Student Organizations

Athletic Training Student Association (ATSA)

The purpose of the Western Illinois University Athletic Training Student Association (WIU-ATSA) is to broaden the student trainers' knowledge, to establish public relations, identify job opportunities and to serve as a community service organization. Membership is open to all students enrolled in and applying for admission into the Western Illinois University Athletic Training Education Program.

Association of Physical Educators in Kinesiology (APEK )

Western Illinois University's Association of Physical Educators in Kinesiology (APEK) is chartered by the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. As such it serves as the student professional organization for Physical Education Teacher Education majors within the Kinesiology Department. All Physical Education majors are encouraged to belong. Dr. Laura Finch is the current faculty sponsor of the WIU APEK Club. She can be contacted at 309-298-2350 or via email at: LM-Finch@wiu.edu.

Symbolic of the physical education emblem, APEK's objectives are aimed at furthering scholarship, leadership, service, and the skills of each member through scheduled professional and recreational meetings, special activities and committee work. To achieve these objectives, the organization is administered by an Executive Board which is comprised of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, two at-large members, and a faculty advisor. In turn, each officer serves as a liaison to one of six standing committees: fund-raising, membership, program, public relations, service and special events. Each of these committees elects a chairperson who further provides leadership and cohesiveness. Thus, each club member becomes involved in some aspect of the organization's operation.

Club meetings are every three weeks. They usually involve a short business session, and a professional presentation by a faculty member or community professional on a topic of interest to the members. Programs relate to some aspect of teaching, or coaching. The club has traditionally taken its service commitment to heart by responding to requests for help on the departmental, athletic, university, and community levels, as well as, events within the state's IAHPERD Student Section. WIU's APEK Club is considered one of the largest and strongest student professional organizations within the state of Illinois.

Phi Epsilon Sigma

Phi Epsilon Sigma was initiated in the spring of 1978 by a group of women physical education scholars who decided to form an honorary organization for majors and minors. In the Spring semester of 1985, the first men were initiated into this organization. The goals of developing leadership skills, providing service to school and community and achieving scholarship honors are realized through participation in activities and projects for the Kinesiology department, the campus of Western Illinois University, and the community of Macomb. As a member of Phi Epsilon Sigma each student has many opportunities to participate in a variety of projects which fulfill the purpose of the organization and provide avenues for personal growth. Some of these projects include: sponsorship of speakers, Salvation Army bell ringing, volunteer assistance to the Senior and Special Olympics, attending conventions, preparing display cases, and providing a tutorial service for the Department of Kinesiology.

Membership is open to any Kinesiology major or minor who maintains a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and a 3.2 Kinesiology grade point average; has completed at least four semester hours of kinesiology; and is at least a second semester Freshman. Membership criteria includes exhibiting service and leadership qualities and regular attendance at Phi Epsilon Sigma meetings. Formal induction into the organization is during a designated ceremony. All eligible students are encouraged to seek membership in Phi Epsilon Sigma for the enhancement of their professional growth. The organization's academic advisor is Ms. Cathy McMillan.  CS-McMillan@wiu.edu

Campus Recreation offers a variety of student organizations. For example, they offer a weight lifting club, Fitness Unlimited and a Strength and Conditioning Club. Please contact Campus Recreation for any information involving these clubs.