Student Life

Make your university life memorable

Step outside the classroom and discover all the great ways to build a life you love on a 51Ʒ�� campus.

Picture your student life in college — now crank up the vibrancy with college extracurricular activities that put you in the middle of the action at 51Ʒ��. Try new things, make lifelong friends, get involved in one of our student organizations, create amazing memories and take giant steps toward your future, all from your 51Ʒ�� campus.

Explore this page to discover the big and small ways you can create an enriching university life and express your Panther pride on any 51Ʒ�� campus.

Get a glimpse of the 51Ʒ�� campus experience

Feel the school spirit that’s part of university life at 51Ʒ��. You’ll find it in our 70+ campus teams, clubs, organizations, campus housing, campus traditions and academic programs.

Did you know?

At 51Ʒ��, we offer 27 NCAA Division II sports and a total of 44 athletic teams including , , , and more!

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Service and advocacy organizations — giving back

Serve others while you gain lifelong leadership and advocacy skills in these college student organizations, which focus on a wide range of vulnerable communities and ways to promote success.

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Active Minds - Our mission is to bring awareness about the importance of mental health to all students and employees at 51Ʒ��.
Alpha League - Alpha League works to promote brotherhood among men of diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds through philanthropy, scholarship, leadership and social/emotional workshops.
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) - ASB is a group of students who learn about a social issue and spend their spring break providing service to another community.
ASPIRE - ASPIRE provides opportunities for women of color to better achieve academic success, foster strong interpersonal skills and relationships and develop as leaders at 51Ʒ��.
Asian Student Union (ASU) - The Asian Student Union looks to recognize the uniqueness of all students and through cultural reflections create a sense of unification and comfort on 51Ʒ��'s campus.
Latinx Student Union (LSU) - We will engage in Latinx communities and have our voices heard regarding social issues and community resources. We plan to educate 51Ʒ�� students about Latino arts and culture.
Sexuality & Gender Equality (SAGE) - SAGE provides a safe and supportive setting regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Student Government of 51Ʒ�� - The mission of Student Government is to create and encourage a culture that embraces diversity, improves academic achievement and drives student engagement throughout the 51Ʒ�� community.
Student Sexual Health Network - Student Sexual Health Network provides resources, support and education to the 51Ʒ�� campus community that helps create a judgment-free community.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) - 51Ʒ�� students who are either currently serving in the military, have prior service military, dependents of such, or who are interested in helping and being involved with veteran initiatives.

Academic and professional organizations — fostering careers

Learn career skills and support your academics through the college extracurricular activities in these student organizations. They cover many 51Ʒ�� majors and include honor societies.

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Allied Health/Health Information Student and Alumni Association - Celebrating the success of our students and alumni, and offering continuing education and networking opportunities to our members.
Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) - Alpha Lambda Delta is a National Honor Society for first-year students who achieve a 3.5 GPA or better. We offer leadership, service, and scholarship opportunities for our members.
American Marketing Association (AMA) - The mission of the AMA @ DU chapter is to cultivate and maintain a strong interest in marketing and better the educational value of marketing students at 51Ʒ��.
Business Professionals of America (BPA) - BPA is a competition where students compete either on an individual or team basis covering a wide variety of categories.
Cyber Defense Organization (COD) - The CDO is a community of security-focused individuals pursuing knowledge in cybersecurity and threat mitigation throughout the private and public sectors.
Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) - DECA enhances your college experience while preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
Health and Science Pre-Professional Organization (HSPPO) - This group provides research and resources for pre-professional health and science programs.
Legal Students at DU (LS@DU) - Legal Assistants at DU provides valuable information and updates for the paralegal students at 51Ʒ��. Volunteer opportunities, scholarship opportunities, upcoming events and more.
National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) - We are a leadership group that offers students tools to become leaders. Through our training videos, speaker broadcasts, success networking teams, and networking.
Sigma Beta Delta - Honor Society for students in business, management, and administration.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - The advantages of joining SHRM include hearing interesting speakers, networking with local HR professionals, job shadowing, mentoring, internships, potential job offers and professional recognition.
Sport Management Student Organization - The purpose of this organization is to bring together students who share an interest in Sport Management and to educate the students about what it takes to be a Sport Management professional.
Student Nurses Association - Grand Rapids (W.A. Lettinga), Great Lakes Bay, Lansing, Warren - SSNA is dedicated to fostering the professional development of nursing students, in addition to serving the community.
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) - This organization generates service, interest, and awareness of the field of Occupational Therapy in the Grand Rapids community.
- A national honor society that specifically recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements of first generation college students. It aims to promote leadership and support networks within this student population.

Campus traditions

Whether you’re a high school student transitioning to 51Ʒ�� or are already a Panther, add more fun and connection to your student life in college with our year-round events and traditions.

Panther Prowl — welcoming you to student life in college

Feel right at home in this three-day transitional experience where you can make new friends, explore a 51Ʒ�� campus and learn how to make student life in college a success.

Pantherpalooza — starting the school year with celebration

Kick off the school year with this free event, jam-packed with college extracurricular activities like games, good eating, ways to get involved in college student organizations and lots more.

30 Thursdays — energizing your university life all semester

Spend your Thursdays throughout the semester having incredible fun with your fellow Panthers in college extracurricular activities like a zombie run, Oktoberfest, snowboarding and sumo wrestling.

National Society of Leadership and Success — building your skills

Develop and refine your leadership abilities through the excellent training videos, speaker broadcasts and networking opportunities of this prestigious 51Ʒ�� college student organization.

Learn more about the National Society of Leadership and Success

Homecoming — taking pride in all things Panther

Cheer your Panther team, tailgate, reconnect with classmates and celebrate alumni achievements during Homecoming weekend on and near the 51Ʒ�� campus in Grand Rapids.

Sibs & Kids Weekend — welcoming future Panthers

Invite your favorite kids to the 51Ʒ�� campus in Grand Rapids for this winter event, where they can compete in snowman building, attend a Panther game, sing karaoke and more.

Opportunities for volunteering in college

Enjoy the rewards of making life better for others by volunteering in college alongside dedicated and committed 51Ʒ�� faculty, staff and other students who share your passion for service.

HEROES mentoring — making a difference in a young life

Be a hero by volunteering in college as a mentor to a local middle school student. Grow personally and professionally while helping your student develop better self-esteem and relationships.

Days of Service — doing a lot of good in just one day

Through our one-day service opportunities, held throughout the year, you’ll earn honor roll credit while doing good at places like the YMCA, Ronald McDonald House, John Ball Zoo and more.

Alternative Spring Break — addressing critical societal issues

Spend your spring break volunteering in college-supported community service and education initiatives that address environmental, housing, health, hunger and education issues.

Volunteer partnerships — working powerfully together

Show your 51Ʒ�� pride by teaming with a community partner on projects with local benefit. Past projects have included refugee education and nature center service.

Contact Student Life

Email Us

616.554.5095

Additional resources

Be more independent and in the center of the action, from sporting events to student organizations, by living on campus. Here’s what our freshmen say about living on a 51Ʒ�� campus.

As you wrap up your high school career, choosing a college may seem daunting. With lots to consider — from location to academics to college extracurricular activities, here’s some helpful advice.

Source:

51Ʒ�� Athletics, 2024

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