Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student Leadership Opportunities

Methodist University Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA)

The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is dedicated to promoting occupational therapy within both the student body and the broader community, fostering awareness, advocacy, and professional development. Through educational initiatives, service-driven opportunities, social events, and community engagement, SOTA supports the personal and professional growth of its members.

SOTA actively collaborates with other health professional programs to advance interprofessional education, research initiatives, and shared learning experiences, including participation in journal clubs and interdisciplinary activities. Additionally, SOTA encourages student engagement in state and national occupational therapy conferences, professional networking events, and leadership initiatives, providing valuable opportunities to connect with the broader OT profession.

MU Chapter – Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD)

The Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) was established in 2014 through a collaboration among members of the AOTA Emerging Leaders Development Program. COTAD is a national network of occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students committed to expanding access, broadening perspectives, and fostering belonging within the OT workforce. The organization works to enhance the profession’s capacity to serve a wide range of populations by promoting culturally responsive care and ensuring practitioners are equipped to meet the needs of varied communities.

Methodist University’s COTAD chapter leaders and representatives have the opportunity to collaborate with national leaders, engage with fellow students across the country, and contribute to meaningful initiatives. Through presentations, events, and shared resources, chapters help expand awareness, foster dialogue, and support efforts to increase representation within the occupational therapy profession, while preparing future clinicians to provide accessible, client-centered care for people from all backgrounds.

MU OTD Student Ambassador Program

The Student Ambassadors in the Department of Occupational Therapy are a select group of students that provide guidance and valuable insights to prospective students and faculty candidates. The Student Ambassadors are responsible for providing department tours, advising prospective students, contributing to communication activities, and representing the department in recruitment and marketing efforts.

MU OTD Community Advisory Board – Student Representative

The Methodist University Department of Occupational Therapy Community Advisory Board provides support for the development of excellence in doctoral education of occupational therapists by advising on ways to: a) build and enhance quality of professional education, b) assure the relevance of the educational process to the occupation-related health needs of the community, c) foster relationships that support fulfillment of the Department of Occupational Therapy’s mission. One students in good standing from each cohort is appointed to this board to serve during their time in the program.

Pi Theta Epsilon OT Honor Society

The Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon was founded at Methodist University in August 2021. This national honor society was established in 1958 and currently has 120 active chapters.  Students with demonstrated academic excellence and leadership experience, who rank in the top third of their cohort with a minimum GPA of 3.5, are selected by a faculty committee for invitation. OT students are annually inducted in the fall.

Phi Kappa Phi

MU OTD students who meet eligibility requirements may be invited to join Phi Kappa Phi.