (ΦΠΑ), Pi Delta Chi (ΠΔΧ), Sigma Alpha Kappa (ΣΑΚ), Sigma Iota (ΣΙ), and Theta Chi Epsilon (ΘΧΕ).