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.

2024-2025 SGA Officers

• President - Alex Anderson
• Vice President - Vacant
• Secretary - Sahtra Green
• Treasurer - Vacant
• Inclusive Excellence Officer - Cody Knudson
• State Student Advisory Committee (SSAC) Representative – Isaac Winchester
• Senators
  • Speaker of the Senate - TBA
  • Sturm Collaboration Campus Senator - Vacant
  • Littleton Campus Senators
    • Ripley Cusinato
    • Tom McCarthy
    • There are 4 vacant senator positions

Meeting Minutes

SGA meets weekly during the fall and spring semesters on Tuesdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Student Life Office (M2850, Littleton). 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 2025-2026 election will be available in February 2025.
• 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 2024-2025 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:
Rachel Newlon - rachel [dot] newlon [at] arapahoe [dot] edu
Gracen Jinks - gracen [dot] jinks [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)

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.  

Meetings: Fridays from 8am - 12pm in room M3010. 

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

Littleton Campus - Alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays – contact Adam Ruff adam [dot] ruff [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (adam[dot]ruff[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) for more information.

• February 4 from 2:30 - 4:30pm in M4010
• February 18 from 2:30 - 4:30pm in M4010
• March 4 from 2:30 - 4:30pm in M4010
• April 15 from 2:30 - 4:30pm in M4010
• April 29 from 2:30 - 4:30pm in M4010
• May 6 from 2:30 - 4:30pm in M4010

Sturm Collaboration Campus - 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays 3:30 – 5:00pm – contact Bill Berech william [dot] berech [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (william[dot]berech[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) for more information.

The Carpenter Bee Club is focused on the marrying of art, science, and engineering, through the utilization of a woodshop and digital fabrication space (The Hive). The CBC is dedicated to providing an accessible, welcoming, and safe environment to anyone with a desire to learn, create and network. We meet on Fridays 10:00am - 12:00pm at The Hive, AD2115. Come see what the buzz is about!

Any questions or concerns reach out to Fitz Lewis at fitz [dot] lewis [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (fitz[dot]lewis[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: Jonah Skurky - jonah [dot] skurky-thomas [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!

Meetings: February 5 at 3-4pm and then bi-weekly. Email Jomil Ebro for location.

Advisor: Jomil Ebro - jomil [dot] ebro [at] arapahoe [dot] edu

We are a social club that prioritizes inclusion. Through engaging activities like dance, sports and video games, we create an inviting space for individuals to connect, celebrate diversity, and uplift one another in an inclusive and supportive community. You can participate in any of our activities.

•  "Level-Up" gaming club session on Tuesdays from 12:30 - 2:00pm.

•  Sportans will meet on Thursdays from 2:30 - 4:00pm

Advisor: Jennifer Woegens - jennifer [dot] woegens [at] arapahoe [dot] edu

The Interior Design Club dives deeper into the design world! You'll explore a variety of design topics, connect with industry professionals, bond with fellow students, and gain valuable opportunities for both professional and personal growth.

We meet monthly on Wednesdays—reach out to the Advisor for specific dates and times.

Advisor: Becca Terpstra, becca [dot] terpstra [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (becca[dot]terpstra[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)

The Jewelry Club, a student organization at Arapahoe Community College (ACC), associate us to further the knowledge and welfare of its members in the following ways

• To educate members on tools and jewelry making techniques not provided in general classrooms instruction through workshops and visiting artists
• To provide a learning experience for members in marketing and sales techniques
• To expose and interact with the Professional Jewelry Metal Arts Community
• To provide members with a common social activity

Meetings vary, coordinated with Jewelry Class times, the 3rd week of the month. Many of our events require knowledge / experience with jewelry metalworking, but observing is always an option, and some events are open to all. 

Reach out to the advisor Amy Bailey at amy [dot] bailey [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (amy[dot]bailey[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) for more information.  

The Journalism Club is the home of ACC's student run news publication. Be a content creator. No experience is necessary. Reach out to the advisor for club meeting times and dates. Check out arapahoenews.com

Advisor: Jamey Trotter - jamey [dot] trotter [at] arapahoe [dot] 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 pompfen.

Meetings: Saturdays at Butterfield Crossing Park in Castle Rock from 1:30 - 4:30pm.

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.

For more information please contact Advisor: Alexis Gaines at alexis [dot] gaines [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (alexis[dot]gaines[at]arapahoe[dot]edu).  

Welcome to Puma Parents Club! This club wants to support and inspire students through their academic journey at ACC so they can be the best students and parents possible. In this club we will provide support to one another and arrange meetings with our children to stay connected while at ACC.

If you are interested in joining contact advisors Ivanna Hillis and Mary Cullen at ivana [dot] hillis [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (ivana[dot]hillis[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) or mary [dot] cullen [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (mary[dot]cullen[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 Anna Super at anna [dot] super [at] arapahoe [dot] edu.

We look forward to having you!  

Meetings: Tuesdays from 1:30 - 2:15pm in the Student Life Office (M2850).

SkillsUSA is a nationally recognized organization serving collegiate and high school students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled trade and service occupations. The SkillsUSA institution is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

The ACC SkillsUSA Chapter consists of active ACC students currently, or eventually, participating in a SkillsUSA competition.

Participating ACC students have the opportunity to represent our college at a regional and state scale, and winners at the state competition go on to represent both ACC and Colorado on the national level.”

For more information about meeting dates and locations reach out to the Advisor: Eddie Miller at eddie [dot] miller [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (eddie[dot]miller[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) or Jake Tipsword at jake [dot] tipsword [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (jake[dot]tipsword[at]arapahoe[dot]edu) for specific dates and times.

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

Meetings:

• January 24 from 12-1pm in M3640
• February 7 from 12-1pm in M3640
• February 21 from 12-1pm in M3640
• March 7 from 12-1pm in M3640
• April 4 from 12-1pm in M3640
• April 18 from 12-1pm in M3640
• May 2 from 12-1pm in M3640

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