Student Organizations
American Advertising Federation
The American Advertising Federation is a professional business organization that brings together students and professionals to create a unifying voice in the industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AAF consists of a nationwide network of advertisers, agencies, media companies, local clubs and student groups. As a chapter of the American Advertising Federation, AAF Illinois seeks to bring students together to network with each other as well as with professionals in the advertising, media and marketing fields. Through presentations, social events, philanthropic events and participation in the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), students in AAF gain skills that supplement their education and can ultimately help them find jobs after graduation. The organization accepts new members at the beginning of each semester (excluding summer). For more information, please visit www.aafillinois.com or e-mail aaf.uofi@gmail.com.
Illini Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT)
Illini Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow is an organization for students who have a professional interest in communications related to agriculture. Membership in the organization is not limited to students with majors in agricultural communications. Illini ACT members participate in monthly meetings, regularly meet with Ag Comm alumni, attend professional development conferences, plan and participate in social gatherings, and submit works to the National ACT critique and contest. Contact the advisor, Jennifer Shike at jshike@illinois.edu to find out when the next meeting is or join the group on Facebook. Visit the ACT website.
Illinois Public Relations Association
The Illini Public Relations Association is a student-run, non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing public relations to the Champaign-Urbana campus. Illini PRA is the very first PR organization to hit the Illinois campus. We are a 100+ student organization sponsored by the Registered Student Organization at Illinois. Our goal for our organization is to introduce our members to the field of public relations, facilitate their career development and teach our members more about the field through professional speakers, career workshops, case study discussions, technology training and community projects. Meetings are typically held on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, for more information, e-mail IlliniPRA@gmail.com or visit www.illinipra.org.
JAMS: Journalism, Advertising, Media Studies. Students
J.A.M.S. is a Registered Student Organization meant to unite students across majors in the College of Media. Students of all years and majors – even those outside the College of Media – are welcome to join J.A.M.S. to gain more knowledge about the college, work on a variety of different media projects, form new friendships with a diverse group of students, and enrich leadership skills.
J.A.M.S. stands for Journalism, Advertising, and Media Students. We focus on creating projects for each major in the college to get involved outside of the classroom, to have fun, and get real world experience. Our biggest project is working with local cable station UI-7 to produce our own student-run show every two weeks.
We hold monthly meetings, bring in guest speakers, and have lots of social events to make the College of Media even smaller by getting to know our fellow students better. Anyone can join at any time and can find out more information about our meeting schedule, how to join, and what we are up to by visiting our website: http://projeqt.com/Jamsillinois
National Agri- Marketing Association
NAMA provides meaningful opportunities for students to practice their managerial skills (planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and controlling) and demonstrate their leadership abilities. The organization has regular professional chapter meetings, seminars and social events. These meetings provide students the opportunity to become highly visible as prospects for employment after graduation. Members have the opportunity to attend the annual Agri-Marketing Conference, and participate in activities including, TEAM NAMA, the National Marketing Competition, John Deere Signature Awards, Outstanding Student Chapter Competition and ABEF Scholarship Awards.
National Association of Black Journalists
The National Association of Black Journalists works to improve the quality of news coverage by promoting diversity and ethical reporting. The NABJ invites professional journalists and professors to share their expertise and encourages members to participate in campus media outlets. Visit the NABJ Web site.
Society of Professional Journalists
The Illinois student chapter of SPJ aims to help students connect with other journalism majors and professionals in the field to learn more about careers in journalism. Faculty members occasionally attend meetings to discuss different aspects of journalism. All journalism students are welcome to attend meetings and participate in the organization, including pre-journalism students, as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Members have a lot of fun and love to see new faces! For more information, contact John Paul, Chapter Adviser: johnpaul@illinois.edu
Students of Color in Advertising
Students of Color in Advertising or S.C.A. is a registered student organization targeted but not limited to students interested in the field of advertising and obtaining a career in the industry as a whole. Students of Color in Advertising shall seek to promote the development and professionalism for students of color seeking careers in the advertising industry. S.C.A. shall serve as a liaison for students to gain experience and obtain internships with professional organizations. S.C.A. is dedicated to the overall preparation and success for minorities in advertising. Some of S.C.A.'s goals include enhancing the knowledge of the advertising industry and the role of the minority within the industry, building relationships with agencies to promote the minority consumer market, to assist under-represented organizations (local and campus )with publicity and advertising through strategic campaigns, and upholding our motto "to embrace the minority as the majority." For information, contact sca.uiuc@gmail.com.
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors are College of Media students interested in enhancing their leadership skills, looking to build a lifelong connection to the University and wanting a new way to network with alumni and friends. Find the names of the current Ambassadors and details about the program on the Student Ambassadors web site.