Organizations

Student groups and organizations

Student organizations on campus can provide networking opportunities and a sense of community. They can also be a great way to make friends and connect with other students in your department and discipline. CU Boulder has many such groups in APS/Physics as well as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as a whole.

APS groups

CU Astronomy Club

The CU Astronomy Club aims to explore the wonders of the universe via group discourse, esteemed guest speakers, Dark Sky Trips, events, and more!

PICA (Promoting an Inclusive Community in Astrophysics)

PICA aims to increase diversity and inclusiveness in the Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences department and provide a safe space for graduate students to discuss the challenges they face in STEM.

URSA (UnderRepresented Students in Astronomy)

URSA is a pilot organization that aims to increase student retention rates in astronomy by providing tools including mentorship, opportunities, and other assets to aid underrepresented students.

Physics groups

C.O.S.M.O.S. (Community of Support for Marginalized Students!)

C.O.S.M.O.S. is a student organization aimed towards helping underrepresented minorities in the Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astrophysics departments at CU Boulder. They aim to provide the necessary resources for students of color by sharing scholarship information, graduate/postdoc preparation seminars, community service opportunities, study groups, and much more!

CU Prime

CU-Prime aims to increase STEM inclusion through mentorship and community building. They organize biweekly seminars that are accessible to undergraduate students. They also run the PHYS 1400 course and the CU-Prime mentorship program.

R-Cubed (Representation, Recruitment, and Retention)

R-Cubed is focused on improving representation, recruitment, and retention in the physics department. They lead a genuine community effort involving faculty, post-docs, undergraduate and graduate students, and staff members. R-Cubed hosts the monthly Equity, Inclusion & Cookies series open to all members of the Physics department at CU.

SPS (Society of Physics Students)

SPS is a casual club designed to facilitate discussion about physics, build relationships, and enjoy games/food (even if it has to be virtual). Meet others that share an interest in Physics - all majors welcome!

Groups in science and engineering

AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society)

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) focuses on increasing the representation of Native students in STEM areas.

CU Café

CU Café is a seminar series that inspires students from underrepresented backgrounds to be successful academics. They highlight minority scholars in their seminars to serve as role models and provide guidance to members of the campus community.

MASP (Miramontes Arts and Sciences Program)

MASP supports motivated underrepresented and/or first generation students who want to be a part of a diverse, multicultural enrichment community in the College of Arts & Sciences, with an emphasis on matriculation, retention, and post-graduate success.

oSTEM (Out in Science, Technology, engineering, and math)

oSTEM is an organization to provide networking, professional development, social proceedings, and a safe space for LGBT students in STEM.

SASE (Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers)

SASE is dedicated to the advancement of Asian heritage scientists and engineers in education and employment so that they can achieve their full career potential. In addition to professional development, SASE also encourages members to contribute to the enhancement of the communities in which they live.

SHPE/MAES (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Latinos in Engineering and Science)

SHPE/MAES is a joint student chapter of SHPE and MAES. They aim to develop a diverse community of supportive CU students that excel as STEM leaders, contributing community members, and well rounded professionals through professional development workshops, networking opportunities, outreach events, fundraising, social events, and conferences.

SWE (Society of Women Engineers)

SWE CU Boulder aims to build an inclusive community of strong female engineers and other minorities, while remaining open to all who support these groups in STEM.

Tau Beta Pi

Tau Beta Pi was founded in 1885 to recognize outstanding engineering students who display distinguished scholarship and exemplary character. It is the only honor society representing the entire engineering profession. To qualify for initiation, students must be in the top 1/8 of juniors or the top 1/5 of seniors by GPA.

WoC STEM (Women of Color in STEM)

CU Women of Color in STEM is a student organization that works to support women of color in STEM and give them a community to fall back on. The goal of this organization is to inspire current and future generations of women of color to become interested in STEM.

WISE (Women in Science and Engineering)

WISE is committed to providing coaching, mentorship, and a platform for discussion, networking, and support to encourage and inspire women in STEM fields throughout their professional careers.

WOAA (Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

The Women of Aeronautics and Astronautics aim to create a safe and welcoming environment for underrepresented individuals with a passion for space exploration.

Outreach

CU-STARS (Science, Technology, and Astronomy Recruits)

CU-STARS supports first-year students from all backgrounds interested in space. They host public observing and star parties; present scientific talks to communities around Colorado; advise, mentor, and tutor; and host life skills discussions.

PISEC (Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community)

PISEC is an organization that facilitates community partnerships with local schools, connecting CU Boulder mentors with primary and high school students, largely those of under-represented minorities (URM), to explore pathways to STEM in an engaging, welcoming environment.

CU Engage

CU Engage collaborates with communities, schools, and organizations to address complex public challenges. We facilitate the development of equity-oriented partnerships that sustain engaged learning and mutually beneficial community-based research.

CU Science Discovery

CU Science Discovery a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education outreach program at the University of Colorado Boulder. Science Discovery manages programs that engage K-12 students and teachers in STEM and connect public audiences with the STEM research happening here at CU Boulder.