Student Organizations
American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T)
SIS has a student chapter of the American Society for Information Science & Technology. Membership in this organization is open to all SIS students; however, there are dues which cover student membership in the national ASIS organization. Activities include participation in the ASIS mid-year and annual meetings, monthly meetings here at SIS, which include guest speakers on interesting topics, and tours of local facilities of interest, to SIS students. The goal of the organization is to foster professionalism among SIS students, rather than to serve as a social organization. Contact Person: asis@mail.sis.pitt.edu
Beta Phi Mu (BPM)
Beta Phi Mu, the library and information science honor society, was founded at the University of Illinois in 1948. Its motto, "Aliis inserviendo consumor," meaning "Consumed in the service of others," emphasizes the service aspects of the library and information science professions. Pi Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences is one of the more than 50 international chapters of Beta Phi Mu. Contact Person: Barbara Zaborowski
Infinity
Infinity is a forum for students with an interest in preservation. Preservation concerns itself with prolonging accessibility to library and archival materials for as long as they are needed. Management of these cultural assets includes: environmental considerations, coping with natural disasters, and care, handling, and storage of various formats. Infinity's hands-on activities, such as field-trips, demonstrations, and guest lectures, provide valuable opportunities for professional networking and community outreach. To get involved in Infinity, please visit http://www.sis.pitt.edu/~infinity/
International Student Organization (ISO)
The International Students Organization (ISO) is comprised of students from around the world. They serve as a support group for newly arrived international students assisting them with housing information, acquainting them with the American culture, and giving tours of the campus and the Oakland area. Each year the group holds an International Food Festival for the SIS community which features the cuisine from the students' home countries and their traditional dress. Last year ISO sponsored a sight-seeing trip to Fallingwater, a local home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Contact person: iso@mail.sis.pitt.edu
Minority Concerns Council (MCC)
Membership in the Minority Concerns Council is open to all SIS students who are concerned with the special interests of minority students. The group meets throughout the year to share experiences, socialize, and to plan outreach activities. The group will reconvene in September 2005 and plans to sponsor one event per year. Contact Person: Shabana Reza
Open Mind
A Forum for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender concerns in the information profession, Open Mind's goals are 1) to make the School of Information Sciences a welcoming environment for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons and their friends, families, colleagues and co-workers and 2)to provide informational resources on sexual orientation and related topics such as bibliographies, webliographies and guest speakers. Faculty Advisor: Ellen Detlefsen Contact: openmind@mail.sis.pitt.edu
Pitt Representation of Information Science Majors (PRISM)
Undergraduate Pitt Representation of Information Science Majors represents the body of IS undergraduates. It is an active organization that offers information pertaining to the major by sponsoring workshops, speakers, and presentations. Undergrads are given a chance to develop leadership abilities to show initiative to potential employers. It lays the foundations for possible awards and scholarships for students with academic integrity and leadership qualities. PRISM is an excellent way to show participation in the university community. Faculty Advisor: Bob Perkoski Contact Person: Larry Johnson