Organizations, Associations and Governance Opportunities

Sigma International Nursing Honor Society

Sigma International Nursing Honor Society was founded in 1922 and is now the second largest nursing organization in the United States, and among the five largest and most prestigious in the world.

Sigma was organized to encourage and recognize superior scholarship and leadership achievement at the undergraduate, graduate and practice levels in nursing. Membership is available by meeting eligibility requirements through active chapters, and assumes acceptance of the purposes of the society and responsibility to participate in achieving the goals consistent with the professional and scholastic character of Sigma Theta Tau.

The Beta Zeta At-Large Chapter at UMass Amherst was established in 1972 as the fifty-second chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. It amended its charter in 2002 to include affiliation with Elms College, Chicopee, MA. In 2006 the chapter again amended its charter to include American International College in Springfield, MA. In 2017, the charter was amended once again to include Westfield State University School of Nursing. Sigma Theta Tau is committed to serving its growing membership through the development of knowledge, encouragement of professional achievement, and advancement of nursing through research. Each year, the Beta Zeta At-Large Chapter as well as Sigma Theta Tau International offer research grant funding opportunities for which graduate students can apply.

Membership is conferred only upon students in baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs and nursing leaders in the community who demonstrate exceptional achievement in the nursing profession. Membership invitations go out in the Fall semester to current students in our graduate and uncergraduate nursing programs. 

Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Alumni Association

Every graduate of EMCON nursing programs is automatically a member of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Alumni Association. The Association's board is a group of tremendously enthusiastic and loyal alumni, engaged in many different areas of nursing. Each year, the College of Nursing organizes several events to provide opportunities for alumni networking. One such event is our annual luncheon during Homecoming Weekend, which includes an educational program as well as the presentation of Outstanding Alumni Achievement awards.

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Alumni Association is an important vehicle that creates and sustains alumni support, enthusiasm, and participation essential for promoting the College's mission: "To enhance health and healing through nursing leadership in teaching, scholarship, practice and service."

Student Participation in Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Governance

As stated in the faculty by-laws, there is student representation on various faculty governance committees. Although each committee has a specific number of students in voting positions, committees welcome any additional students who wish to attend the meetings. Student representatives are available to their classmates to answer questions and/or hear concerns to be presented at committee meetings. The students are representatives with voting privileges on the committees on which they serve including:

• Committee on Undergraduate Academic Matters
• Committee on DNP Academic Matters
• Committee on Master’s Academic Matters
• Committee on PhD Academic Matters
• Committee on Faculty and Student Matters
• Committee on Diversity and Social Justice

If you do not live in the area, it is possible for you to attend committee meetings by video chat or conference call. We would be thrilled to have our graduate students serve on the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing committees. At the beginning of the fall semester, we will be soliciting students to serve. Students can also serve on university committees and with the UMass Graduate Student Organization.

Student Evaluation of Courses

During the last two weeks of each course, students are asked to evaluate the course content and clinical and classroom performance of the faculty. A link to an online evaluation page will be forwarded to students.

The Forward Focus Evaluation presents questions about the course and instructor. All responses are anonymous. Instructors receive feedback via a computer-generated report with a statistical summary of multiple-choice responses and anonymous student comments. This is the opportunity for students to offer constructive suggestions and recommendations for the continued growth and development of the nursing program. Thoughtful evaluation is appreciated. Participation in the evaluation process is strongly encouraged.

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