SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE ORGANIZATIONS
School of Architecture Student Government
The student government organization of the School is formed by the election of a representative from each design studio section. These representatives, in turn, elect a Student Year Coordinator for each studio level in architecture and a Student Program Coordinator representing all landscape architecture levels. These nine coordinators form a Student Executive Committee and serve as a nominating body for a student president who is popularly elected.
American Institute of Architecture Students
The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is a national organization whose purpose is "to organize architecture students and combine their efforts to advance the science and art of architecture, to promote excellence in architectural education, training and practice, and to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines among all persons." AIAS stands with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to make up the five collateral organizations within the profession.
The AIAS Chapter at the University of Arkansas functions as a service and a social organization, organizing and participating in both on-campus activities, such as Architecture Week, and off-campus activities, such as Forum, the national architecture student convention held each year during the Thanksgiving season. The organization also promotes and helps provide a good transition into professional life by interacting with AIA professionals. All students in the School's architecture program are eligible for membership.
American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Chapter
The purpose of the student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects is to bring together the landscape architecture students and combine their interests and efforts to extend their knowledge of the profession of landscape architecture, and to help advance the profession while preparing for a professional career. Specifically, the chapter initiates student competitions, develop field trips, exchange ideas between students and professionals, identify and develop projects of community value, maintain correspondence with other student organizations, and solicit presentations of specialized subjects related to the profession of landscape architecture.
Alpha Rho Chi Fraternity, Daphnis Chapter
Alpha Rho Chi is the only national professional-social fraternity for architecture and the allied arts. Through Alpha Rho Chi, students with common professional interests can develop lasting relationships among themselves and aid in bridging communication gaps, real or imagined, between students, faculty, and practicing professionals.
The Daphnis chapter was established in the School of Architecture in 1979. Candidacy for membership is open to any student in the School, as well as, allied majors with selections being made by the members on the basis of scholarship, personal ethics, and promise of high professional merit.
The Chapter anticipates the development of activities supplementing the regular scholastic programs, including guest speakers, tours, forums, and research projects designed to broaden the professional experiences of the members.
Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society
The Alpha Eta Chapter of Tau Sigma Delta was established at the School of Architecture in 1977. The organization is the only national collegiate honor society recognized in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and allied arts. Its prime objectives are to emphasize scholarship and character, to stimulate mental achievement and award membership to those students who attain high scholastic standing. All students of the School are eligible for membership.
Elections to membership are made by the existing membership, approved by the faculty, from fourth-year and fifth-year students maintaining a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade-point average. In addition, leadership, character, and promise of professional merit are considered in making selections.
Construction Specifications Institute
Construction Specification Institute (CSI) is a non-profit technical organization dedicated to the improvement of specifications and building practices in the construction industry through service, education, and research. Founded in 1948, CSI provides a forum for architects, engineers, specifications writers, contractors, construction product representatives, students, and others in the construction industry.
The Construction Specification Institute student affiliate, Little Rock Chapter, was formed at the University of Arkansas in 1993. CSI provides social/networking opportunities for students with area professionals as well as sponsors lectures and seminars on current construction issues.