Student Organizations
Student groups put learning into practice and serve communities.
Geography and meteorology students drive much of the social and academic life of the department. The many social and service organizations on Valpo’s campus are complemented by groups focused on academic subjects. These groups offer opportunities for students to get to know each other, gain practical experience, explore their disciplines out in the field, and serve as leaders in a variety of roles.
Valparaiso University Storm Intercept Team
Valparaiso University Storm Intercept Team, known as Valpo’s “storm chasers,” provides an opportunity for students to prepare for and observe severe convective weather in a safe manner. Training, safety, and education are the key to storm observation. Valparaiso University was the first Indiana StormReady University due to the efforts of the Team, by providing weather radios to campus offices, annually checking the radio batteries and settings, and hosting an annual severe weather preparedness talk. The team also harnesses its expertise to report severe weather to the National Weather Service and local authorities, providing a potentially lifesaving service to local communities. Don’t forget to follow our social media here!
American Meteorological Society (AMS)/National Weather Association (NWA) Student Chapter
The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education, as well as the advancement of professional applications, in the atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences. The National Weather Association is a professional organization that promotes excellence in operational meteorology and other related applications.
The Northwest Indiana Chapter of the AMS/NWA was named the NWA Local Chapter of the Year for 2015!! The chapter founded at Valpo in 1996, invites several guest speakers to campus each year. The chapter has organized the Great Lakes Meteorology conference each spring since 2002. Learn more »
Chi Epsilon Pi
The Valpo chapter of Chi Epsilon Pi, the meteorology honor society, is dedicated to “recognizing high achievement in meteorology and promoting the understanding of meteorology as a science, both at Valparaiso University and in the wider community.”
Each spring, Chi Epsilon Pi sponsors a Meteorology Field Day and invites students at local elementary schools to learn about meteorology through hands-on experiments, presentations, and videos. Learn more »
Geography Club
With regular outings to nearby treasures like the Indiana Dunes and the rich cultural resources of Chicago, the Geography Club enriches students’ experience of the many facets of the discipline. The Geography Club also participates in Geography Awareness Week, geocaching, and an annual Geography Bowl academic team competition as well as sponsoring a Geography Information Night each semester. Don’t forget to follow our social media here!
Gamma Theta Upsilon
Gamma Theta Upsilon is an international honor society in geography. Alpha Xi, the Valpo chapter of GTU, was established on campus in 1950. GTU chapter activities support geographic knowledge and awareness; the parent organization offers scholarships, networking, and publication opportunities. Learn more »
Valparaiso University Emergency Management Organization
VEMO is one of our newest organizations for students interested in the field of emergency management. The organization is a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador. Don’t forget to follow our social media here!