Involvement
Your classroom learning is just the beginning. Get more out of your CFAES experience. Get involved.
Student organizations play an important role in your growth at CFAES. They offer opportunities to build leadership skills, expand professional networks, and gain real-world experience — all while forming lasting friendships that extend well beyond graduation.
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Student Council
Collegiate 4-H at The Ohio State University
Alpha Zeta Partners
Explore organizations by unit
Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL)
The Agricultural Communications Club brings together students interested in agricultural communication to build community and serve as a positive force within the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The club works to spark interest in the profession at the campus, state, national, and international levels while fostering collaboration and idea-sharing among students and faculty. It also connects members with professionals and industry organizations, creating valuable networking and career development opportunities in agricultural communication.
The ACEL Graduate Student Association strives to extend opportunities to graduate students with the primary goal of development. The organization serves as a means for peer support and mentoring by fostering meaningful participation among graduate students and faculty.
The Agricultural Education Society is a professional organization for students passionate about agricultural education, leadership, and advocacy. The club supports future educators by providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and hands-on teaching and outreach experiences. Members build connections with peers, faculty, and industry professionals while promoting agricultural literacy and preparing for careers in agricultural education and related fields.
Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE)
The Agribusiness Club promotes interest in agribusiness and applied economics while supporting the advancement of rural communities and the agricultural economy. It fosters collaboration within the agricultural sciences and creates opportunities for students to connect with peers and industry professionals.
The AEDE Graduate Student Organization is dedicated to building a strong, supportive community within the Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics graduate program. Through a variety of social, professional, and educational events, the organization connects students, faculty, and staff while fostering collaboration, engagement, and academic success.
Animal Sciences
Each year, teams of four students compete in an academic quadrathlon designed to test students’ comprehensive knowledge of the animal sciences. The quadrathlon includes a laboratory practicum, a quiz bowl, a public presentation and a written exam. The winning quadrathlon team represents The Ohio State University in a regional contest held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Midwest sections of the American Society of Animal Science and the American Dairy Science Association.
The Animal Interactions and Welfare Club brings together students from all majors and backgrounds who share an interest in animals. Serving as a welcoming space within Animal Sciences, the club connects diverse career paths and passions while fostering community, conversation and engagement around animal care and welfare.
The purpose of the Animal Science Community Alliance:
- Recruit animal and meat science majors by enthusiastically representing the Department of Animal Sciences through events, social media, and correspondence.
- Engage in leadership activities that focus on peer mentorship and instruction within the ANIM SCI 1000 course.
- Create and coordinate programs that build community and enhance retention within the Department of Animal Sciences.
- Connect with animal science alumni for strategic fundraising opportunities.
The Animal Sciences Graduate Student Association supports and represents graduate students within the Department of Animal Sciences. The organization fosters professional development, academic collaboration and social connection through networking events, workshops and community-building activities. By promoting engagement among students, faculty and industry professionals, the association enhances the graduate experience and prepares members for successful careers in animal sciences.
The Animal Welfare Judging Team is a co-curricular team in the Department of Animal Sciences that competes in the Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Contest (AWJAC) during the Autumn semester. AWJAC “teaches students to assess the welfare of animals in a variety of settings using science-based methods and reasoning. Students are given the opportunity to weigh evidence and present sound evaluations. This contest ensures that tomorrow's leaders in the animal industries develop strong communication skills and acquire enhanced knowledge of animal welfare.”
The Buckeye Bunnies club provides opportunities for members to learn about the rabbit industry, rabbit professionals and careers involving rabbits, all while developing a sense of involvement, leadership and personal development at Ohio State University.
The Buckeye Dairy Club unites students, faculty and dairy industry professionals to strengthen connections within the dairy field. By sharing industry knowledge, encouraging collaboration and fostering professional growth, it supports students who are passionate about dairy and committed to advancing the industry.
The Dairy Challenge Team evaluates dairy farm management practices and connect with industry professionals in this annual fall competition. Teams analyze a dairy operation and present their findings to a panel of judges, with top teams advancing to regional and national contests.
