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 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 75+ 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 43 athletic teams including, , , , and more!

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College student organizations

Discover the college student organizations on your 51Ʒ�� campus, where you’ll find active, like-minded students. Want to start your own organization? You can do that, too.

A group of students gathered around a table outside on the College of Business

Registered student organizations

51Ʒ�� is home to approximately 34 different Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), which provide a range of opportunities, including social, recreational, cultural, academic, professional, service and advocacy.

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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��.
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.
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.
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��.
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 (ASU) looks to recognize the uniqueness of all students and, through cultural reflections, create a sense of unification and comfort on 51Ʒ��'s campus.
Black Student Union (BSU) – Black Student Union (BSU) provides a welcoming space for students to celebrate Black culture, foster community and promote unity across campus. BSU encourages open dialogue, leadership development and collaboration while supporting the academic and personal growth of all students.
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.
Campus Activities Board (CAB) – CAB is an interdependent organization that seeks to build community through diverse, fun and purposeful events.
Cyber Defense Organization (CDO) – The CDO is a community of security-focused individuals pursuing knowledge in cybersecurity and threat mitigation throughout the private and public sectors.
DU Dungeons and Dragons – This group of students meets weekly to roll dice and cast spells. In addition to Dungeons and Dragons, this group plays various Tabletop RPGs. All students are welcome to join, no matter their skill level.
Health and Science Pre-Professional Organization (HSPPO) – This group provides research and resources for pre-professional health and science programs.
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship – A group where students can find Christian community on campus, study the Bible together and learn to serve their 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.
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.
Local Maxima Lansing – A social community of students from all backgrounds exploring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and fostering a passion for these subjects in recreation, academic research, local communities and various industries.
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.
Sexuality and Gender Equality (SAGE) – SAGE provides a safe and supportive setting regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
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 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 Nurses Association – Grand Rapids (W.A. Lettinga), Great Lakes Bay, Lansing, Warren – SNA 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.
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.
– 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.

A group of students on the athletic field cheering during Panther Prowl

Panther Prowl — welcoming you to student life in college

Feel right at home in this five-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. Pantherpalooza is held the first Friday of the fall semester.

Students playing dodgeball at Panther Prowl

Weekly Events — energizing your university life all semester

Spend time each week throughout the semester having incredible fun with your fellow Panthers in college extracurricular activities like canvas painting, BINGO, roller skating and laser tag.

Female student in professional attire shaking a women's hand at an event

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.

A picture of the fans in the stands and cheerleaders at the 2024 Homecoming game

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.

Up close imagine of a young boy with sunglasses and petting a bunny at Pounce's Family Fun Day

Sibs & Kids Weekend — welcoming future Panthers

Invite your favorite kids to the 51Ʒ�� campus in Grand Rapids for this event, where they can climb the wall, race the inflatable obstacle course, 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.

Days of Service — Through our one-day service opportunities, held throughout the year, support local nonprofits like Feeding America, NAMI West Michigan, AYA Youth Collective, and more.

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

Additional resources

Group of students outside during Panther Prowl

Staying engaged at 51Ʒ�� is essential for students to succeed. Resources such as the Center for Learning and Engagement, registered student organizations, athletics and on-campus employment opportunities help students engage socially, academically and professionally.

Three female students; Sydney Babbitt, Harper Rowland and Avyana Douglas

51Ʒ��’s Sydney Babbitt, Harper Rowland and Avyana Douglas are making those memories as we speak. This is the trio’s first year living together and they are having the best time experiencing all that 51Ʒ��’s beautiful Lettinga Campus has to offer, like modern and spacious dorms, a vibrant campus life and active student life.

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Source:

51Ʒ�� Athletics, 2025
51Ʒ��, Student Life 2024/2025

Contact Student Life

Email Us

616.554.5095