Horticulture Department Social Club
The department has a Social Club whose purpose is to plan department social events such as our Christmas party, send cards and/or gifts to faculty, staff and graduate students on happy and sad occasions. You are encouraged to join the group. The dues are $0.50 per month or $6.00 per year for graduate students.

Graduate Student Associations
All graduate students in the horticulture department are members of the Horticulture Graduate Student Association (HGSA). Officers of the HGSA present graduate students at faculty meeting, provide a channel of communication between graduate students and faculty/staff, and investigate problems unique to graduate students. The HGSA constitution can be found in the Appendix. Participation in HGSA events is strongly encouraged.

The Graduate College Association (GSA) is the university-wide graduate organization. They have general meetings and send out a newsletter. Each department has a graduate student representative, usually the HGSA president. However, your individual participation is encouraged. For more information, contact the current HGSA president.

Honorary Societies
Pi Alpha Xi - Pi Alpha Xi is the floriculture, ornamental and landscape horticulture honor society. Graduate students are elected on recommendation of their major professor. Initiation is in April.

Sigma Xi - Sigma Xi is the scientific research society. Graduate students may be nominated by their major professors providing they are active members. Applications are available from Dr. Ellen Paparozzi, Department representative. Initiation is in April.

Gamma Sigma Delta - Gamma Sigma Delta is an agricultural honor society. Graduate students may be nominated by their major professors providing they are active members. Initiation is in November.

Membership in Professional Horticultural Societies
Every department of horticulture or plant science in the country has a representative of the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) available to provide information and applications for joining the Society and receiving the associated publications. Other societies such a the Agronomy Society of America (ASA) and Crop Society of America (CSSA) have individual department members who can provide information and applications. Students are encouraged to become members of their professional societies and to participate in society affairs. These societies are also a source of job listings. Additionally, the department keeps a notebook on current job listings that are sent to our department. See the office manager for the location of this notebook.

Computer Skills
More and more courses require students to be able to perform word processing, utilize spreadsheets, and interacting with the Internet. Classes are available through the Computing Center. See your major professor for costs and class times.