The Dairy Judging Team competes in contests across the country. Team members evaluate multiple ages and breeds of cattle and present oral reasons to officials, sharpening their communication and decision-making skills. Whether you’re building on experience from 4-H or FFA or looking to develop new skills, you’ll gain hands-on practice through regular team trainings, workouts on host farms, and competitions.
The Equine Club participates in barn activities, industry tours, guest speaker events and networking opportunities with equine professionals. Whether you’re preparing for a career in the horse industry or simply looking to stay involved with horses during college, the club provides leadership development, real-world experience and a supportive community of fellow equine enthusiasts.
The Ohio State Hunt Seat Equestrian Team provides any interested student, regardless of skill level, the opportunity to work with, ride and show horses in a fun and affordable environment.
Prerequisite: ANIMSCI 2200.01 and ANIMSCI 3300
The Livestock Judging Team is open to any junior from any major who has completed the prerequisite courses and is welcome to join the team. You'll practice analyzing animals against commonly accepted ideal standards for each breed. Learn how to develop reasons for each score and how to defend your choices. Build confidence as you interact with industry leaders and livestock producers.
Prerequisite: MEATSCI 3310
The Meat Judging Team gets first-hand experience with the meat processing industry across America. You'll see how meat products are evaluated, fabricated and marketed. After completing the prerequisite course, you'll understand the factors that impact the market value of meat animals, carcasses, and wholesale cuts. Compete in six annual competitions nationwide and apply your judging skills to grade against established standards for each breed and cut.
The Meat Science Club provides educational and industrial experiences through interaction with professors, industry leaders and future employers, and engages in leadership activities focused on techniques, careers and current issues in the meat industry. This organization will be represented through fundraising events that support the club and educate the public.
The Pilot Dogs Club brings together Co-Pilots and volunteers who are passionate about making a difference through service and education. In partnership with Pilot Dogs, members assist in raising and training future guide dog puppies while learning about blindness and visual impairment.
The Poultry Judging Team builds decision-making skills as you evaluate live birds and grade poultry products, gaining hands-on knowledge tied to real-world production and processing. Through practices and competitions across the country, you’ll sharpen your communication skills and connect with industry professionals and peers while preparing for a successful career in poultry.
The Poultry Science Club provides members with practical knowledge beyond the classroom by evaluating birds, exploring new technologies, and discussing current industry challenges. Whether you're preparing for a career in poultry or simply interested in animal agriculture, the club provides leadership opportunities, professional development and a strong community of peers who share your interests..
The Pre-Veterinary Medical Association helps, guides and unites students interested in veterinary medicine by offering opportunities that include hands-on experience, community service and exploration of the profession.
The Saddle and Sirloin Club was organized in February 1911 as the first college organization of its kind in the nation. The primary purpose of the club is to promote interest in the livestock and meat industries. The club is open to all Ohio State students interested in the livestock and meat industries.
The Ohio State Western Equestrian Team offers students the opportunity to compete in collegiate horse shows while developing horsemanship, sportsmanship, and teamwork skills. As a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), riders compete in western events such as horsemanship and reining, representing Ohio State at regional, zone and national competitions.
Entomology (ENT)
The Beekeeping Club at Ohio State teaches students the importance of bees to the environment and the integral role honey bees play in the food industry.
Chrysalis was created by OSU undergraduates for OSU undergraduates who are enthusiastic about entomology (the study of insects) and want to communicate with each other and participate in activities related to entomology. These include going on collecting trips, discussing interesting topics in entomology, and learning how to pin and identify insects.
The Entomology Graduate Student Association aims to give all current and future EGSA members the opportunity to interact with other students, staff, and faculty within the Entomology department and to have input into the development of the discipline of Entomology at our University and in our Community.
Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE)
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers is an educational and professional organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural and biological systems.
The Association of Women in Construction values a strong community above all else. Our top priority is creating a space where women in the industry can feel comfortable and help one another.
The Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) Club strives to bring together ASM students and other interested students in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for the purpose of developing leadership skills, networking with other students and meeting members of industry for the purpose of education and career placement.
The Construction Systems Management Club promotes students' knowledge and interest in the construction field, integrates students into the construction industry by fostering relationships with construction professionals, and prepares students for entry into the construction workforce through activities that enhance members' competitiveness in the job market.
