Clubs and Organizations

The purpose of ACC’s Student Government Association (SGA) is to:

• Represent ACC students in matters concerning student interests and welfare as well as student-generated activity fees.
• Promote cooperation and understanding between the administration, faculty, staff, community, and ACC students.
• Encourage ACC students to participate in collegiate activities and exert influence in the decision-making process.
• Promote students’ rights and provide a means of organized expression in college affairs, activities, and policies.
• Provide a forum for educational experiences outside the classroom atmosphere.

2023-2024 SGA Officers

• President - Alexa Fitzpatrick
• Vice President - Samari Jelks
• Secretary - Nicole Choromanski
• Treasurer - Vacant
• Inclusive Excellence Officer - Elise Edwards
• State Student Advisory Committee (SSAC) Representative – Janelle Schwarting
• Senators
  • Speaker of the Senate - TBD
  • Sturm Collaboration Campus Senator - Vacant
  • Littleton Campus Senators
    • Zach Garcia
    • Nick Payne
    • Noah Grenoble
    • There are 2 vacant senator positions

Meeting Minutes

SGA meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters. Meetings are currently held on Tuesdays from 12:00 - 1:00pm. Any student may attend. Minutes for these meetings will be available within two weeks of each meeting. Contact SGA’s Advisor, Dan Balski, for more information: dan [dot] balski [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (dan[dot]balski[at]arapahoe[dot]edu).

SGA Positions and Responsibilities

• The President of SGA is the students' voice to campus administration. The President communicates with individuals and groups to ensure that the needs of our students are heard. The President also coordinates and presides over all SGA meetings.
• The Vice President performs the duties of the President in the President's absence. The Vice President assists the President in managing the operations of the organization and is responsible for SGA outreach events and programs.
• The Treasurer is responsible for SGA financial matters and keeps an accurate account of all funds received and spent. The Treasurer serves as a custodian of all financial records and funds for SGA.
• The Secretary serves as the recorder for SGA meetings and is responsible for the production and distribution of meeting minutes. The Secretary assists with coordinating logistics for SGA events.
• The Inclusive Excellence Officer coordinates SGA initiatives to promote a welcoming college climate and advocate for equity in student experiences. The Inclusive Excellence Officer serves as the SGA student liaison to student affinity groups, ACC’s Inclusive Excellence Council, and ACC’s Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer.
• The SSAC Representative is the voice of ACC students to the State Student Advisory Council (SSAC) for the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). The SSAC Representative travels to monthly meetings with SSAC Representatives from around Colorado. This student must have completed 9 credit hours at ACC or any CCCS college prior to their term in office.
• SGA’s Senators (7 positions) assist in representing and advocating for the student voice, supporting outreach efforts of SGA, establishing goals for student success, and advancing projects for SGA through individual efforts and committee participation.
  • One Senator position will be reserved for a student whose home campus is the Sturm Collaboration Campus at Castle Rock. These Senators will be able to remotely participate in SGA meetings.

Why should I become involved with SGA?

Involvement in SGA is a great way to develop leadership skills, enhance your resume, and have a positive impact at ACC! As a member, you will have opportunities to gain beneficial experience by participating in retreats, serving on college committees, planning campus events, and advocating to the administration on behalf of your fellow students. Along with a multitude of benefits of this leadership role, SGA members receive compensation for their service.

How do I become an elected member of ACC’s SGA?

• An election process is held annually in April, with the student body selecting winners. SGA applications for the 2024-2025 election will be available during the Spring 2024 semester.
• After this election, any vacant positions may be filled by candidates interviewed and voted upon by the current SGA. Applications for any vacancies for the 2023-2024 academic year are available online.
• Upon election, students must successfully complete a background check and all necessary paperwork with the Human Resources Office. A student cannot begin serving as a member of SGA until this is completed.

What are the responsibilities after I am elected?

• Represent and advocate for the ACC student voice, create and implement outreach efforts, establish goals for student success, and advance projects for SGA through individual efforts and committee participation.
• Be available for weekly SGA meetings and dedicate adequate time for office hours, trainings, outreach events, etc.
• You must be enrolled in six (6) credit hours at ACC during the fall and spring semesters. The SSAC Representative must have completed nine (9) credit hours prior to running for office.
• You must have a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.5 and be a student in good judicial standing.

