Undergraduate and graduate students in the College are involved with a variety of student organizations, including honorary societies. Joining student organizations is a great way to be an active and engaged member of the College community. Students may join student organizations to network and socialize with their peers, complement academic pursuits, and bolster their professional development.
Anthropology Undergraduate Student Association (AUSA)
AUSA is a student-led registered independent organization of anthropology-inspired students with the ambition to excel academically and make a difference within their campus community. Members have an interest in anthropology access to many opportunities, including but not limited to professional and social activities and events, networking opportunities, service-learning experiences, a forum to discuss and debate anthropological topics, and various specialized workshops. Members are prepared for careers and/or graduate programs in anthropology and subject-related disciplines.
Ethnic Studies Student Association (ESSA)
ESSA provides a space for art, social activism and campus life. Members organize social hours to create community; hold study hours around midterms and finals; and plan workshops, speaker series and performances. They also organize a graduation ceremony for ES majors and certificate students.
Gender Equity Movement (GEM)
GEM, a club in the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, offers an inclusive environment to share and raise voices on gender and sexuality issues on a local and global scale. Activities include women’s circle gatherings, organizing panel discussions, engaging in activism around social issues, and creating awareness campaigns that re-center vital conversations around the body. Membership criteria: Having an open mind and a passion to dismantle unequal power structures.
Geography and Environment Club
The Geography and Environment Club connects undergraduate and graduate students with faculty, alumni and affiliates through a variety of social, academic and community activities that promote a more sustainable Hawaiʻi.
Mānoa Academy of Gamers (MAG)
MAG seeks to create a safe, inclusive community with the medium of gaming and esports.
Pacific Advocates Peoples Association (PAPA)
PAPA at UH Mānoa is committed to developing student leaders and serving the community through civic engagement with a focus on indigenous rights and culture.
Planners of Hawaiʻi
Planners of Hawaiʻi is a dedicated group of change-makers that envision de-colonial futures, centering Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians), feminist, and indigenous knowledge systems in planning and Hawaiʻi, aiming to create a respected, inclusive, caring, transparent, and educational environment for all generations to come.
Psi Sigma – The Psychology Connection
Psi Sigma is the first social club for psychology majors at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Members benefit from opportunities for collegiate and community engagement, graduate school or career preparation, and application of psychology knowledge in social events.
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
PRSSA strives to involve members in the communication industry through speaking events, career tours, networking mixers and more. Students develop communication skills and gain access to tools that help launch careers, broaden networks and enhance education.
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) – UH Mānoa Chapter
SPJ provides social and professional opportunities for journalism students.
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
The SVA assists student veterans and their families in pursuing their educational, professional and vocational goals by providing access to information, tools and services that will enhance service member skills as they transition to civilian life, provide networking opportunities and referrals for services.
Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) – International Sociology Honor Society
AKD seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and other social and intellectual activities that lead to improvement of the human condition.
Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society
Lambda Alpha was established in 1968 to promote the study of anthropology by acknowledging and recognizing students for their exemplary contributions and achievements through society membership. Beta of Hawaiʻi is the UH Mānoa Anthropology department’s chapter.
Lambda Pi Eta (LPH)
LPH is the National Communication Association’s official honor society at four-year colleges and universities. LPH’s goals include promoting and encouraging professional development among Communication majors, and providing an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field.
Omicron Delta Epsilon – International Economics Honor Society
Omicron Delta Epsilon, one of the world’s largest academic honor societies, seeks to recognize outstanding achievements in economics and establish closer ties between students and faculty in economics.
Pi Gamma Mu – Hawaii Alpha Chapter
Pi Gamma Mu is the oldest and preeminent honor society in the social sciences. Its mission is to encourage and recognize superior scholarship in social science disciplines and to foster cooperation and social service among its members.
Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology, UH Mānoa Chapter
Psi Chi is an international honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology.
Anthropology Graduate Student Association (AGSA)
AGSA is a volunteer organization of graduate students in the Department of Anthropology. AGSA supports graduate student research, engages in outreach activities, and assists in the facilitation of faculty-graduate student communication.
Graduate Student Sociological Association (GSSA)
GSSA was established to provide graduate students in Sociology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with professional, social and cultural support; a forum for discussion about student issues; and official representation in the Department of Sociology.
Public Administration Student Organization (PASO)
PASO has provided social and academic opportunities to bring together graduate students in the Public Administration Program. Past events include a Speaker Series and various volunteer opportunities.
Student organizations at UH Mānoa can apply for Registered Independent Organization (RIO) status through Student Life & Development (SLD). According to SLD, forming an RIO requires at least 6 current UH Mānoa students, faculty or staff members with a shared interest in establishing, developing, representing and being responsible for the proposed organization.
The AY 2021-2022 RIO Application is currently open. Applications will be accepted until the close of the Spring 2022 semester. Contact sld@hawaii.edu with questions or concerns related to the RIO application process
RIO Funding
The Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi (ASUH) offers funding opportunities for RIOs. See the RIO Funding page on ASUH’s website for application and deadlines.
The Student Activity and Program Fee Board (SAPFB) also provides funding opportunities for RIOs. See the SAPFB Calendar and check their announcements page for updates. SAPFB’s Spring 2022 Funding Application period is September 27 through October 16, 2021.
For questions about CSS Student Organizations and Clubs, please contact:
