The Agriculture Education Club was founded as a way to develop camaraderie among Ag Ed majors at SIUC. The officer team acts as a mentoring group to new members and serves as a sounding board for questions, concerns and ideas for the program and club. We assist in maintaining a memorial garden for a former Ag Education major as well as do community service projects through groups like Ag in the Classroom.
As an Agriculture Education major, you have a unique opportunity to be a part of the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers organization as a student member. IAVAT Student Branch offers opportunities to its members to attend three conferences each year, including the annual state IAVAT conference and network with other Agriculture Education majors throughout the state, as well as build relationships with Illinois ag teachers. To find out more about the IAVAT Student Branch group, please visit http://www.iavat.org/.
SIU also has an Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA) chapter. Alpha Tau Alpha is a national professional honorary Agricultural Education organization that plays a vital role in the preparation of those who have chosen a major in agricultural education or extension education. The purpose of this organization is to promote the highest standards of agricultural education and a more intimate acquaintance and closer relationship with individuals who have chosen a major in agricultural education or extension education. Each year SIU College of Ag students compete at the ATA Conclave in Indianapolis against other teams from across the United States. The contests include: Parliamentary Procedure, Debate, Quiz Bowl, Program of Excellence, and Written Composition. To become an active member of ATA, see your advisor. Further information may be found at: http://www.ataonline.org/