The Ecological Engineering Society educates ourselves and others about ecological engineering and its potential uses, develops our potential as ecological engineers through hands-on projects, and utilizes our resources as an OSU-affiliated student club to collaborate with our community on justice-oriented, local projects.
The Ohio State University Quarter-Scale Tractor Team provides students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-world problems. Students spend the academic year planning, designing, building, and testing a quarter-scale tractor to compete in the International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition hosted by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).
Food Science and Technology (FST)
Citation Needed was founded by students studying Food Science and Technology. Today, we are a group of students from multiple majors throughout the university. Our goal is to provide our members with opportunities to communicate and share their science.
The KNOW: Educate the The Ohio State University community on food waste. To provide the community with the “know-hows” for reducing and re-purposing research-driven and personal food waste in the academic setting.
The NO: Develop and execute food waste reduction and re-utilization initiatives to close the loop on food waste.
The Food Science Club fosters a close relationship among Food Science and Technology students and the faculty at The Ohio State University to encourage leadership and professional development and acquaint students with the scope of food science and technology.
The Institute of Food Technology Student Association hosts a trivia competition every year dubbed "College Bowl." This is a competitive team-based Jeopardy-style trivia game that involves topics ranging from basic chemistry and microbiology all the way to obscure food marketing campaigns. Historically the OSU team has always been one of the top competitors in the nation, and we hope to keep that reputation. This team meets weekly during the school year to practice, and travels in the Spring to another Mid-west university to compete. If the regional competition results in first place, we travel to Chicago in the Summer to compete for the national title in front of thousands of food scientists at the IFT Regional Meeting and Expo.
The Food Science Honorary Phi Tau Sigma is a student-driven organization specifically aimed at raising the stature of the Ohio food science academic, regulatory and industry professions. The focus of the Buckeye Chapter is to help students develop professional skills and build networks with food professionals. Join Phi Tau Sigma through the Buckeye Chapter and start conversations with your food scientist and technologist peers!
Curious about what research is really like? FoodS.U.R.E. connects undergraduate students with faculty mentors — and often graduate students or postdocs — to lead a hands-on research project from start to finish. Since 2016, the program has supported students with funding, guidance and logistical help so they can dive into discovery with confidence.
Through FoodS.U.R.E., you’ll explore the scientific process, tackle real-world problems, sharpen your critical thinking skills and collaborate with researchers who are shaping the future of food, agriculture and environmental sciences. It’s also a great way to see what graduate-level research is all about.
Our Peer Mentor program pairs upperclass students with new first-year and transfer students as they transition to the Columbus Campus. As a Peer Mentor, you'll be the go-to person for special events in the department. It's a great way to strengthen leadership skills while connecting with students, faculty and external stakeholders through the department and CFAES. You also have some additional scholarship opportunities!
Learn more about this exciting program and join us!
Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS)
The Crops and Soils Club fosters a community of growth and learning in the field of crops and soils.
The purpose of the Horticulture and Crop Science Graduate Student Association (HCS-GSA) is:
- to provide opportunities for meaningful interactions between current and incoming graduate students,
- to provide networking and professional events in order to further develop students’ professional skills,
- to provide a forum to plan academic and social events within the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science,
- to serve as an effective linkage between graduate students and departmental faculty, staff, and administration.
Pi Alpha Xi is a national honor society for undergraduate and graduate students in floriculture, ornamental horticulture, and landscape horticulture. Our purpose is to promote fellowship between students, educators, and the professional horticultural community who share in belief of enrichment of human life through plants.
The Professional Golf Management Club (PGM) provides students with a variety of resources. We enjoy sponsoring and participating in a wide array of activities to encourage rapport among students, faculty, staff and alumni. Ultimately, we aim to serve as a medium for exchanging ideas between the golf community and PGM students.
Interested in a career in turfgrass management? We facilitate opportunities to interact professionally and socially with other students, from OSU and around the nation, as well as industry and academic professionals. Each year we engage in a variety of activities and community service projects, as well as, traveling to both the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America and Sports Field Management Association national conferences for their Turfgrass Student Challenges!
