Student Organizations and Clubs

The Student Center at Catawba Valley Community College is the heart of campus life—a dynamic space where students come together to connect, unwind, and get involved. Located on the main campus in Hickory, NC, it offers a wide range of resources and activities to support student engagement and success. 

What You’ll Find: 

• CVCC Bookstore – Your one-stop shop for textbooks, school supplies, CVCC gear, and snacks. 

• Lounge & Study Areas – Comfortable spaces for studying, relaxing, or meeting up with friends. 

• Event Spaces – Host to popular events like Popping Conversations, Community Day, guest speakers, and club fairs. 

• Club & SGA Meeting Rooms – Dedicated areas for student organizations and Student Government Association meetings. 

• Student Life Office – A central hub for getting involved, finding support, and learning about leadership opportunities. 

• Esports Arena – A state-of-the-art gaming space where students can compete, collaborate, and enjoy the growing world of collegiate esports. 

Whether you’re looking to join a club, attend an event, or just find a place to recharge, the Student Center is the heart of student life at CVCC. 

Free YMCA Membership for CVCC Curriculum Students 

Catawba Valley Community College is proud to offer free YMCA memberships to all curriculum students! This exciting partnership with the YMCA of Catawba Valley gives you full access to local YMCA facilities, program discounts, and wellness resources—at no cost to you. 

YMCA Locations You Can Access: 

Adrian L. Shuford Jr. YMCA 

• 1104 Conover Blvd E; Conover NC 28613 

• 828-464-6130 

Hickory Foundation YMCA 

• 701 1st St NW; Hickory NC 28601 

• 828-324-2858 

Phifer Family YMCA 

• 2165 S Sterling St; Morganton NC 28655 

• 828-679-2500 

Lincoln County Family YMCA 

• 1402 Gaston St; Lincolnton NC 28092 

• 828-838-1890 

Sally’s YMCA 

• 1601 Forney Creek Parkway; Denver NC 28037 

• 828-838-1920 

What’s Included with Your Membership: 

• Full access to fitness centers and group exercise classes 

• Indoor and outdoor pools 

• Basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts  

• Indoor walking tracks 

• Wellness coaching and personal training options 

• Youth and family program discounts 

• 24/7 access (additional cost – available at Phifer, Adrian L. Shuford Jr., and Sally’s YMCA’s) 

• And much more! 

Whether you’re looking to stay active, de-stress, or connect with others, your YMCA membership is a powerful tool for wellness and community. 

Membership Information 
YMCA memberships are active for all students currently enrolled in a curriculum program at CVCC. When checking in at any YMCA location, simply bring in your student ID, provide your name and let the front desk know you’re a CVCC student. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nick Schroeder, Executive Director of Student Life, at [email protected]. 

The Student Government Association (SGA) at Catawba Valley Community College serves as the voice of the student body, representing student interests and promoting active involvement in campus life. SGA plays a vital role in shaping the student experience by organizing events, supporting student organizations, and fostering communication between students and college leadership. Through leadership development, civic engagement, and service opportunities, SGA empowers students to make a meaningful impact on campus and in the community. 

SGA is led by a dedicated team of student leaders, including the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Public Information Officer. These executive positions are filled through elections held at the beginning of each spring semester, giving students the opportunity to step into leadership roles and help guide the direction of student life at CVCC. SGA members also help plan campus events like Community Day and Popping Conversations, participate in college committees, and advocate for student needs across campus. 

All students are encouraged to attend SGA general meetings, which are held regularly in the Student Center. These open meetings provide a platform for students to share ideas, voice concerns, and stay informed about campus initiatives and upcoming events. It’s a great opportunity to get involved, meet student leaders, and play an active role in shaping the CVCC experience. 

SGA Executive Board 

• President: Emely Tiscareno 

• Vice President: Austyn Reed 

• Secretary: Currently Open 

• Public Information Office: Emma Smith 

SGA General Meeting Dates for 2025/26 

• Tuesday, September 2, 2025 

• Tuesday, October 7, 2025 

• Tuesday, November 4, 2025 

• Tuesday, December 2, 2025 

Catawba Valley Community College offers a variety of student clubs and organizations to help you get involved, build connections, and grow as a leader. 

To learn more about a club—when it meets, how to join, or what it’s all about—reach out to the advisor listed with that group. While we strive to keep all student group information up to date, please note that not every group is active every semester due to changes in student leadership. 

For general questions or help getting connected, contact Student Life. 

