Activities and Organizations
Athletics
Affiliations. Alma, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III member institution, is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) which includes Adrian, Albion, Calvin, Hope, Kalamazoo, Olivet and Tri-State, as well as Saint Mary's on the women's side and Wisconsin Lutheran for football only. Alma also engages in competition with colleges and universities outside the MIAA.
Scholar Athletes. At Alma College we believe that participation in a quality athletic program enhances a students' educational experience. We believe that academic performance is top priority while in college.
Over the years, the College, the MIAA, the NCAA, corporations and other organizations have recognized the athletic and academic achievements of many Alma student athletes. Athletes have received the Barlow Trophy, Alma's most prestigious academic honor, eight times. Twelve Alma athletes have received NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, six athletes have made the Verizon Academic All-American Team and in 2006 Alma College had its first Gagliardi Trophy winner — the top football player academically and athletically in the nation.
Sports Offered. Intercollegiate athletics at Alma include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Intramural sports include basketball, flag football, racquetball, softball and volleyball. Students may participate in cheerleading and lacrosse.
Cocurricular Activities
Participation in activities is an integral part of the educational experience at Alma. Students are encouraged to seek a balance between curricular and co-curricular interests. A few of the more than 100 recognized and active student organizations, clubs and committees include:
Broadcasting. WQAC, the campus FM radio station, is staffed and operated entirely by students. The station provides an excellent opportunity for students interested in the creative and the organizational aspects of mass media to learn and display their skills.
Chapel Programming. Chapel activities center on a weekly contemporary Christian worship service which is open to all. The Chaplain and Student Ministry Coordinators plan and provide worship, pastoral care and outreach. The Alma College Christian Leadership (ACCeL) training program, held during Preterm, equips students to lead Bible studies and small group ministries. Through Campus Ministry Coordination, the Chaplain fosters communication and cooperation among the many active, student Christian fellowships.
Greek Organizations. Fraternities and sororities enhance the social and leadership experiences of their members by promoting scholarship, opportunities for individual development, societal awareness, volunteerism and service, risk management and College citizenship. There are four national social fraternities, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Theta Chi; and one local social fraternity, Zeta Sigma. The four national social sororities are Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Xi Delta, Gamma Phi Beta and Phi Sigma Sigma. There is also one local social sorority, Kappa Iota. Each fraternity and sorority is provided with a campus house that serves as a gathering place for the group and as a residence for a small number of (eight to 12) members. The Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils coordinate programming and govern the Greek organizations on campus.
SOS (Students Offering Services). The organization provides opportunities for volunteerism and service to the community. This group works on projects such as Food Share, Alma Latchkey and tutoring, and provides services for senior citizens, victims of domestic violence and the homeless.
Union Board. The Union Board provides entertainment for the College Community. Some regular features of this program include live performances, weekly movies, coffee houses and such major events as All-Nighter, Songfest and Casino Night. The Union Board is a member of a national programming organization which brings nationally known talent to the campus.
Other Organizations. Other groups and organizations include Adventure Club, Alma College Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Association for Computing Machinery, Multicultural Black Student Union, SUN Environmental Club, Rock Climbing Club, WQAC Radio and various departmental clubs.
If no organization exists to satisfy an interest, students are encouraged to form one and present their constitution to Student Congress and the Student Life Committee of Community Government for ratification. Student government, responding to student needs, has been able to coordinate many special interest groups for such activities as astronomy, backpacking and cross-country skiing.