Clubs and organizations

In the Agricultural Risk Management Club, you’ll gain experience outside the classroom, helping you be better prepared for an occupation in risk management. Presentations by industry professionals in grain, cattle and dairy allow you to follow your own path and train using examples of problems that merchandisers, producers or brokers may face.

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The ASM club is open to anyone interested in agricultural systems management. You’ll get to participate in trips to the Spokane Ag Expo to see the latest agricultural technology and hear guest speakers among other activities.

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The Aldrich Entomology Club was founded in 1961. This is a club where you can foster your interest in entomology — the study of insects and their relationships and impacts on the environment, humans and society.

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The Apparel, Textiles and Design Club (ATD Club) gives you a supportive environment to explore apparel and textile related content, engage in professional development events and participate in extracurricular activities.

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Block and Bridle at U of I will give you an outlet for your passion for working with livestock. You can work with 4-H members and FFA students, teaching and supporting them in their efforts to own, raise and show livestock. Block and Bridle holds several events during the year, including the annual Little International Show in the fall and the annual Fitting and Showing Clinic in the spring. In addition to sponsoring events, the club travels to the Spokane County Fair and Central Washington State Fair to compete by showing University of Idaho's Charolais cattle. You may also attend the Bull and Gelding sale in Red Bluff, California. This event is a learning opportunity where you’ll help with the inner workings of the sale. The Block and Bridle club is a national club with chapters throughout the country and opportunities to attend national conferences where you can meet other members and learn about their activities.

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This club is for students who love to work with children and learning about child development.

Primary contact is listed as Katrina Young, who is an undergrad student. Shiyi Chen and Ling-Ling Tsao are the co-advisors.

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Prepare to work with families, promote family and consumer science careers and be an educator with leadership experience. The Collegiate FCCLA club will train you to advise middle school and high school FCCLA chapters, give workshops at the district, state and national level, take part in philanthropy projects that benefit families or children such as clothing or food drives, teach personal finance topics or recycle and redesign goods. You’ll get to judge and present at the State Leadership Conference in Boise each April and could attend a national conference in Washington D.C. during the summer.

Stay in FFA and develop as an agriculture educator. Many activities involve student organizations, like FFA, giving you opportunities to provide workshops and host events for education. Club members attend National FFA and Idaho FFA conventions to facilitate career development events and experience-based education.

Collegiate FFA will empower you to lead and serve in schools, businesses and your community. University of Idaho Collegiate FFA supports high school agricultural programs, prepares you for your professional agricultural career and is active in serving local, college and national communities.

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The Collegiate Young Farmers and Ranchers (formerly Collegiate Farm Bureau) is a collegiate branch of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. You’ll engage in CALS events, promote agricultural literacy and work to advance the future of agriculture. As a club member, you’ll interact with Idaho Farm Bureau Federation leadership, tour Idaho agribusinesses and travel to State and National Farm Bureau Conferences.

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The University of Idaho Dairy Club is a fun and educational club that provides opportunities to learn more about the dairy industry. You’ll network with industry professionals, leading to jobs and internships and inform others about the dairy industry.

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The Food and Nutrition Club is a nurturing environment where you’ll find community with other students interested in food and nutrition. You can join regular meetings, volunteer at events and be involved in campus activities to share your passion for food and nutrition.

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Food Science Club members travel to major food industry meetings and participate within the Student Association of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). You’ll join activities that include fundraising, attending professional events and touring food facilities. Meet fellow food scientists and learn more about the food industry. There is food at every meeting.

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Explore the art and science of growing plants without soil in the Hydroponics club. You can expect to spend about an hour each week with the club planting seeds, building different types of hydroponics systems, discussing field trips and harvesting produce to sell at the Moscow Winter Farmers Market.

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Contact us at hydroponicsclub@gmail.com to learn more.

University of Idaho’s Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) club fosters inclusion and advancement of those underrepresented in agricultural and natural resource sciences and related fields in all phases of career preparation and participation in these areas.

As a member of MANRRS, you'll gain access to a diverse career network, develop professional skills, get exposure to top employers and participate in national activities. Get connected with other students who have a common interest in building networks and connections.

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The Plant and Soil Science Club provides insight into horticulture-based activities. We specialize in succulents and house plants that we raise to sell throughout the year. As a member, you’ll get to help the surrounding community learn about basic plant care and host horticulture themed activities. Our club is not major specific and anyone can join.

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Horses are provided and no polo experience is necessary to join the Polo team. This club team welcomes you regardless of your skill level to participate in this fun and unique sport, with regular practice and opportunities to compete in regional competitions.

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The Pre-Veterinary Club is a resource for anyone interested in veterinary medicine. The student club hosts informational meetings on topics like the veterinary school application process and undergraduate research, and you’ll participate in volunteer service opportunities, both animal and non-animal related. The Pre-Veterinary Club also hosts social events so you can network with other pre-veterinary students.

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As a Range Club member, you will explore practical range and pasture challenges, deepen your understanding of rangeland resources and exchange ideas with fellow members, scientists and technologists. This is your place to grow professionally, connect meaningfully and enjoy the journey.