Plant Pathology
The Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) is a non-profit organization, thus making profit is not the primary function of the organization. Funding of the activities are provided though volunteer-based activities, such as charities. PPGSA will use these funds to sponsor student travel for its graduate student members to professional scientific meetings, to sponsor invited guest speakers, to send PPGSA graduate student members to give guest seminars at other universities, and to support outreach events related to plant pathology within the community.
School of Environment and Natural Resources
The Animal Interactions and Welfare Club serves as a meeting place for the diverse paths of Animal Sciences and as a casual community for all backgrounds and majors to bond over animal interests.
The Bass Fishing Club of Ohio State is to bring students together that enjoy the sport of bass fishing.
The Bee Club raises awareness and teaches Ohio State students about the importance of bees to the environment and the integral role honey bees play in the food industry.
The Bioethics Society exposes The Ohio State University students, faculty and staff to issues in bioethics, including, but not limited to, biomedical ethics, environmental ethics and global health ethics.
The Buckeye Current is an electric motorcycle racing team at Ohio State with a vision to advance electric vehicle technology and to allow students to be part of a professional racing team.
The Buckeye Food Alliance shares the impact of hunger on educational achievement. We provide access to healthy food for the Ohio State community to reduce food insecurity.
Buckeye Precious Plastic helps reduce plastic waste by boosting recycling, creating recycled products and promoting a zero-waste lifestyle. We feel there is a lack of recycling knowledge at Ohio State, specifically regarding the current impact of and alternatives to single-use plastic and we want to rectify this.
Buckeye Solar Racing is a student-run organization that designs, builds and races solar electric vehicles. Our goal is to provide students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with real-world engineering applications, project management exposure and business expertise.
Chrysalis was created by Ohio State undergraduates for undergraduates who are enthusiastic about entomology (the study of insects) and want to communicate with each other and participate in activities related to entomology. These include going on collecting trips, discussing interesting topics in entomology and learning how to pin and identify insects.
The Crops and Soils Club fosters a community of growth and learning in the field of crops and soils.
The Community Garden Club connects Ohio State students and the larger Columbus community with the resources to start and maintain sustainable, organic community gardens using the Columbus Land Bank program.
The EcoCAR Team at the Ohio State University is a group of undergraduate and graduate students who convert a GM donated vehicle into a hybrid-electric vehicle in order compete with other universities throughout North America in an annual EcoCAR Challenge competition.
Eco-Peace is an Ohio State club that represents the standard of excellence that students feel toward the love of the Earth and their campus. Our mission is to work towards a greener Ohio State through clean-ups, sustainability practices and environmental social encouragement.
The Energy and Environmental Law Society promotes awareness of legal, policy and regulatory issues affecting the environment, our natural resources, and our energy systems, and their legal and social implications.
The mission of the Student Chapter of the Fish and Wildlife Societies at The Ohio State University is to increase wildlife awareness at Ohio State.
Food Recovery Network aims to unite OSU students to recover the surplus, unsold food from campus dining halls, local farms and local businesses to donate to food banks and charities around Columbus.
The Forestry Forum strengthens forestry professional skills and increases student exposure to education and employment opportunities in the forestry sector.
The Garden Club promotes the fun hobby of gardening and other plant-related activities, provides students with new plants and gardening supplies, and explores nature, local plant shops, arboretums and greenhouses.
GIVE's mission is to inspire growth, empower global citizens and ignite sustainable change worldwide by raising funds to support volunteers and our overseas projects, supporting volunteers before and after their trips, and completing service projects in the Columbus area.
The KNOW: Educate the The Ohio State University community on food waste. To provide the community with the “know-hows” for reducing and re-purposing research-driven and personal food waste in the academic setting.
The NO: Develop and execute food waste reduction and re-utilization initiatives to close the loop on food waste.
Mountaineers at Ohio State seeks to provide all levels of outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to meet and pool their combined knowledge, experience, and camaraderie for everyone to enjoy.
The purpose of Net Impact is to introduce our members to the many areas of sustainability, facilitate professional development and provide real sustainability project experience.