• Executive Director of Student Life, Nick Schroeder: [email protected] 

• Coordinator of Student Life/Student Ambassador: [email protected]  

• Coordinator Student Access & Engagement: Ron Carson: [email protected]  

Arts: 

• 3D Graphic Design Club: Hope Carroll 

• Art Guild: Jeff Kiefer 

• Creative Writing Club: Courtney Lewallen Forte

• National Association for Music Education (NAfME): Caroline Simyon

• Theatre Club: David Nields

Cultures/Global: 

• Latino Student Association: David Fonseca

• Travel Club: Kristen Smith

Special Interest/Support: 

• Beautification Club: Jordan Phillips

• Science Club: Emily Whiteley  

• Minority Males on the Move (M3): Ron Carson  

• Red Hawks Christian Fellowship: Rusty Stroupe  

• Skittles, Sexual and Gender Acceptance (SAGA): David Zealy-Wright  

• Students Striving for Success: Ron Carson  

Leadership: 

• Student Government Association (SGA): Sarah Joyner

• Student Leadership Academy: Staci Wilson 

Mentoring Programs: 

• TBA 

Honor Societies: 

• Phi Theta Kapppa: April Harper

Academic Programs: 

• Accounting and Business Club: Hope Carroll

• Catawba Valley Association of Nursing Students (CVANS): TBA

• Communication Club: Ariell Hamilton

• Criminal Justice Club: Sherry Herman  

• Cutting Edge (Cosmetology): Hailey Huffman

• Cybersecurity Club: TBA 

• Engineering Club: Jim Thomas  

• Epsilon Sigma Pi (EMS): Kaleb Frady  

• Future Teachers: Andra Ingle  

• Association of Respiratory Therapy: TBA

• SkillsUSA: Tammy Muller

At Catawba Valley Community College, we believe in empowering students to lead, inspire, and make a difference—on campus and beyond. Our Student Leadership programs are designed to help you grow as a leader, connect with your peers, and contribute meaningfully to the CVCC community. 

More opportunities and updates are coming soon!
Check back regularly to learn how you can get involved, develop your leadership skills, and leave your mark at CVCC. 

Service Learning at Catawba Valley Community College integrates meaningful community engagement with academic instruction to provide students with real-world experiences that enhance classroom learning, cultural understanding, critical thinking, and civic responsibility. 

The program supports CVCC’s mission by offering students opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings while building lasting partnerships within the community. 

Program Goals

The CVCC Service Learning Program promotes the college’s core values by encouraging: 

• Accountability to the community through meaningful service 

• Respect for those served and the diversity of their experiences 

• Responsibility in applying knowledge to benefit others 

• Critical Thinking through reflection on life and service experiences 

• Communication around shared goals and community needs 

• Collaboration to identify and solve real-world problems 

Benefits of Service Learning

For Students: 

• Deepens understanding of academic subjects 

• Provides hands-on experience and potential career connections 

• Enhances resumes and transfer applications with a transcript distinction 

• Builds communication, leadership, and collaboration skills 

• Encourages exploration of personal values and beliefs 

• Develops critical thinking and problem-solving abilities 

• Increases cultural awareness and social responsibility 

• Connects students with professionals and community leaders 

For Faculty: 

• Encourages active, experiential learning 

• Helps students achieve course competencies and outcomes 

• Attracts motivated, engaged learners 

• Enriches classroom discussions with real-world perspectives 

• Builds faculty-community partnerships for future collaboration 

For Community Partners: 

• Gains skilled, enthusiastic student volunteers 

• Expands organizational capacity and outreach 

• Raises awareness of community issues 

• Builds connections with CVCC faculty, staff, and students 

• Helps prepare students to become tomorrow’s civic leaders 

The Catawba Valley Community College Student Ambassadors Program is dedicated to cultivating student leaders who proudly represent CVCC to prospective students, families, and the broader community. Our ambassadors serve as the face of the college, creating a positive and lasting impression through their leadership and service. 

As a CVCC Student Ambassador, you will: 

• Promote Awareness: Share information about CVCC’s academic programs and opportunities with prospective students, families, and school personnel. 

• Support Enrollment: Guide future students through the enrollment process, helping them take the first steps toward their educational journey. 

• Enhance Engagement: Increase awareness of campus resources and student life to foster a more connected and involved student body. 

• Develop Leadership: Gain valuable leadership experience that supports your academic, personal, and professional growth. 

Join us in shaping the future of CVCC—one student at a time. For more information, contact Sarah Joyner, Coordinator of Student Life/Student Ambassador, [email protected].  

Congratulations on taking the first step toward making your college experience even more rewarding by starting a new student group at Catawba Valley Community College! 

How to Get Started 

1. Recruit Charter Members
   Gather at least five currently enrolled, college-credit-seeking students at CVCC. Create a roster that includes:

• Each member’s name 

• Student ID number 

• Signature 

2. Draft a Constitution
   Use the Sample Constitution PDF (link) as a guide to create your group’s constitution.
3. Find a Faculty or Staff Advisor
   Recruit at least one CVCC faculty or staff member to serve as your group’s advisor.

• The advisor must agree to the responsibilities outlined in the Clubs and Organizations Manual (link). 

• Their role must be approved by their dean. 

What Happens Next? 

Once you’ve completed steps 1–3, your application will be reviewed and forwarded to the Student Government Association (SGA). 

• An SGA representative will contact you to schedule a hearing. 

• During the hearing, you’ll present your proposal and answer questions from SGA members. 

• SGA will vote to approve or decline your request. 

If approved, your proposal will be forwarded to the Vice President of College Access and Engagement and must receive final approval from the college’s Executive Committee.