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Pursue your interest and participate in rodeos at the collegiate level. The men and women’s rodeo club team compete against other northwestern schools. Major activities include regular practice, travel and competition in the Northwest Region college rodeo circuit.

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The University of Idaho Soil Judging Team will equip you with skills in soil taxonomy, morphology, reading landscapes and making land-use interpretations. Participate in field trips and classroom sessions to become a better land steward and more competitive in the professional workplace. Each semester culminates in a regional or national soil judging competition.

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Join the Soil Stewards club for an opportunity to learn and practice the principles of sustainable, small-acreage market garden production. As a student farmer, you’ll gain important hands-on experience and leadership skills through the operation of the campus vegetable/fruit farm.

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Thrive in an engaging environment built for students passionate about animal agriculture. Through exclusive events like the Idaho Cattle Association Convention, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention and the SICA Spring Industry Tour, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the latest technologies, industry trends and legislative issues shaping the beef world. You’ll sharpen your leadership skills, expand your network, build lasting friendships and grow into a standout professional — all while exploring every corner of the beef industry.

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In the Women in Agriculture Club, you’ll expand your network, gain valuable career resources and build the professional skills needed to lead with confidence. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers, mentorship and practical tools to help you grow in agriculture or any related field. You’ll form meaningful connections and develop a network that supports your goals — now and throughout your career. This club is open to any U of I student.

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Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR)

In Alpha Gamma Rho, you belong to something greater — a brotherhood rooted in both purpose and community. You’ll experience the camaraderie of a social fraternity while building connections that drive your future in agriculture, food or fiber industries. Live in a supportive house, grow alongside driven peers and enjoy equal membership from day one — AGR doesn’t do pledging. Here, you’re welcomed as a full member, ready to learn, lead and make a lasting impact.

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As a CALS Ambassador, you take the lead in inspiring future Vandals and showcasing the heart of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. You’ll represent CALS at major events, visit classrooms across the region, and connect with prospective students, donors and the public. As a trailblazer on the university’s largest ambassador team, you’ll earn scholarships, academic credit and lifelong connections — all while helping others discover where their passions can grow.

The AVFS Grad Student Association represents full-time and part-time graduate level students in the Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences. The organization allows graduate students to have a voice within CALS and creates an environment for peer review and other helpful resources. Members are also provided opportunities for industry networking, academic organization involvement and various guest lectures.

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This club is dedicated to the graduate students of the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Participants have opportunities for professional development and social events for community development.

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The CALS Student Affairs Council (CALSAC) acts as the unifying body of student organizations within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. As a member of CALSAC, you step into a leadership role that brings the CALS community together. You’ll help organize signature events like CALS Olympics, CALS Days and the spring awards banquet — creating memorable experiences that unite clubs and students across the college. This is your chance to strengthen communication, support fellow student orgs and grow as a leader, all while making CALS an even better place to learn and connect.

Contact us at calsac@uidaho.edu

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As a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron, you’ll join a national honor society committed to excellence in family and consumer sciences. You'll grow your leadership through professional development and service projects, all while connecting with peers who share your drive to support families and communities. This is your opportunity to make an impact, honor the legacy of the field and see it into the future. Contact the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences to learn more.

As a member of Sigma Alpha, you step into a sisterhood of women excelling in agriculture through leadership, scholarship, service and connection. You'll grow professionally, advocate for agriculture through outreach like Ag in the Classroom and surround yourself with women who share your ambition and passion for the industry. This is your place to lead, learn and leave a mark.

Contact: sigmaalpha.betaepsilon@gmail.com

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Requirements to be recognized as a student organization by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences:

• Recognition by ASUI and the associate dean for Academic Programs
• Bylaws on file with Academic Programs office
• Officer roster and contact information submitted following each election
• Non-profit operation with less than $5,000 in gross revenue or tax-exempt status

Student organizations in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are expected to conduct all operations solely on a not-for-profit basis. Being affiliated with University of Idaho (U of I) through ASUI recognition or other means however, does not confer the tax-exempt status of U of I upon student organizations. Student organizations therefore, are required to obtain tax-exempt status independently of U of I and obey respective state and federal taxation laws and filing requirements.

Additionally, student organization officers and advisors should be aware of the potential legal and financial ramifications of being associated with bank accounts managed in an unlawful manner. Accountability regarding the usage of student organization funds and how such funds are accessed is one step to ensure your name isn’t attached to a bank account that is being used unlawfully.

Exemption requirements for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations are listed at irs.gov.

To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.

Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170.

The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction.

Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct.

“Exempt purposes” are defined on irs.gov as:

The exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition and preventing cruelty to children or animals. The term charitable is used in its generally accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the distressed or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science; erecting or maintaining public buildings, monuments or works; lessening the burdens of government; lessening neighborhood tensions; eliminating prejudice and discrimination; defending human and civil rights secured by law; and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.

The IRS also publishes “Applying for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status,” a guide that is available as a hard copy at the Academic Programs office or online.

• 1023-EZ form instructions (pdf)
• Tax-Exempt status for your organization (pdf)

Student organizations will likely need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for different financial purposes, including applying for funding from ASUI. This can be completed online.