One of more than 300 student organizations, Groovestand members harmonize during a concert in Hendricks Chapel.
Imagine finding yourself crunched in the middle of a rugby scrum. Or maybe you’d like to explore the local farm-to-table food culture. Then again, how about stepping on stage to serenade an audience with a three-part harmony? Still not satisfied? Well, it’s time to explore the seemingly endless opportunities offered through Syracuse University’s registered student organizations. More than 300 student groups will compete for your attention as you contemplate which activities may appeal to you. Whether your interests are academic, cultural, recreational, political, professional, sports or something else, we invite you to check out the options.
To give you an idea of the possibilities, following is a sampling of student organizations and groups.
If you want to explore the food culture, Baked cooks up a variety of opportunities for media-focused foodies.
Baked Magazine
If you’re hungry to dig into a food industry publication, Baked dishes up all the options on the menu. Whether you want to share a nutritious recipe, how to find a craving-satisfying food truck or where to grab fresh veggies at a local farmers market, Baked serves content for anyone interested in all things food.
CitrusTV
Syracuse has a storied history of producing top TV talent, and CitrusTV is one of the places where media-minded students get their start. The student-run station is nationally recognized and provides opportunities ranging from on-air broadcasting to web and digital media, advertising and video editing.
Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, students gain valuable media experience working at CitrusTV.
Culturally Based Groups
A number of campus organizations are dedicated to educating and promoting understanding of diverse cultures and empowering their members to succeed. Among them are the Black Student Union, the Caribbean Student Association, the African Student Union, and the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA). Many host cultural activities, such as the CSSA’s annual celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Danceworks
As the University’s largest audition-based dance group, Danceworks brings together talented performers of all styles. Members choreograph their own creative works and stage an annual spring production.
Entrepreneurship Club
Don’t worry if you’re not ready yet for a prime-time appearance on Shark Tank—the Entrepreneurship Club can help you plant the seeds to grow a business idea. In the spirit of entrepreneurship, the club features guest speakers, networking opportunities and other activities to encourage enterprising endeavors. Students can also develop ideas in depth through the Blackstone LaunchPad at Syracuse University Libraries.
First Year Players
This student-run organization gives first-year and transfer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a theater production. Under the guidance of upper-class students, you can join the cast, crew or pit and contribute to the makings of a spring musical.
Greek Life
More than 40 organizations comprise the Greek letter community on campus. This diverse mix of fraternities and sororities features academic, multicultural, professional and social councils and chapters.
Groovestand
Singers take note: Find harmony with this award-winning a cappella group and put your musical talent to work. Members create their own arrangements and perform in competitions and other events.
OrangeSeeds invites students to build their leadership skills and engage in community service.
OrangeSeeds
If you want to develop leadership skills and participate in community service activities, OrangeSeeds offers a range of experiences. Designed for first-year and transfer students, the program features a network of campus leaders and resources, mentoring and other activities. Members collaborate to create The Big Event, a campuswide community service project.
Otto’s Army
Do you have an affinity for painting your face orange and leading chants in the student section of the JMA Wireless Dome? If so, Otto’s Army welcomes you to cheer on the Orange sports teams. As a member of the largest student-run fan organization on campus, you can ignite your Orange spirit and help uphold the legendary status of “The Loud House.”
During OttoTHON, students take to the floor in Goldstein Auditorium and dance through the night.
OttoTHON
This student-run philanthropic group organizes an annual danceathon fundraiser that benefits the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Students dance the night away at OttoTHON while raising awareness of child illnesses and supporting children undergoing treatment at Golisano.
Pride Union
Pride Union is dedicated to developing a strong sense of community among students who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies. The group seeks to promote dialogue and create understanding of complex identities as members explore and celebrate who they are. The organization meets at the University’s LGBTQ Resource Center, which offers numerous activities and programming focused on support, education and community.
Pride Union advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and seeks to promote understanding.
Renegade Magazine features stories that focus on Black heritage and culture.
Renegade Magazine
Renegade Magazine highlights Black heritage and culture on campus. As a Black general-interest publication, it offers a range of insights on issues and events, providing opportunities for those interested in media to create, develop and produce content that makes an impact.
Sport Clubs
Name the sport and chances are you’ll find it here: cricket or curling, boxing or bowling, rugby or ice hockey. With plenty of choices, athletes and recreation enthusiasts can pick up a new sport or stay active in a favorite.
Sport Management Club
Open to students from all majors, the Sport Management Club creates opportunities for hands-on learning in the sport industry through community service and guest speakers. The club is also a powerhouse fundraiser, with members working to gather donated items for its signature event—an annual charity sports auction that has garnered more than $600,000 for local charities since its founding in 2005.
Student Association
This elected body of representatives undertakes policy initiatives to benefit the student body and advocates for student rights. Among the chief responsibilities of the Student Association is allocating funding to student groups through the student activity fee.
Student Veterans Organization
Veterans, military-connected students and military family members all have a welcoming home with the Student Veterans Organization, which is dedicated to helping them achieve success in higher education. The group assists with the transition to college life, serves as an advocate and hub for information on services and benefits, provides networking support and engages in the community.
WJPZ
Are you tuned in to today’s hit music? Consider logging time at WJPZ-FM—Z89, a student-run radio station that specializes in top 40 hits. Along with DJ shifts, on-air talent deliver news, sports and music shows. Behind-the-scenes opportunities range from podcasting, writing and production to web design, social media and business.
The Women’s Empowerment Project
The Women’s Empowerment Project promotes gender equality and helps members prepare for navigating gender-specific issues in the workplace. The organization features guest lectures, panel discussions and community outreach among its activities.
For more information on student organizations, events and activities, check out the ’Cuse Activities portal as well as the Barnes Center at The Arch website. And, if you don’t find an organization that sparks your interest, you have the option of creating your own.