Nourish International, an innovative social entrepreneurship initiative on campus, equips students to support the Columbus community by fundraising throughout the year and volunteering with the Charles Madison Nabrit Memorial Garden to make a lasting impact on food inequality.
The Ornithology Club at Ohio State provides an opportunity for students to pursue their interest in birds and birdwatching, while also allowing students to network with graduate students and faculty to earn research opportunities in ornithology, if desired.
The Ohio State USG Sustainability Committee is committed to making the entire Ohio State community a sustainable entity through the implementation of projects, policies and educational initiatives.
The Parks and Recreation Society is a group of students interested in outdoor adventure, environmental education, park administration, community recreation, tourism planning and development, and all things related to parks, recreation and outdoorsmanship.
The People In The Soil (PITS) Club allows students to prepare and participate in soil judging contests with the competitive Ohio State Soil Judging Team. It provides a community for social and educational events for students with a common interest in soil science and morphology.
Project Nicaragua is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that cultivates and advocates for sustainable projects in the fields of nutrition, socioeconomic development, water quality, and education. The Ohio State University chapter has worked with the rural town of Rancho Grande since 2009. We are centered around HOPE, or Healthcare, Outreach, Partnership and Education, and are not religiously affiliated.
The Rock Climbing Club at Ohio State fosters a supportive environment to improve our climbing skills, share best practices for staying safe while climbing outdoors and build lasting social connections. Our club aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all skill levels, where members can create lasting friendships and grow as climbers and as people.
Simply Green is raising awareness of composting and sustainability at both the individual and broader levels. This includes but is not limited to education on sustainability, the environment, energy, recycling, composting and keeping the earth healthy and clean, with a specific focus on OSU's campus.
The Society for Ecological Restoration engages in hands-on restoration projects, discusses controversial conservation topics and holds public outreach events.
Solar Education & Outreach strives to educate ourselves, our fellow students and the community about green energy technologies and initiatives emerging worldwide, and to apply engineering and problem-solving to address problems in the local and international community.
The Student Farm/Student Growing Collaborative serves as the student face and organizational foundation of Ohio State's student farm, making decisions on farm leadership, management and mission, while also connecting with and supporting other sustainable agriculture initiatives across campus.
Students for Recycling works to build a coalition of student organizations to promote recycling, to raise awareness about recycling on campus, to raise money to assist the already established Ohio State Recycling Program and to provide education on the impact of waste disposal.
Sustainable Fashion at The Ohio State University serves as a way for students interested in environmental science and fashion to focus on educating themselves on how to be more environmentally and socially responsible consumers. By understanding the environmental impacts of sustainable and non-sustainable clothing, members will learn how to upcycle and create their own attire, be taught how to resell their clothes, be encouraged to join community-based activities such as clothing swaps, group thrifting trips and skill-based clinics teaching how to knit, crochet and sew, and garner a greater understanding of the fashion industry and their place within it.
Sustainable Steps takes active steps towards a greener planet. Doing community service work to aid in Ohio State and the city of Columbus’s efforts to be more sustainable. To challenge the status quo on what can and cannot be done through collaboration and competition.
Sustainability in Medicine gives the growing impact of climate change on human health and the tremendous size of the healthcare industry. Sustainability in Medicine is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of the Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine directly through sustainable initiatives and indirectly through education on sustainable personal practices.
TerrAqua is a natural resources-based club with an emphasis on the conservation, care and enjoyment of the aquatic and terrestrial environments.
The Sierra Student Coalition works to bring the mission of the Sierra Club: "Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet" to our campus by exploring today's environmental questions through educational events, enjoying the natural world through outings and pursuing protection of our planet through service and environmental advocacy.
Time for Change aims to transform The Ohio State University into a model of modern global citizenship by mobilizing the community to actively participate in environmental stewardship and compassionate social responsibility. Our organization will achieve this through our annual Time for Change Week event.
Under the S.E.A. wishes to create awareness and interest in marine biology through education, service and hands-on experience. We focus on marine conservation, climate change and the enjoyment of the ocean.
The Zoology Club will provide students with a forum to discuss career information and research opportunities/experiences, provide hands-on volunteer opportunities and develop social and professional networks among the students, faculty and staff at The Ohio State University.