Advisors:
Dan Balski – dan [dot] balski [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (dan[dot]balski[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)
LaMario Fortson - lamario [dot] fortson [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (lamario[dot]fortson[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) at Arapahoe Community College is an honors society with a mission to “Build Leaders to Make a Better World.” The NSLS is the largest leadership honor society in the United States. Our NSLS chapter at ACC was started in 2017. Our local chapter is part of the national organization with 700+ chapters and over 1.4 million members. 

In pursuit of this mission, membership provides students with opportunities to connect with other student leaders, pursue helpful goals, and develop their leadership skills, which can help them succeed in their personal life and professional career. The Greek letters of our society, Sigma Alpha Pi, represent the success, action, and purpose of our membership.

Eligibility 

Students are invited to our chapter on the basis of achieving a minimum GPA of 2.5, along with the completion of a minimum of 3 credit hours.

How do I join?

Once invited, students are asked to pay a one-time, lifetime fee of $95 to join. This fee helps support local chapter events and the needs of the national office, which allows the society to provide fantastic resources to members such as scholarship opportunities and more. Invitations are sent within the first month of the Fall and Spring semesters.

Membership Benefits

As of 2021, we have 1,692 members who have access to:

• A step-by-step program to build their leadership skills
• More than $400,000 in scholarships
• An exclusive NSLS job board
• A personalized letter of recommendation

The NSLS leadership program teaches the interpersonal skills that employers seek to give you an edge in the job market. Hear directly from current members as they share how their experience has changed their life.

If you become a member, some of the other benefits are:

• Learning from exceptional leaders like former President Barack Obama during exclusive Speaker Broadcasts
• Meeting new friends and making lifelong connections (on-campus and virtually)
• Overcoming challenges with success coaches shortcutting your way to success
• Gaining access to private networking events

Becoming an Inducted Member of NSLS

Our 5-step program takes approximately 12 hours over the course of the semester at your own pace. The 5 steps are Orientation, Leadership Training Day, Speaker Broadcasts, Success Networking Teams, and Induction. Learn more about the NSLS Membership Experience.

More information

Visit the NSLS website to learn more or contact one of our Advisors.

Advisors:
Dan Balski - dan [dot] balski [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (dan[dot]balski[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) 
Jess Horning - jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (jessica[dot]horning[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)
Vicki Aycock - vicki [dot] aycock [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (vicki[dot]aycock[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the International Honor Society for 2-year Colleges

The mission of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize the academic achievement of college students and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. PTK makes this happen for millions of college students through the hallmarks of Scholarship, Fellowship, Leadership, and Service.

Phi Theta Kappa was established in 1918 to recognize and encourage scholarship among Associate degree students. The ACC Sigma Phi chapter was chartered in 1968. We have inducted over 3300 members and have maintained a 5-star status for over 15 years.

You may be eligible if you:

• have a 3.5 or higher GPA at Arapahoe Community College
• have declared a degree or certificate program
• have completed 12 credit hours or more in a degree program, or 6 credits or more in a certificate program at ACC

How do I join?

Once invited, students are asked to pay a one-time, lifetime fee of $100 to join. Invitations are sent within the first month of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Membership Benefits

• Membership is an honor and a privilege reserved for high-achieving students
• Once accepted, you become a lifetime member of Phi Theta Kappa
• Phi Theta Kappa membership qualifies you for exclusive scholarships
• As an honor student, Phi Theta Kappa gives you the opportunity to work with other high-achieving students on projects that make a difference in the community and the world at large
• Take your involvement further and become an officer with PTK. Check out the PTK Bylaws for information about the officer positions. 

More information

• Visit www.ptk.org for information about the Phi Theta Kappa International Society

Advisors:
Patricia Anderson - patricia [dot] anderson [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (patricia[dot]anderson[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)
Josephine Thibodeau - josephine [dot] thibodeau [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (josephine[dot]thibodeau[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

The SALUTE National Honor Society for Veterans at Arapahoe Community College is an honors society that recognizes the outstanding scholastic achievements of our student veterans and active military. SALUTE is the first national academic honor society established for these students in 2-year and 4-year institutions of higher education.

Membership in SALUTE signifies honorable service, academic excellence, and a commitment to high principles and superior achievement throughout your lifetime. Service, Academics, Leadership, Unity, Tribute, and Excellence are the foundation blocks of our honor society and the foundation of our members’ success.

Eligibility 

Students are invited to our chapter on the basis of achieving a minimum GPA of 3.0, along with the completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours in a degree program. Once invited, members must submit a DD-214 Certificate of Release (Member – 4), discharge from Active Duty, or a copy of military orders.

How Do I Join?

