Growing roots at ACES: Get connected with registered student organizations this Quad Day
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, education goes beyond books, lectures, and labs. Experiential learning, global engagement, leadership, and inclusive intelligence — the four pillars of holistic student development at ACES — mean getting your hands dirty, taking risks, and communicating with all kinds of people.
That’s why so many students at ACES are part of registered student organizations. RSOs, as they’re known, aren’t only a great way to make friends and find community. They’re also an opportunity to gain experience in your field, without the pressure or commitment of an internship. Most RSOs are also open to all students, regardless of major and previous experience.
RSOs are also a great way to practice taking initiative and leading a team. Leadership positions in existing clubs open every year, and students at ACES are always founding new RSOs tailored to their interests and goals.
The following RSOs, among many others, are popular among ACES students. Some of them will be at Quad Day 2025, taking place this Sunday, August 24, along with many other RSOs of all different kinds. Don’t miss out — there’ll be games, free merch, performances, and food vendors!
Before Europeans settled Illinois, Indigenous peoples maintained prairies and savannahs through prescribed fire. Named for the movement of fire across the prairie, Red Bison is a group of student volunteers who do restoration work across Champaign County. The club stewards the South Arboretum Woods, a university-owned natural area. Their Saturday work days are a great opportunity to learn about a variety of restoration techniques and gain knowledge of local and invasive plants
Field and Furrow Agronomy Club
One of the oldest RSOs at Illinois and one of the largest in ACES, Field and Furrow is for students interested in an agricultural career. Expect educational events, networking opportunities, and more.
If you’re a dedicated plant parent, Hort Club, as it’s affectionately known, is for you. The club hosts a variety of education and recreational events, and is known for its annual Spring Plant Fair, held during Mom’s Weekend. At meetings, you’ll learn about plants of all kinds, and get a chance to take home cuttings and seeds to grow yourself.
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
At ACES, students and scholars from all walks of life, all over the world, come together to learn and grow. Inclusive intelligence, the ability to take in a wide variety of ideas and communicate with people from all different backgrounds, is crucial to a career in agricultural, consumer, and environmental fields. MANRRS provides support, resources, networking, aned educational opportunities, and is a great way to meet fellow students.
Agricultural fraternities and sororities
If you’re interested in an ag career, these organizations are a space to find community, get connected to the industry, and prepare for success. U. of I. is home to chapters of the 4-H Cooperative House Sorority, Sigma Alpha Sorority, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, and Farmhouse International Fraternity, as well as non-residential, professional fraternities such as Alpha Gamma Sigma.
Keep exploring!
If none of these are your speed, not to fear! There are many more RSOs to explore — over 800, in fact. Whether you’re looking for professional experience, community, or just a place to hang out and make friends, you’re sure to find an organization that matches your interests. Go to OneIllinois to learn more and sign up!