Student organizations

Wayne State College of Engineering students are involved. Whether they're busy building cars or canoes, volunteering in their communities, getting together for trivia night or more, you'll find students on campus and in the community making a difference and gaining invaluable experience and perspective. It's a lot to juggle, but our students make it look easy.

Engineering Student Senate (ESS)

The Engineering Student Senate brings together the student body, student organizations and the faculty of Wayne State University's College of Engineering for the purposes of increasing communications and general policy. The ESS shall serve as the voice of the student body and the coordinating council of student organizations in college matters that involve student-faculty relations and interactions, and be a driving force in creating a positive engineering community.

President: Nick Matthes

Get involved

Be sure to check out College of Engineering student organizations and competition teams below, then visit the  Dean of Students Office  to learn more about the university's more than 400 student organizations and the resources  to support them.

  • American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

    The Wayne State University Chapter of AIChE is committed to promoting vital relationships within the chemical engineering profession by developing strong relationships between professors, fellow chemical engineering students and alumni throughout the chemical engineering industry. The primary goal of AIChE is to cultivate a community of dedicated students looking to grow as professionals. AIChE is designed to give students unfamiliar with the chemical engineering profession a chance to explore possibilities in the field, and all members are given opportunities to go on company tours, attend resume/interview workshops, and partake in industry panels.

  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

    ASCE provides students with valuable resources needed to maximize their potential of becoming a successful engineer. The organization supports high-quality standards and promotes excellence in the field of civil engineering. Students participate yearly in the ASCE Regional Concrete Canoe Competition, in which the goal is to design a canoe that is made entirely from concrete, subject the canoe to specific tests for buoyancy, and race the canoe against other universities for the opportunity to participate in the ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition.

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

    ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME’s mission is to serve diverse global communities by advancing, disseminating and applying engineering knowledge for improving the quality of life; and communicating the excitement of engineering. ASME aims to be the essential resource for mechanical engineers and other technical professionals throughout the world for solutions that benefit humankind.

  • Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)

    The Biomedical Engineering Society is a professional society for those interested in biomedical engineering and bioengineering. The national society was founded in early February of 1968 and at the time consisted of 171 founding members and 89 charter members. Its first open meeting took place at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Atlantic City on April 17, 1968. The society’s mission is to promote and improve biomedical engineering knowledge and its utilization for human health and well-being. Today, BMES has grown to more than 5,500 members, with more than 80 student chapters, and continues to grow in international membership.

    Our chapter’s goal is to connect those interested in the field to remain integrated as a community in academia, research, and industry! 

  • Cyber Defense Club

    The Cyber Defense Club is focused on security issues that relate to how computer hacks are done and the techniques used to prevent them. The group is made of a diverse segment of individuals who may already be in the field or who are fascinated with learning about Ethical Hacking. The group also is a social group that has a variety of fun nights.

    The team participates in a series of offensive events including Capture the Flag (CTF) tournaments. The club also has a defensive component where we compete in the State of Michigan (CCDC) with the goal of winning the national event.

     

  • Concrete Canoe Team

    The Wayne State University Concrete Canoe Team is a dynamic and interdisciplinary competition team affiliated with the American Society of Civil Engineers. Our focus is competing in the nationwide Concrete Canoe Competition, where we push the boundaries of engineering by designing, crafting, and racing a canoe made entirely of concrete. This unique challenge blends engineering expertise with elements of finance, graphic design, and design aesthetics, providing hands-on experience in construction and material science.   

    Join our team and be part of this exciting journey, whether you're an engineering enthusiast or someone looking to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting. We welcome diverse backgrounds and skill sets, offering opportunities for growth and collaboration as we navigate the concrete waters of creativity and innovation. Reach out to us at concretecanoe@wayne.edu to get involved and stay updated on our progress.

  • Formula SAE- Warrior Racing

    Warrior Racing is composed of dedicated Wayne State University students who devote their time and effort to designing, manufacturing and competing a formula style race car. All of the design and manufacturing is done by undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

    IEEE is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community through IEEE’s highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities.

  • Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)

    The Wayne State University Chapter is devoted to the development and continuous improvement of the leadership abilities of our student members. Our chapter makes it our responsibility to provide resources to our members, as well as to affiliated persons who are involved in or manage industrial engineering application, education, training, research or development.

  • Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

    The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is a global organization comprising transportation professionals dedicated to enhancing the mobility and safety of all users within transportation systems while contributing to the development of intelligent and sustainable communities. Founded in 1930, the ITE has more than 17000 members working in more than 78 countries. ITE has 11 Districts, 72 Sections, and 140+ student chapters. These student chapters offer young people a chance to begin to create their networks, develop leadership skills, and find out about how to develop their career. The connection between a student chapter and local professionals is key to the student member's experience and the growth of ITE. 

  • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

    The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), with more than 29,900 members, is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the country. Founded in 1975, NSBE now includes more than 394 colleges, pre-college, and NSBE professional chapters in the United States and abroad. NSBE’s mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community."

  • Society of Computer Developers

    Society of Computer Developers is an organization dedicated to providing WSU students with a community of future developers, while also preparing them for graduation.  We will do this by working on projects to build portfolios, practicing coding for interviews, and encouraging students to get a co-op and/or internship in their field before graduating. Our goal is to also provide workshops, speakers, social events, and friendly competitions between members!

  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

    SHPE is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of Hispanics in engineering, mathematics and science. The SHPE professional chapters provide a nationwide network for members who are leaders in their professions and communities. As a student chapter at WSU, we work to bring the Hispanic student body together to promote academic excellence, and career development.

    To become a member, send a request on our Get Involved page or email us at shpe@wayne.edu

  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

    Engineering students face many challenges and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is here to help encourage women to pursue careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity.

  • Tau Beta Pi

    Tau Beta Pi is the national engineering honor society, founded in 1885 by Dr. Edward H. Williams, Jr. while a professor at Lehigh University. Its purpose is to recognize engineering students of distinguished scholarship and exemplary character, and "to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges." Now with more than 554,000 initiated members, the society has 248 collegiate chapters, and 70 chartered alumnus chapters. Tau Beta Pi has a worldwide reputation because of its high standards for membership.

  • Theta Tau

    Theta Tau is the nation’s largest and foremost professional engineering fraternity. Since its foundation at the University of Minnesota in 1904, more than 35,000 men and women have joined its ranks. Epsilon Beta chapter was installed on May 19, 1951 at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. The chapter has seen almost 500 members and currently retains a roster of 25-30 active members. Epsilon Beta upholds the national purpose to develop and maintain a high standard of professional interest among its members and to unite them in a strong bond of fraternal fellowship. The fraternity sponsors a multitude of professional development events, social and brotherhood activities, and philanthropic fundraisers.

  • Wayne Robotics Club (WRC)

    Description - We aim to push the boundaries in robotics by demonstrating what today's technology is capable of, we also want to integrate industry standard practices to ensure that we produce the best possible quality of workmanship.

    We want to leave a lasting impact on the youth of our community, show them that they are the future of the country and inspire them to go out and create something unique.

    31st Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (May 31-June 3, 2024)

  • Wayne State Rovers

    Wayne State Rovers is an inclusive organization tailored to accommodate individuals pursuing STEM disciplines. Our primary objective revolves around the development of a versatile rover capable of autonomous operation or manual control. This rover is rigorously tested in an environment resembling the Martian surface, typically situated in locations like the Utah desert. Each year, our club undertakes a dynamic series of challenges, each with a dedicated six-week build period. These challenges encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from the transportation of rocks across the designated terrain to comprehensive soil analysis. Leveraging the theoretical knowledge acquired through our academic coursework, we actively integrate these principles into our rover's design and functionality. We pride ourselves on our inclusive ethos, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. We extend a warm invitation to you to consider joining our esteemed community, where your skills and passion for STEM can thrive and contribute to the exciting realm of rover development.