Interested in slam poetry? Raising guide dogs? We have a club for you. Ballroom dancing? Electronic music? Ditto. Alpine racing? You bet we do.

In fact, you could say there’s something for everyone here. The University’s 150 student clubs and organizations enable students to follow their interests and discover new ones, to get to know friends they might not otherwise meet. Students can celebrate their heritage, be creative for a cause, or develop leadership skills they didn’t know they had. And did we mention have fun? Lots of it.

“It’s proven that student success is directly linked to student involvement,” said Sheri Davis, coordinator of events and marketing at the URI Memorial Union. “They enrich a student’s academic endeavors and connection to the campus community.” Getting involved is especially useful for freshmen, as it creates connections that give them a feeling of belonging and a say in what happens on campus.

Page through the long list of recognized clubs and organizations, and you’ll find cultural, religious, and social groups, clubs that focus on academics and activism, athletics and art. And while new clubs are formed every year, some have been part of campus life for decades. Uhuru SaSa, the first multicultural organization on campus, was founded in 1972.

Learn some of our club acronyms and get to know groups like MUSIC (Multicultural Unity and Student Involvement Council), PINK (Powerful Independent Notoriously Knowledgeable) Women, SAGE (Student Advancement of Gender Equality), and SAVES (Students Actively Volunteering and Engaging in Service).

BOND (Brothers on a New Direction) “had our biggest growth year yet,” according to Edwin Sam, a computer science major with a business minor, who joined the group during his freshman year and now serves as its vice president. “We offer professional development and community service opportunities for members. Things like networking with alumni, resume workshops, and working with youth through partnerships with local high schools and the YMCA.”

But students aren’t the only ones to benefit from the clubs on campus. They add the energy, diversity, and commitment that makes for a vibrant campus culture and provide the URI community with a wealth of programs and activities.

Take LASA (Latin American Student Association), recent hosts of a week of events featuring Latin American culture, dance, and food. The photo above features Strike a Chord URI, which brings together music and philanthropy through open mic nights, benefit concerts, and charity events. And the Student Entertainment Committee recently brought Jay Leno and Leslie Odom Jr. to campus. Our Student Alumni Association sponsors some of the most popular events on campus, like Oozeball and the Nearly Naked Mile. Take a look at the URI calendar, and you’ll see a range of events and activities sponsored by student organizations.

Yes, there’s something for everyone here. And that’s just the beginning.