Student Organizations in the WKU Department of Physics and Astronomy

The department has two student organizations open to students who have an interest in either physics or astronomy.  These are the Society of Physics Students and the Hilltopper Astronomy Club respectively.  In addition, the department has a chapter of the national physics honor society Sigma Pi Sigma.

Society of Physics Students The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a professional physics association designed for students who have an interest in physics.  Most student members are physics majors or minors but membership is not restricted to these groups. SPS is managed by the American Institute of Physics as a service to students and the physics community.  The faculty advisor is Dr. Doug Harper. Benefits of membership in the WKU SPS chapter include: Free admission to the Fall and Spring SPS picnics  Free admission to the annual Sigma Pi Sigma banquet  Use of the SPS Student Lounge (TCCW 238)  Use of a locker in the SPS Student Lounge  Opportunities to visit prominent physics research facilities  Free pizza at monthly SPS meetings  The monthly journal Physics Today
	Members of the WKU Chapter of SPS at the Argonne Symposium for Undergraduates,  Argonne National Laboratory, November 2000.	Drs. Vourvopolous and Harper supervising the cookout at the SPS picnic.

 

Hilltopper Astronomy Club The Hilltopper Astronomy Club is for students, faculty, and local persons who are interested in astronomy. Its purpose is to help WKU students, as well as community members, learn about the universe that surrounds us.  Activities include star parties, deep sky observing with telescopes, and  enjoying other astronomical events. We also have community outreach programs which serve to educate the public. The faculty advisor is Dr. Richard Gelderman.
	Rob Taylor and Dr. Carini at the Bell Astrophysical Observatory	Michael Richardson at the TCCW Rooftop Observatory

Sigma Pi Sigma

Sigma Pi Sigma exists to honor outstanding scholarship in physics; to encourage interest in physics among students at all levels; to promote an attitude of service of its members towards their fellow students, colleagues, and the public; and to provide a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics.

The Western Kentucky University chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma was established on May 25, 1960. The minimum requirements for membership are: 

• the completion of all core curriculum physics courses, 

• a GPA in all physics courses of at least 3.30/4.00, and 

• an overall GPA of at least 3.00/4.00.