Candidates must be dedicated to a minimum of two active in-school extracurricular/clubs. Membership in all student groups will be verified and evaluated by contacting adult supervisors, even those outside of the school. Hifz programs through MAS/Sheikhs may count towards a second citizenship activity. Seek the NHS Adviser (nhs@universalschool.org) if unsure of how other activities may affect candidacy.

Universal School Extracurriculars and Clubs:

Background:

Develop literacy skills by providing members the opportunity to read a diverse array of literature.
Foster an encouraging environment in which reading becomes less of a task and more of an enjoyable pastime.
Use books to educate and raise awareness on current event issues.

Boys' Supervisor: Ms. Kudaimi

Girls' Supervisor: Ms. Krad

Meetings: Twice weekly, In-School Lunch Time

Involvement: Medium-High

Background:

A celebration of the performing arts.
Students can be involved in acting, singing, directing, costume, set design, and/or fundraising.
Must apply for leadership positions and audition for acting roles.
Open to male and female students.

Supervisors: Ms. Krad and Ms. Askar

Meetings: Weekly, After-School & Weekends

Involvement: High

Background:

Follow current events and hot topics, all the while honing in your research and argumentative skills.
Membership open to all grade levels with tryouts.
Leaders are selected and trained by previous executives with supervision.

Supervisor: Mrs. Mahairi

Meetings: Biweekly, After School

Involvement: Low

Background:

The Muslim-Interscholastic Tournament is a high stakes competition that includes debate, sports, art, Islamic knowledge, science fair, speech, fashion, Quran tajweed and hifz, baking, nasheed, and other contests against Chicagoland Muslim youth.
Membership open to all grade levels with some loose form of trying out.
Leaders are selected and trained by previous executives with supervision.

Supervisors: Mrs. Mahairi

Meetings: Monthly, After-School, A Weekend

Involvement: Low

Background:

Educates high-school students in the arts of debate, negotiation, public speaking, and collaboration.
Introduces students to the fascinating realities and complexities of international relations and governing bodies.
Fosters global citizens capable of evaluating and formulating solutions to world’s emergencies.
To be eligible for Model U.N., a research proposal is due & used as an application.

Supervisor: Mrs. Nazeer

Meetings: Monthly, After-School, A Weekend

Involvement: Low

Background:

Iman and Dawah Club is dedicated to Islamic education outside of the classroom.
Follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (pbuh) through the principle of community service.
I.D. Club runs food drives, visits shelters and pantries, hosts halaqas, and fundraises for those in need, among other projects.
Open membership for all grade levels.
Leaders selected by the supervisor.

Supervisor: Sheikh Moath

Meetings: Biweekly, After-School

Involvement: Low

Background:

The Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering program holds a local, regional, and statewide academic challenge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering Graphics, English, and Mathematics.
Members chosen based on in-school performances per subject, standardized test scores, and potentially a try-out exam.
Must travel with team 2-3 times per year, depending on team’s placement at each competitive level.

Supervisors: Mrs. Hamayel and Mrs. Othman

Meetings: Independent Study

Involvement: Low

Background:

Students for Humanitarian Aid (SHA) runs blood drives and other campaigns that include a winter clothes drive, St. Baldrick’s Week, work with the Ronald McDonald House and Arab American Family Services.
A more global-centered take on service and volunteering.
Leaders must apply and "earn" their credit by proposing and running a campaign.

Supervisors: Dr. Hamadeh

Meetings: Inactive

Involvement: Inactive

Background:

Math Club or Mathletes allows students to compete at the regional, sectional, and state levels in all things numbers and variables.
Competitions are either individual-based or in team setting.
Members must test-in to qualify and are not guaranteed to compete.

Supervisors: Mrs. Mahairi

Meetings: Biweekly, After School

Involvement: Medium-Low

Background:

The club works to engage students in challenges that will enhance the students’ critical thinking and increase their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Membership open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors for a single year only.
Leaders selected by supervisor.

Supervisors: Mrs. Alharithi

Meetings: Monthly, After-School, A Weekend

Involvement: Low

Background:

The First Illinois Robotics Competition challenges participants “to design, build, and program a 120 lb. robot to perform the tasks of the season’s game against a field of competitors…as well as raise funds and design a team ‘brand.’”
Multiple areas of involvement including fundraising, social media, construction, programming, and mentorship.
Membership is open but a fee is required.
Leaders selected by an application process.

Supervisors: Mrs. Farid and Mr. Rifai

Meetings: Weekly After-School, Weekends

Involvement: High

Background:

Members are student leaders and most go through a vetting and election process.
A bridge between the student body and the administration, giving time and space to discuss student goals and objectives for the school.
Represents and serves peers in ways that enhance academic, social, co-curricular, and religious life in the building.

Boys' Supervisors: Ms. Kudaimi and Ms. Krad

Girls' Supervisor: Mrs. Zoubeidi

Meetings: 1-3 Times a Week, After School

Involvement: Medium to High

Background:

Teams compete within the Illinois High School Associations championships and regional competitions.
Boys' Season: Fall
Girls' Season: Spring
Games scheduled after school, sometimes with long commutes.
Practices scheduled before & after school.

Supervisor: Coach Adam Musa

Meetings: 2-4 times, After-School, Weekends

Involvement: Medium-High

Background:

Teams compete within the Illinois High School Associations championships and regional competitions.
Boys' Season: Winter
Girls' Season: Winter
Games scheduled after school, sometimes with long commutes.
Practices scheduled before & after school.

Supervisor: Coach Adam Musa

Meetings: 3-6 times, After-School, Weekends

Involvement: Medium-High

Background:

Teams compete within the Illinois High School Associations championships and regional competitions.
Girls' Season: Fall
Boys' Season: Spring
Games scheduled after school, sometimes with long commutes.
Practices scheduled before & after school.

Supervisor: Coach Adam Musa

Meetings: 2-4 times, After-School, Weekends

Involvement: Medium-High

Background:

Placing in competitions where students represent the school can qualify towards citizenship.
Examples include Quran Competition and Science Fair (not when it is required to participate).

Supervisors: Mrs. Martini and Dr. Hamadeh

Meetings: Independent Study

Involvement: Low

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