DIETETICS, FASHION MERCHANDISING AND HOSPITALITY ORGANIZATIONS
Since organizations provide the opportunity to develop leadership skills and form friendships, you will be encouraged to join one or more of the four organizations available in the department.
Please consider the following organizations:
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors are DFMH students who have gone through a selection process and have been chosen to represent the department at New Student Orientation, Discover Western and other department events. All majors in the department who are willing to be a representative of the department and a mentor to other students may apply.
Student Association for Nutrition Education (SANE)
The Student Association for Nutrition Education (SANE) is affiliated with the national association and is for all students interested in nutrition and food related topics. If you are preparing to become a dietitian, or are pursuing any other food related career, you will find membership beneficial to your professional development.
Kappa Omicros Nu (KONu)
Kappa Omicron Nu (KONu) is the honorary organization of the department. You will be eligible for membership if you:
- have declared a major in Family and Consumer Science
- have completed 45 semester hours
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- rank in the top 25% of your class
Kappa Omicron Nu is one of three national Family and Consumer Sciences honorary organizations.
Hospitality Administration Association (HAA)
The Hospitality Administration Association (HAA) is a student chapter that introduces its members to the basic concepts and philosophies of sales and marketing in the hotel/restaurant management industry. The general practices of the organization are to maintain and improve sound business practices, and to encourage and foster a high standard of professional conduct among men and women engaged in all aspects of the hospitality industry. The HAA is now working with the National Association for Minorities in Hospitality to bring the aspect of diversity into the organization.
What is HAA?
- HAA is an active organization open to any student wanting to build their skills and knowledge in the hospitality industry.
- HAA gives students the opportunity to interact with other students, meet with successful professionals, and learn from the experiences of accomplished leaders in the hospitality industry.
- HAA offers opportunities to visit and tour food and beverage facilities, hotels, and other organizations with unique "back of the house" experience.
- HAA helps active students become involved in the happenings at Western Illinois University.
Visual and Apparel Merchandising Organization (VAMO)
The Visual and Apparel Merchandising Organization (VAMO) is an active campus organization sponsored by the Fashion Merchandising majors. Social, educational and professional opportunities are provided to students which allow them to interact with faculty, other students and retailers. Fashion field trips are planned for students in this organization, as well as activities related to fashion merchandising and retailing.
Food & Culture Club
The goal of the Food & Culture club is to enhance diversity, multiculturalism and global understanding while promoting cultural relativity using foods and culture.
The club aims to bring together elements of different academic disciplines across the campus with the arts and science of a culinary cooking and foods from around the world to provide its membership and the university community a medley of multicultural experiences. The club hosts two programs per semester featuring foods and culture of a region.
The club also has an ongoing research project titled ‘Enhancing Nutrition using Diversity and Multiculturalism”. The club encourages its members to present their research and participate in the Western Illinois University Undergraduate Research Day hosted by the Honors College.
Food and Culture Club is housed in the Department of Dietetics fashion Merchandising and Hospitality and is registered with the Office of Student Activities. The active membership of the club is open to all of the student body of the university. The faculty and staff of the Western Illinois University is also welcomed to join. The programs of the Food & Culture Club are partially funded by the Center For international Studies and the Council on Student Actives Funds.
