Since 1980, The Student Organization of Nutrition and Dietetics, SOND, has brought together all students interested in nutrition and dietetics to offer experiences full of networking, support, fun and outreach! Join us for another year of great company and opportunities this 2023-2024!
SOND members are nutrition and dietetics students at the University of Minnesota, housed in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences on the St. Paul campus. Students are primarily found in one of two programs within the Department of Food Science and Nutrition:
- The 'Bachelor of Science in Nutrition - DPD Subplan' is a science-based curriculum which prepares students for a dietetic internship upon graduation. Upon completion of their dietetic internship, students are prepared to take the national registration exam to become a registered dietitian.
- The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences provides students with a strong science and research background that they can apply to graduate school, medical school, or another career choice.
Nutrition and dietetics is designed for students planning to become registered dietitians by meeting the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requirements, which include completion of an approved baccalaureate program, approved or accredited professional experience (e.g. internship), and a national registration examination.
Nutrition graduates who choose not to become registered dietitians have a wide variety of career opportunities based on their coursework in life sciences, liberal education, nutrition, and more, which you can dive deeper into with SOND!
Not a part of the Nutrition and Dietetics program? That’s okay! If you are not within the program, you are still more than welcome to join! We encourage anyone with an interest in nutrition or food science to get involved with SOND!
More Info:
SOND Officers '23-'24
| Role | Name | Contact |
| President | Grace Atchison | [email protected] |
| Vice President | Abby Kelsch | [email protected] |
| Resources & Outreach Chair | Avery Erickson | [email protected] |
| Secretary | Laura Brevick | [email protected] |
| Treasurer | Natalie Gerkin | [email protected] |
| Faculty/Staff Advisor | Corrie Marion | [email protected] |
Leadership Opportunities
SOND is involved with many nutrition-related activities throughout the year, including volunteer opportunities, meetings with professionals in the field, webinars, and more! As SOND and the need for future nutrition professionals grows, we are continuously looking for opportunities to get involved in our
community. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge and making an impact in the field, SOND is the right place to do so!
Each spring, SOND members elect officers to run the organization. Positions available at that time include:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Social Chair
Interested in holding a position? Refine your leadership, organization, and motivation skills with the many opportunities available for students with energy and enthusiasm!
Events and Monthly Activities
SOND meets bi-monthly including one volunteer activity and one member meeting. Member meetings typically consist of a guest speaker, monthly updates, and of course, a treat of some sort! Participation is not required if your schedule does not allow, but we encourage members to take full advantage of events. Most speakers are chosen based on member interests and pertinent current issues within the realm of nutrition and dietetics. Some months we may also have other fun planned activities such as picnics, bake-sales, etc., so stay tuned!
Membership
Students may join SOND at any time throughout the year. Membership is good until the beginning of the next school year, when dues are required again. Membership benefits include the following:
Build fellowship and fun memories with nutrition, dietetic, food science students and faculty
Obtain notices of club meetings and work/volunteer/leadership/fundraising opportunities through the list service or classes
Mentor and network within the nutrition community
Explore the nutrition and dietetic field
Gain valuable knowledge and experiences
Membership fees: $5/semester, $8/year
We look forward to what this school year has to offer, and meeting the new faces to join the SOND community! If you have any questions or ideas pertaining to SOND, please contact Grace Atchison or Abby Kelsch .
Don’t hesitate, and kick-start your journey into the world of Dietetics and Nutrition!