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Student Organizations
There are many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in student chapters of national societies and organizations. This page lists those organizations associated with the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the Unversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
Mechanical Science and Engineering
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Pi Tau Sigma
Pi Tau Sigma is an honorary society for mechanical engineering students, works to foster the high ideals of the engineering profession, promote the professional well being of its members, and encourage the development of leadership skills and civic responsibility. Members participate in scholarship and service programs, MechSE and College of Engineering events and social activities. Among Pi Tau Sigma projects planned for 2008 are Engineering Open House, Relay for Life (cancer awareness) fundraising, and outreach to local high schools to encourage engineering studies. The faculty adviser to the group is Professor Andrew G. Alleyne.
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Society for Experimental Mechanics
The Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) is open to all engineering students who are interested in mechanics. The society focuses on projects related to mechanical principles, with the choice of projects being entirely up to the student members. In the past, these projects have ranged from research on engines to the mechanics of bicycles to the construction of weapons of medieval warfare. The society hosts several social events throughout the year where students and faculty who share an interest in mechanics can get to know each other. The faculty advisor to the group is Professor James W. Phillips.
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American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning (ASHRAE)
ASHREAE is dedicated to improving the quality of life through the advancement of technology related to heating, refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation. The Illinois student chapter works to organize social activities and encourage participation in ASHRAE programs, scholarship applications, design competitions, etc. Membership is open to any student with an interest in the field. The faculty adviser to the group is Professor Anthony M. Jacobi.
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American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME promotes the art, science and practice of mechanical & multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences. The ASME student chapter hosts meetings throughout the semester with representatives of industry leaders such as Caterpillar, Motorola, Arcelor-Mittal and others, develops exhibits for Engineering Open House, and sponsors an annual M. E. for Me Conference to showcase postgraduation industrial opportunities. The faculty adviser to the group is Professor Andreas A. Polycarpou.
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Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
SAE seeks to provide its members with educational, professional and social activities and opportunities related to vehicles of all types. The U of I chapter includes Formula SAE and Mini-Baja teams that design and build vehicles for competition. Through its activities, SAE hopes to foster members' engineering, communication and leadership skills. The faculty adviser to the group is Professor Michael L. Philpott.
Engineering General Interest
- Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders partners with developing communities to improve their quality of life through the implementation of environmentally sustainable, equitable, and economical engineering projects. The University of Illinois student chapter sponsors regular lectures, workshops and field trips related to solar technologies, natural cooling, biodiesel and other topics. In working to advance developing communities, the group promotes the development of globally aware and internationally responsible engineers, students, and professionals.
- National Organization of Business and Engineering (NOBE)
National Organization of Business and Engineering (NOBE) offers students resources for professional development, corporate interaction, and post-undergraduate and current market education. NOBE is a national society uniting business, management and engineering organizations at universities around the country. The group sponsors workshops, informational meetings on topics related to engineering management, entrepreneurship and more, and opportunities to meet with recruiters from industry.
- National Society of Black Engineers
National Society of Black Engineers works to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. The group participates in regional and national conferences and sponsors on-campus activities for members, including resume workshops, registration information sessions and study hours.
- Society for Business and Management in Engineering
The Society for Business and Management in Engineering educates engineering students about careers that go beyond engineering, into the business and management of technology.
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers seeks to bring together Latino students who share the values of heritage, social responsibility and the desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology. The group sponsors academic, professional and social support programs, and participates in national and regional conferences.
- Society of Women Engineers
Society of Women Engineers supports women in achieving their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expands the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrates the value of diversity. The group sponsors meetings with industry representatives, community service projects and outreach activities to inspire young girls to pursue science and engineering.

