Hotel And Restaurant and Convention Association (HARACA)
HARACA is an organization designed to augment the hospitality major’s education through exposure to industry leaders. HARACA will provide a chance for you to meet prospective employers and make important networking skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. You will learn how to become successful in the hospitality industry through first hand contact with professionals who have “made it” in hotels, convention settings, and restaurants.
Yearly Dues: $10.00
To become a member, contact: Dr. Yeon Ho Shin at yshin9@ches.ua.edu or 205-348-6170
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
The UA Chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International) is a student organization open to hospitality management majors and minors. The goal of the organization is to provide networking opportunities for students, specifically through hosting guest speakers, taking tours of local venues, and working closely with professors in the department. Meetings occur once a month on Wednesday night at 5 pm. Previous members of MPI have continued to pursue careers in hotels, restaurants, weddings, and event planning. Students interested in joining should send an email to uampi@gmail.com to be added to the GroupMe.
Eta Sigma Delta (ESD)
Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) is an international honor society that recognizes students in hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts for their academic and professional achievements. The society was founded in 1978 by students at the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and Economics and is administered by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Education (I-CHRIE). ESD has over 90 chapters worldwide.
ESD’s goals include:
- Academic excellence: Encouraging students to strive for academic achievement
- Professionalism: Recognizing students for their professionalism
- Community service: Helping students grow their network and gain knowledge by working with industry leaders and participating in community service
Membership is lifelong and can include students, alumni, graduate students, and honorary members. Eligibility requirements vary by school, but may include:
- Being a sophomore or higher
- Having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completing at least 50% of credit hours for graduation
- Being within the top 20% of their class
- Majoring or minoring in hospitality business management
Applications are due at the beginning of the spring semester and the induction ceremony is held in March.
Student Dietetic Association (SDA)
The Student Dietetic Association is a group of students interested in the field of dietetics and nutrition. We do a variety of community service and outreach projects throughout the year, and meet about three times per semester.
Feel free to join our Facebook group: The Student Dietetic Association- University of Alabama Chapter.