Once invited, students are asked to complete a registration form and pay a one-time, lifetime fee of $35 to join. Invitations are sent within the first half of the Fall and Spring semesters.

Members who have a higher GPA will be eligible to register at a higher tier of membership for an additional $10.00. Tiers of membership include:

• Alpha Tier GPA: 3.75 - 4.00
• Bravo Tier GPA: 3.50 - 3.74
• Charlie Tier GPA: 3.25 - 3.49
• Delta Tier GPA: 3.00 - 3.24

Students in higher tiers have the option to apply for additional SALUTE Scholarships as part of their membership benefits.

Membership Benefits

• Members receive a certificate and military-style challenge coin commemorating membership in SALUTE, which recognizes your specific level of academic achievement
• There will be opportunities to network with and build camaraderie among fellow members
• You can purchase graduation regalia to wear at ACC’s Commencement to demonstrate your academic achievements as a student veteran
• You will be invited to participate in local and national SALUTE programs
• Members can apply for SALUTE National Scholarships; read more online

More Information

Visit the SALUTE website to learn more or contact our Chapter Coordinator.

Chapter Coordinator:

Dan Balski - dan [dot] balski [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (dan[dot]balski[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

AIQA is a place for queer / LGBTQ+ students at ACC to find community and support. If you are interested in joining, contact student [dot] life [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (student[dot]life[at]arapahoe[dot]edu). We look forward to having you!  

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nationally recognized non-profit organization chartered by congress for chemists around the globe. The ACC chapter of the ACS is involved in undergraduate chemistry research projects as well as local area STEM outreach activities.  

Advisor: Jacob Johnson - jacob [dot] johnson [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (jacob[dot]johnson[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

The Arapahoe Pinnacle is ACC's student run news publication. Be a content creator. No experience is necessary. The club meets every other Monday from 10 - 11am in the Library on the Littleton Campus. Check out arapahoenews.com

Advisors: Andrea Mason, andrea [dot] mason [at] arapahoe [dot] edu

Some of your most cherished childhood memories may have been playing board games as a child. The Board Game Club promotes all forms of non-electronic gaming once a week. Enjoy playing board games and card games, camaraderie with fellow students, and having a good time. We have many of the newest board games, and if you own a game you’d like to play, bring it with you. Here, we don’t take the competition too seriously, be a humble winner and a gracious loser, and just have fun.

Meets Thursdays at 3:30 - 5:30pm in M4080 (Littleton Campus).

Advisor: Adam Ruff - adam [dot] ruff [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (adam[dot]ruff[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

We promote individuality through the clay medium and promote general interest and stimulate a desire for excellence in clay work.

Advisor: Katie Caron - katie [dot] caron [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (katie[dot]caron[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

The Creative Writing Club is a club for all, regardless of skill level, who have a passion for the written word. Once a week we will come together to form connection through our shared fascination of stories and seek to improve our craft through group writing challenges, feedback workshops, and discussion. Come write with us!

Advisor: Jamey Trotter - jamey [dot] trotter [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (jamey[dot]trotter[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

We are a social club that prioritizes inclusion. Through engaging activities like dance, art, and video games, we create an inviting space for individuals to connect, celebrate diversity, and uplift one another in an inclusive and supportive community. Participate in any of our three activities to join; Puma on the Beat, Follow Your Art, and Level Up!

Advisor: Anesha Correa - anesha [dot] correa [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (anesha[dot]correa[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

Interior Design Club is a club for lovers of interior design of course!  You will learn more about design, meet industry professionals, connect with your peers and have opportunities to grow professionally and interpersonally.  

First Meeting August 28 at 12:00pm in the Lounge Area of the Art & Design Center 5000 Building 

Advisor: Rebecca Terpstra: rebecca.terpstra@ arapahoe.edu

The Jugger Club is a great place to have some fun while getting exercise, learning a new sport, and forging new friendships. Jugger is a 5v5 sport where one person attempts to get the ball (or "skull") to the opposing team's goal while the rest of the team defends them using foam pompfin.

Advisor: Jackson Culpepper - jackson [dot] culpepper [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (jackson[dot]culpepper[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

We provide a social and professional group for students interested in physical therapy, rehabilitation, and health and wellness.

Advisor: Alexis Gaines - alexis [dot] gaines [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (alexis[dot]gaines[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

We are a set of teams that design experiments. Funded by NASA.

Advisor: Jennifer Jones - jennifer [dot] jones [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (jennifer[dot]jones[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)