University and community activities are strongly encouraged. Participation in a variety of activities and a clear, identified leadership role in one or more groups is an essential part of your preparation as a professional. It will enhance your opportunities for scholarships and awards, placement in supervised practice in dietetics, and in future employment. Please see below for a partial list of opportunities:

Student Organization of Nutrition and Dietetics (SOND) - SOND is an organization made up of undergraduates majoring in Nutrition and any interested person at the University of Minnesota. The group meets once a month and hosts invited speakers from a variety of nutritional backgrounds. Participation is open to any student interested in nutrition and is not limited to majors in nutrition. All nutrition majors are strongly encouraged to participate in SOND. For more information, see the SOND website.

Food Science and Nutrition Club - This club is made up of undergraduate and graduate students of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. Meetings, events and activities address membership education, preparation for a job after graduation and promote social interactions. For information, see the FScN Club website.

American Dietetic Association Student Member (www.eatright.org) - Nutrition students are strongly encouraged to become student members. Application forms and membership information are available from the didactic program director or on the ADA website. The current cost is $49.00. Students are also encouraged to participate in professional meetings such as the meetings of the Twin Cities District Dietetic Association (September, November, January, April and June) and the spring conference of the Minnesota Dietetic Association.

The American Dietetic Association Foundation (ADAF) awards scholarships to students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate nutrition programs who are ADA student members. Eligibility information is available on the ADAF website. The ADAF scholarship application is also available on the website, or by contacting the Education Team by phone at 800/877-1600, ext. 5400 or e-mail at education@eatright.org. Applications are available each year between mid-September and mid-January. The annual deadline for submitting applications is in mid-February. Scholarships are awarded for the following academic or program year.

Minnesota Dietetic Association (MDA) (www.mndietetics.org) - Student membership in the national association results in automatic membership in the state association. Students will receive a periodic newsletter and are strongly encouraged to be knowledgeable about association issues and concerns. MDA has an annual statewide spring conference at selected sites around the state. Students are strongly encouraged to attend one or more spring meetings while they are undergraduates. Check with your college office regarding scholarship opportunities that support part of the cost of participation in professional meetings.

Minnesota Nutrition Council, Inc. (MNCI) - MNCI is an organization dedicated to promoting good nutrition. It sponsors bimonthly meetings on nutrition issues, sponsors an annual conference concentrating on nutrition and food, and provides members with a professional newsletter and directory. Student membership is available at a discount rate. There are five meetings per year. Non members may attend at a slightly higher fee. Meeting time and location varies; see posting near 267 FScN.

MNCI Contact:
D'Ann Brosnahan, Executive Director
Minnesota Nutrition Council
2500 W County Rd B, Room 102
Roseville, MN  55113
651-628-9250
mda@eatrightmn.org

Society for Nutrition Education (SNE) (www.sne.org) - SNE is a national organization in support of nutrition education. The organization has an annual meeting in the summer and a refereed journal. Student membership is $95 per year, and require faculty signature. Membership applications are available on the SNE website.

Twin Cities District Dietetic Association (TCDDA) - A local association of dietitians that meets five times during the year. Notices of meeting dates, topics and locations will be posted on the bulletin board next to 267 FScN. Student membership is free.

You are highly encouraged to attend and participate in meetings, to learn about practice-related issues and to network with area dietitians. You might also consider volunteering to work on a committee. The Minnesota and Twin Cities District Dietetic Associations maintain an office in St. Paul, and are found on the MDA website (see TCDDA).

Contact:
Minnesota Dietetic Association/Twin Cities District Dietetic Association
2500 W. County Road B, Room 102
Roseville, MN  55113
651-628-9250
tcdda@eatrightmn.org

Job Line:
The Minnesota Dietetic Association also offers an online Dietetic Jobs job line.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) - AAFCS is a professional association dedicated to family and consumer sciences, professionals, students, and community leaders. Applications and other information can be found on the AAFCS website. Student membership is $60.00.

Ambassadors is an activity open to students enrolled in the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences. Ambassadors serve in a variety of roles to recruit and retain students and serve as hosts to students visiting the campus. Information and applications are available in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences Student Services Office (612-624-7254) or online. Students are selected for participation based on their qualifications and interest.

St. Paul Board of Colleges - A student-run organization that represents students on various issues of concern. Their motto is "students promoting and bettering our community". Information is available in the Student Services Office, 190 Coffey Hall, or on the St. Paul Board of Colleges website.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) - Program available to all Twin Cities campus undergraduates. Intent is for student to work with a faculty member on a research project or activity. Applications are competitive and open in early fall and early winter. See the college office for the timetable, application forms and procedures. Before applying, a student needs to have a faculty mentor interested in working with him/her on a project that is related to the research being done by the faculty member. For more information, visit the UROP website.