Student Activities

Below is a sampling of clubs and activities available to you:

American Hotels & Lodging Association (AH&LA)

A student run division of the American Hotels and Lodging Association at the School of Hospitality Administration, Boston University. Primarily focused on hotel operations and providing our members with networking opportunities and first hand experience in the industry to jumpstart their future careers.

Club Managers Association of America (CMAA)

CMAA’s student chapter is a professional club at SHA that focuses on career opportunities in club management. Members are involved in setting up field trips to various types of clubs, connecting with venue managers, as well as educational seminars. Students are invited to monthly chapter meetings and the annual convention and trade show. Related internships and mentorships are also available through CMAA.

Diner’s Club

Not to be confused with the travel and entertainment credit card company, the Diner’s Club at SHA was formed by a group of students interested in exploring local restaurants. Members arrange to eat at Boston-area establishments, have an informal discussion with the owner after the meal, and tour the facility. These exchanges give students valuable insight into the operations of a successful restaurant.

Eta Sigma Delta

Eta Sigma Delta is SHA’s international honor society for hospitality management students, established to encourage and reward outstanding academic achievement. Membership is limited to juniors and seniors who rank in the top twenty percent of their graduating class with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Qualified candidates will be notified each semester. Activities include an annual induction ceremony and community service events.

Hospitality Finance and Technology Professionals (HFTP)

HFTP is a professional group at SHA, formed to gain a better understanding of the professional and practical requirements of accounting and financial management, technology management, and hospitality information processing. Through meetings, speakers, and tours, we strive to stimulate discussions, forge connections, and provide educational programs.

Hospitality House

SHA’s Hospitality House offers specialty housing for students sharing a commitment to service within the hospitality industry. This elegant brownstone also serves as an extension of SHA, providing a location for activities that enrich students’ hospitality experience. Residents serve as a resource for their peers and plan monthly activities ranging from holiday dinners to community service projects.

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)

HSMAI, a professional organization affiliated with the local Boston chapter, is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners by fueling sales, inspiring marketing, and optimizing revenue. Our members take part in a variety of activities, including guest speakers, sales blitzes, and professional chapter events. We also offer opportunities for scholarships, internships, and mentoring programs with industry professionals.

International Students Hospitality Association (ISHA)

ISHA seeks to take classroom learning and work experience and introduce an international perspective. Regularly holding events such as “Taste of Culture” and international programs reviews, ISHA brings hospitality around the world into daily life at SHA.

National Association of Catering and Events (NACE)

NACE seeks to assist caterers in achieving career success by raising the level of education and professionalism of the catering industry. Get involved in the catering world and network with catering professionals of all backgrounds, including catering managers, event planners, florists, DJs, etc. Beyond networking, NACE offers students educational opportunities, internship and mentorship programs, and scholarships. NACE is a fun and educational way for students interested in event planning to get involved with the professional community.

National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH)

NSMH is a national organization that strives to promote diversity and professionalism in the hospitality industry. Being a minority is not required, just a belief in the power and importance of diversity. Meetings with industry leaders during local site visits as well as social and community service events have earned the nationally recognized BU chapter a number of national awards, including Best Membership Drive, Most Traveled Chapter, Best Publicity, and the Highest Individual GPA.

Peer Advising

The Peer Advising Program was established to provide a personal network between current and new students. Peer advisors serve as orientation guides to freshmen and transfer students. They provide information about academic offerings, class registration, student organizations, and industry events.

Student Government

The School of Hospitality Administration Student Government (SHAgov) coordinates many events within the School and represents SHA as part of the larger Boston University Student Government body. SHAgov coordinates several activities throughout the year, including social events and community service projects.