Student Organizations
Students in the pharmacy program are very active
outside of the classroom. Many student organizations promote career
development and community involvement. Through participation in
these co-curricular activities, students build good support systems
with colleagues that grow into a professional network for
alumni.
Each professional class elects its own officers. The
activities of the classes have included trips to laboratories,
pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and health care
institutions. Social events include ski trips, pizza
parties during finals, bowling parties, basketball
tournaments, study group sessions, and guest speakers. Class
officers serve as student liaisons within the college and represent
their class members in reviewing cluster exam schedules, curriculum
changes, and college committees.
Student organizations schedule regular social activities and are
advised by at least two of our faculty. (For more information on
scheduled events, please see the event calendar.) The following are
the recognized student organizations within the college:
Butler University Student Association of Pharmacy (BSAP)
BSAP represents the combination of the American Pharmacists
Association Academy of Students of Pharmacy (APhA-ASP), the
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the National
Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and the Student National
Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) student chapters to provide a
forum for pharmacy students to learn about the opportunities to
become involved in the many realms of pharmacy practice. Some of
the objectives include encouraging pharmacy students to become more
knowledgeable about and involved with the pharmacy profession; to
maintain and expand educational programs related to pharmacy and
health care; to educate the lay public on the proper use of both
prescription and nonprescription medications and to promote the
development of well rounded pharmacy students.
Physician Assistant Club (PAC)
The purpose of the Physician Assistant Club (PAC) is to
serve as the official organization for physician assistant program
students, to promote academic achievement and clinical excellence
and to promote the physician assistant as a member of the
health-care team.
Health Sciences Student Assembly (HSSA)
This is considered to be the 'umbrella' organization over all of
the other pharmacy/physician assistant organizations. HSSA is
comprised of a representative from each COPHS student
organization and a class officer. Any pharmacy or PA student
is welcome to attend any of the monthly meetings.
HSSA representatives also serve on college committees with
faculty to offer ideas and feedback on programs, student services,
and class needs. The Health Science Student Assembly
representatives have made significant contributions to the revision
of course evaluations, cluster exam schedules, the Student
Handbook, pharmacy and PA professional orientations, classroom
needs, and other policies which effect the student body of
COPHS.
Kappa Psi
Kappa Psi is the oldest national professional fraternity for men
and women enrolled in either the pre-pharmacy or the pharmacy
program. Although Kappa Psi is a professional fraternity, it also
offers a strong bond of fellowship. Kappa Psi works to promote
professionalism and supports local philanthropies by giving both
time and money. Kappa Psi also offers many social events, thus
balancing education with fellowship.
Lambda Kappa Sigma
Lambda Kappa Sigma is the only international fraternity of women
in pharmacy, and it emphasizes the personal, professional,
academic, and social growth of its members. Membership for a
collegiate woman studying pharmacy, regardless of race, religion or
national origin is based upon character, scholarship and a desire
to cooperate with and assist fellow members as they pursue
education as a pharmacist. The Butler Phi chapter contributes to
the community with activities such as sponsoring families at the
holidays. Regular chapter activities include participation in the
"Great American Smokeout," and work with the elderly.
Phi Delta Chi
This organization is the oldest professional pharmacy fraternity
in the nation, as well as the most veteran on the Butler campus.
Butler's chapter is open to both men and women. Phi Delta Chi
performs many professional projects and services, among which are
an annual community health fair, canned food drives for the
Damien Center, serving meals at a men's shelter, and service at the
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Phi Delta Chi also
sponsors social activities involving its own members.
Phi Lambda Sigma
Phi Lambda Sigma is a national honor society dedicated to the
recognition of leaders in pharmacy. Its mission is to foster
and recognize leaders and to support leadership commitment.
Pi Alpha
Phi Alpha is the national physician assistant honor society
organized for the promotion and recognition of significant academic
achievement, leadership, research, community/professional service,
and related activities, and the encouragement of a high standard of
character and conduct among both physician assistant students
and graduates. The Butler University chapter of Pi Alpha was
chartered in 2005.
Rho Chi
This is an honor society for both students and professors in
pharmacy. Undergraduate students are chosen from the upper 20
percent of their classes and must have completed 75 credit hours.
Rho Chi members conduct tutoring and study tables for pharmacy
classes each week.