On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 
AMU Student Handbook
In this section

Last Revision: April 24, 2026

Student and Alumni Organizations

Honor societies, professional organizations, clubs, and alumni networks provide students with a variety of opportunities to explore academic, professional, political, social, cultural, recreational, and community service interests. Participation in such organizations allows students to develop interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills in a supportive yet challenging environment.

Before chartering an honor society, professional organization, club, or alumni network, students must follow the instructions found within the student organization handbook. Once the university recognizes the organization, students can organize, join, and hold office within the organization.

Failure to meet the terms and conditions of student organizations could result in the organization losing one or more privileges of recognition, including but not limited to being classified as inactive.

Participants who violate the university’s policies for academic dishonesty, conduct, harassment, discrimination, social media, and community participation may be removed from co-curricular programs at the discretion of the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs.

Student organization policies can be accessed through the Student Organization Handbook.

Academic and Honor Societies

The university currently recognizes a variety of academic and honor societies. Membership is by invitation only, offered to those who meet the qualifying criteria. Formal invitations are sent from the Office of Student Affairs twice a year. The following are AMU-recognized honor societies: Alpha Lambda Delta, Alpha Phi Sigma, Chi Sigma Alpha, Delta Mu Delta, Epsilon Pi Phi, Epsilon Pi Tau, Golden Key International Honour Society, Health Sciences Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, Kappa Beta Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, Lambda Pi Eta, Mu Kappa Tau, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Society of Leadership and Success, Order of the Sword and Shield, Pi Gamma Mu, SALUTE National Veterans Honor Society, Sigma Iota Rho, Sigma Beta Delta, and Society of Collegiate Leadership and Achievement. For an overview of each honor society, membership criteria, and contact information, please visit the Student Organizations website.

Career and Pre-Professional Organizations

The university currently recognizes a variety of career and pre-professional organizations: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Anti-Human Trafficking Club, Association of Women in Science (AWIS), Child Life Club, Criminology Club, Emergency Management Club, Model United Nations, National Association of Environmental Professionals, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Philosophy and Ethics Club, Political Science Scholars, Psychology Club, Public Health Club, Research and Scholarship Team, Retail Management Student Organization, Saber and Scroll Historical Society, Society for Defense and Strategic Studies, Society for Human Resource Managers, Sports Experience and Events Network (SEEN), Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), Technology Professionals Group, The Wildlife Society, Women in Security, and Women in STEM (wSTEM). Membership requirements vary and are specific to each individual organization. For membership criteria, please first visit the Student Organizations website.

Volunteer and Community Organizations

The university currently recognizes a variety of student and alumni volunteer and community organizations: Active Minds, Animal Friends United, Save the Earth, Students for Life, and the West Virginia Students’ Alliance (WVSA). If a student is interested in becoming a member of any of these clubs, they should visit the Student Organizations website.

Cultural Organizations

The university currently recognizes a variety of student and alumni cultural organizations: African American Learning, Inclusion, and Guidance Network (AALIGN), Association of Latino Professional for America, and the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). If a student is interested in becoming a member of any of these clubs, they should visit the Student Organizations website.

Faith-based and Spiritual Organizations

The university currently recognizes a variety of student and alumni faith-based and spiritual organizations: Newman Center. If a student is interested in becoming a member of any of this club, they should visit the Student Organizations website.

Social Organizations

The university currently recognizes a variety of student and alumni social organizations: Association for the National Guard and Reserves, Creating Writing Club, Dr. Wallace E. Boston Ancient Order of the Craft, Esports Club, Kindness Club, Military Spouses Club, Open Source Intelligence Club (OSINT), Paranormal Activities Club, Performing Arts Enthusiasts and Practitioners Club, Photography Club, R.E.A.D. Book Club, Student Veterans of America, and Women's Empowerment Network. If a student is interested in becoming a member of any of these clubs, they should visit the Student Organizations website.

University Affiliate Organizations

The university currently recognizes one (1) student and alumni university affiliated organization: Alumni Advisory Council. Membership requirements vary and are specific to each individual organization. For membership criteria, students should first visit the Student Organizations website.

For additional questions or to contact someone about starting a new student or alumni organization, students should fill out the New Organization Application or contact the Office of Student & Alumni Affairs at studentaffairs@apus.edu or 877-755-2787.