Student Activities and Professional Organizations

The Club Managers Association of America

The CMAA Student Chapter is a professional club at SHA. They focus on students and their career opportunities in club management. Students are involved in setting up field trips to various types of clubs as well as educational seminars for students interested in the various facets of club management. Students are invited to monthly senior chapter meetings and the yearly national conference/convention/trade show. Internships and mentors are some of the features available. If you would like to be part of a club that will give you exposure to club management, with opportunities for internships and networking with club managers, then take advantage of this opportunity and join CMAA.

Diner’s Club

The Diner’s Club was formed by a group of students interested in exploring local restaurants. They make arrangements to dine in Boston-area establishments and have an informal discussion and tour with the owner after the meal. These discussions give students valuable insight into the operations of a successful restaurant. Recent excursions have included Rocca, Clio, Summer Shack, and Bambara. Membership is open to all students.

Eta Sigma Delta

Eta Sigma Delta is the international honor society for students studying hospitality management. The society was established to encourage and reward outstanding academic achievement. Membership is limited to juniors and seniors who rank in the top 20 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 is a professional group at SHA. The chapter was 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. Stimulating discussions, promoting friendly relations, and providing educational programs to the people engaged in the practice of hospitality finance and technology are what HFTP strives to accomplish.

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International

HSMAI is a professional organization affiliated with the local Boston chapter. HSMAI 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. Also, there are opportunities for scholarships, internships, and mentoring programs with industry professionals.

International Students Hospitality Association

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

National Association of Catering Executives

The NACE mission statement: To assist caterers in achieving career success by raising the level of education and professionalism of the catering industry. What NACE means for students: NACE is a great opportunity to 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 is a national organization that strives to promote diversity and professionalism in the hospitality industry. Being a minority is not required, but a belief in the power and importance of diversity is. Meetings with industry leaders at 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 Highest Individual GPA.

Peer Mentors

The Peer Mentor Program was established to provide a personal network between current and new students. Peer Mentors serve as orientation guides to first-year and transfer students. They provide information about any areas their advisees wish to discuss, including academic offerings, class registration, student organizations, and industry events. Membership is open to upperclassmen.

School of Hospitality Administration Student Government

School of Hospitality Administration Student Government coordinates many events within the School of Hospitality Administration and represents the school as part of the larger Boston University Student Government. The Student Government also publishes The SHA Journal, the newsletter of the school. Officers in the Student Government include the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and two senators. Elections are held each fall semester and membership is open to all students.