Philosophy & Religious StudiesStudent Opportunities
Some of the most profound learning experiences are those that happen outside of the classroom.
Enhance your knowledge and understanding of philosophy and religious studies—not to mention your resume—by taking advantage of some of ODU's incredible extracurricular opportunities. Join a club, present at a conference, or participate in a summer program!
![ODU Student Branded Web Images ODU Student Branded Web Images](/al/departments/philosophy/opportunities/_jcr_content/par/section_1908552834/columns/column_1/image.img.600.jpg/1573775657793.jpg)
Matchette Prize
Each year, a prize from the Franklin J. Matchette Foundation is awarded to one outstanding senior philosophy major at Old Dominion. There is no application; all graduating majors are automatically considered.
![Blake Phillips](/al/departments/philosophy/opportunities/_jcr_content/par/section/columns/column_0/personhighlight/personimage.img.520.png?)
Blake Phillips
![Lee Welch](/al/departments/philosophy/opportunities/_jcr_content/par/section/columns/column_1/personhighlight/personimage.img.520.png?)
Lee Welch
![Christina Smith](/al/departments/philosophy/opportunities/_jcr_content/par/section/columns/column_2/personhighlight/personimage.img.520.png?)
Christina Smith
ODU Philosophy Club
The purpose of the ODU Philosophy Club is to create interest among the students of Old Dominion University in the field of philosophy and to provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas. Our members come from varying backgrounds and belief systems. Yet we share a desire to thoroughly analyze a broad range of ideas, question beliefs and dogma—including our own—and to courageously question authority. Membership is open to all ODU students.
The Club meets Tuesdays at 12:30pm in Room 3064 of the Batten Arts and Letters Building. Meetings generally last about an hour and all are welcome to join. All voices and opinions are appreciated and respected.
Contact:
- President: Carlos Littles
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald
![philclubrobots philclubrobots](/al/departments/philosophy/opportunities/_jcr_content/par/section_1323592609/columns/column_1/image.img.520.jpg/1573719207523.jpg)
Phi Sigma Tau - Virginia Eta Chapter
Who Are We?
Phi Sigma Tau is the international honor society for philosophy. The purpose of the organization is to encourage interest and activity among exceptional students and to promote ties between philosophy departments in accredited institutions.
Eligibility
Undergraduate students are eligible for active membership if they have completed three semesters or five quarters of the college course, rank in the upper thirty-five percent of their class, and have completed at least two semester courses or three quarter courses in philosophy with an average grade of over the second highest grade of the working scale.
How to Join
Candidates are selected by the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department each year based on the eligibility requirements above. Students who believe they are eligible may also self-nominate by contacting the Faculty Advisor.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Justin Remhof
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PIKSI Program
In an effort to foster a diverse community and bolster the study of philosophy by underrepresented groups, we highly encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to consider taking part in PIKSI (Philosophy In An Inclusive Key) Summer Institutes. PIKSI is a week-long seminar designed teach students about different opportunities in the field of Philosophy and how to access those opportunities, engage further intellectual development, and allow them to network with peers and mentors. Undergraduates and recent graduates from underrepresented groups such as women, African Americans, Chicano/as and Latino/as, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, LGBTs, economically disadvantaged communities, and people with disabilities are urged to apply. Stipends are given to all.
![Diverse Students Diverse Students](/al/departments/philosophy/opportunities/_jcr_content/par/section_1282304676/columns/column_1/image.img.520.jpg/1574000612382.jpg)
Virginia Philosophical Association Meeting
This is an annual conference hosted by different colleges and universities throughout Virginia. This event takes place every Fall and is free and open to the public.
Virginia Philosophical Association
William & Mary Undergraduate Philosophy Conference
This annual conference is held at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. It is a two-day-long event in which students can share papers, receive critical feedback from each other and faculty, and enjoy a keynote lecture by a notable guest philosopher.
William & Mary Undergraduate Philosophy Conference