Student Organizations | Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry Graduate Student Advisory Committee (DCGSAC)

The Department of Chemistry Graduate Student Advisory Committee (DCGSAC) is an organization composed of peer-elected graduate students. These elected committee members serve as arbitrators for student needs and concerns, as well as social and educational event coordinators.

Student Wellness Coalition

SWC is a collective of chemistry graduate student and post-doc representatives from different graduate student organizations currently including: The Chemistry Department Climate Committee and Diversity Committee, DCGSAC, ETC, GEO, ICA, JST, NOBCChE, OiC, SACNAS, WCC, and YCC.

Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity

Since 1938, the Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity has provided a unique opportunity for students in the chemical sciences at the University of Illinois to develop a professional network and become involved in professional activities. If interested, please email them at zetaalphachisigma@gmail.com.

American Chemical Society UIUC Student Chapter

Since its inception in 1876, the American Chemical Society has provided resources to chemists young and old. We offer professional, educational and social opportunities for our members. Our club activities are geared towards chemistry and chemical engineering majors, but we welcome anyone with an interest in chemistry. If interested, please email them at uiuc.acs@gmail.com.

C² - Chemical Sciences through Community

The goal of the C² program is to foster excellence in chemical sciences at Illinois. Graduate and undergraduate Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students from underrepresented groups (African American, LatinX, and Native American) are encouraged to participate. By partnering with graduate student mentors and engaging in monthly networking and professional development events, C²brings together faculty and students from the School of Chemical Sciences to build a community of scholars in which diversity and excellence thrive.

Monthly professional development workshops and networking events are combined with one-on-one peer mentorship, and student affiliates are also eligible to apply for Summer Research Scholarships sponsored by the 3M Corporation and competitive Travel Awards to present their research at national conferences such as NOBCChE, SACNAS, and ABRCMS.

Chemistry Joint Safety Team (CJST)

Chemistry Joint Safety Team logo The Joint Safety Team is a group of students, post docs, staff, and faculty, working to equip the Department of Chemistry with the education, training, and communication resources to facilitate a cohesive and effective safety culture at UIUC. Please contact CJST (chemsafety@illinois.edu) for more information.

Encouraging Tomorrow's Chemists

Encouraging Tomorrow's Chemists is a graduate student organization that organizes chemistry demonstrations four times a year at Urbana Middle School. Graduate student volunteers plan, prepare and execute demonstrations with the students that explore the nature of matter and the special chemistry of chemiluminescence and polymers.

International Chemists Association (ICA)

The International Chemists Association (ICA) at UIUC supports the well-being of international graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and promotes intercultural conversation by creating a community in which international students can safely discuss the unique challenges they face. The group helps connect international students with resources to address those challenges and strives to help them communicate within the Department of Chemistry community their various learning styles, cultures, values, beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes, which make the department a more vibrant and inspirational place to thrive and to grow. For more details, email us at uiuc_ica@googlegroups.com.

National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)

NOBCChE is a national organization dedicated to the professional development of Black professionals in the areas of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields. Our local section is comprised of both graduate and undergraduate students and is dedicated to fostering a welcoming culture/environment and hosting professional development events. Visit our local chapter's website, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or visit the national website. For more information email us at nobccheuofi@illinois.edu.

Out in Chemistry (OiC)

The mission of the Out in Chem student group is to promote and advocate for the interests of the LGBTQ+ members of the UIUC chemistry department by organizing activities for community development, providing support for students, and showcasing positive role models in the scientific community. All LGBTQ+ and allied graduate students and postdocs are welcome to participate in our public events! Contact OIC at outinchemuiuc@gmail.com for more information or follow them on Twitter.

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Illinois (oSTEM)

OSTEM@Illinois is a student organization at the University of Urbana-Champaign dedicated to the development of LGBTQIA+ students in STEM fields. The national oSTEM organization hosts a multitude of events that work to further LGBTQIA+ students in their educational and professional careers.

Society for the Advancement of Chicanos, Hispanics, and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

SACNAS is a professional organization aimed at encouraging minorities, especially Native Americans and Latinos to pursue graduate studies in science/technology/engineering/mathematics (STEM) sciences. On campus, the group is composed of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty. For more information on the local SACNAS chapter, visit their website, email them, or join on Facebook. There is also a national SACNAS organization.

Women Chemists Committee (WCC)

The Women Chemists Committee (WCC) was founded in the fall of 2005 to promote the development of women in the chemical sciences. With the support of our local ACS chapter and the University of Illinois Chemistry department, we have planned events that include professional and social opportunities that benefit graduate students, faculty, staff, and undergraduates. Please contact WCC if you have any questions or would like to join.

Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) — ACS East Central Illinois Chapter

YCC advocates for and provides resources to students, early-career chemists and professionals in the chemical sciences and related fields. Contact YCC to join or for more information.