Student Organizations
The School of Information Sciences hosts a number of organizations for students that will provide you with opportunities to network, allow you to get to know your fellow students, and help you to boost your leadership/professional skills.
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 that cover student membership in the national ASIS&T organization. Activities include participation in the ASIS&T mid-year and annual meetings and monthly meetings here at SIS, which include guest speakers on interesting topics, and tours of local facilities of interest. The goal of the organization is to foster professionalism among SIS students. For more information contact ASIS&T at asis@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. The Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences is one of the more than 50 international chapters of Beta Phi Mu. For more information about BPM contact Barbara Zaborowski at bzabor@pennhighlands.edu.
Diversity Student Organization (DSO)
The Diversity Student Organization (DSO) is an undergraduate and graduate student organization for students currently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing degrees in Telecommunications, Information Science and Library and Information Science . Members of the DSO:
- encourage the recruitment and retention of historically underrepresented groups within the School of Information Sciences (SIS) at the University of Pittsburgh.
- provide a network for current and incoming students that will address diversity concerns within SIS.
- promote awareness of diversity concerns, recruitment, financial assistance, and orientation to the campus environment within SIS Administration.
The group meets throughout the year to share experiences, socialize, and to plan outreach activities. For more information contact : dso_sis@yahoo.com
Doctoral Guild
The Doctoral Guild is the student organization for all doctoral and Certificate of Advanced Study students. It functions as a forum for discussing and suggesting solutions for doctoral-student issues, providing doctoral-student representation on several SIS committees, initiating student-sponsored projects, and welcoming new doctoral and advanced-study students. They also sponsor several social events throughout the year. The Doctoral Guild's faculty advisor is Douglas Metzler. For more information about the Doctoral Guild contact Nimo Tirimanne.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Graduate & Professional Student Association is the official umbrella organization for graduate and professional students at the University of Pittsburgh. The purpose of GPSA is to represent both the academic and non-academic interests of all graduate and professional students, and to provide student-initiated and student-controlled services. GPSA does not supplant graduate student organizations in departments or schools, but rather coordinates joint efforts, promotes communications among the schools, and provides a unified voice for graduate students to the University community. For more information contact GPSA at gpsa2@pitt.edu.
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.
International Student Organization (ISO)
The International Students Organization (ISO) is comprised of students from around the world. They serve as a resource for newly-arrived international students, assisting them with housing information and acquainting them with the Pitt culture. For more information contact ISO at iso@sis.pitt.edu.
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 transgendered persons and their friends, families, colleagues, and coworkers, and 2) to provide informational resources on sexual orientation and related topics such as bibliographies, webliographies, and guest speakers. Open Mind's faculty advisor is Ellen Detlefsen. For more information contact Open Mind at openmind@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. PRISM's faculty advisor is Bob Perkoski.
School of Information Sciences Graduate Organization (SISGO)
All SIS graduate students are automatically members of the School of Information Sciences Graduate Organization (SISGO). Participation is optional. The purpose of SISGO is to represent SIS graduate students in the University community; to further the career and social interests of its members; to provide a formal channel of communication between students, faculty and administration; and to develop opportunities for professional growth by fostering contacts with local, regional, and national professional organizations. SISGO's faculty advisors are Michael Lewis and Maggie Kimmel. For more information contact SISGO at sisgo@sis.pitt.edu.
Society of American Archivists (SAA)
The University of Pittsburgh's Society of American Archivists Student Chapter is one of two national student chapters affiliated with the Society of American Archivists, the flagship of professional organizations in the archives field. The student chapter integrates a knowledge of archives, preservation and the book arts into the LIS environment by sponsoring events and speakers throughout the academic year, holding special programs, encouraging participation in national SAA and other archival conferences, and initiating efforts to implement a network-based archival information and communications link among SIS students and other universities. SAA's faculty advisor is Richard Cox. For more information, contact SAA at saa@sis.pitt.edu.
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
The student chapter of Special Libraries Association (SLA) explores nontraditional avenues of librarianship. We seek to open avenues to special libraries, including but not limited to corporate, law, medical, health, art, and museum libraries. In an effort to maintain an understanding of the services provided within these libraries, SLA tours library facilities, requests professional speakers from libraries, and more. SLA student chapter provides support, networking, and leadership opportunities. SLA's faculty advisor is Judith Jablonksi. For more information contact SLA at sla@sis.pitt.edu.
Student Chapter of the American Library Association (SCALA)
The student chapter of the American Library Association is one of 15 student chapters affiliated with the American Library Association, the largest professional library association in the world. The chapter meets once or twice each term and requires no dues. SCALA's faculty advisors are Susan W. Alman and Mary K. Biagini. For more information contact SCALA at scala@sis.pitt.edu.