Service and Professional Development Opportunities
Peer Nutrition Advisors
At Baylor, students majoring in Nutrition Sciences with a Pre-Dietetics concentration have the opportunity to work as Peer Nutrition Advisors. Under the guidance, oversight, and mentorship of a Registered Dietitian, these select undergraduate students gain experience in providing basic nutrition advisement to Baylor students, faculty, and staff. Experiences include, but are not limited to, conducting 1-on-1 nutrition advising sessions, teaching cooking classes, and presenting nutrition topics in a variety of group settings.
Students are eligible to apply for the position of Peer Nutrition Advisor after successfully completing NUTR 3351: Nutrition Education. Applications are reviewed, and interviews are conducted by the Nutrition Sciences faculty. Students who are selected to fill the available positions are employed by the Baylor Department of Wellness and concurrently earn course credit (NUTR 4151: Nutrition Practicum) during the semester/s in which they are employed.
Student Dietetic and Nutrition Association
The Student Dietetic and Nutrition Association (SDNA) is the pre-professional organization for the Nutrition Sciences Program. It is open to students majoring or minoring in Nutrition Sciences. Every semester, RDs come to speak to students about their experience and specific areas of practice. Students have the opportunity to gain leadership experience by serving as officers in the organization. Students can also begin building a professional network by establishing relationships with the myriad of speakers.
Nutrition Outreach Waco
The student organization, Nutrition Outreach Waco (NOW), provides volunteer opportunities for students to gain valuable experience in providing nutrition education to children in after-school programs. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students develop lesson plans, creative snacks, and learning activities covering general nutrition topics. Participating in NOW allows Baylor students to gain volunteer hours, apply nutrition knowledge, and serve the community by promoting healthy habits.
The Campus Kitchens
The Campus Kitchen at Baylor University (CKBU) is one of several student groups that aim to reduce food waste and hunger on both Baylor’s campus and in the local Waco community. The organization recovers extra food at the end of the day from Baylor dining halls and other food establishments, repurposes it, and delivers it to local charities and food banks so that it won’t be lost as food waste. Kitchen managers oversee the weekly production of meals for organizations that fight food insecurity. Nutrition Sciences majors are preferentially selected to function as Kitchen Managers for the organization to ensure food safety as the food is repurposed.
Baylor Performance Nutrition
Pre-Dietetic students also have the opportunity to work alongside Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) Dietitians at Baylor Performance Nutrition. Select students assist in the fueling and hydration of our Division I athletes, as well as providing them with nutrition education sessions. These are paid positions so securing a spot is a competitive process.
Baylor Dining
Students can apply for positions with Aramark and gain valuable food service experience with Baylor Dining.