Get Involved: University Of Arizona Student Opportunities

The University of Arizona offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved and engage in campus life. With hundreds of degree choices at its Tucson hub, online courses, and a worldwide microcampus network, the university caters to diverse student interests and goals. Students can choose from over 400 clubs and organizations, including academic, athletic, and special interest groups, as well as fraternities and sororities. The Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA) is the university-wide student government that offers various programs and services for students to utilize and help organize. Additionally, the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership provides information on student involvement opportunities, and the Residence Hall Association (RHA) promotes a positive residential experience. The University of Arizona encourages students to explore their interests, develop their skills, and connect with their peers through these extensive involvement options.

Joining clubs and societies

Clubs and societies at the University of Arizona cover a wide range of interests, from niche hobbies to extracurricular activities, career-oriented groups, and professional development organisations. For example, students with an interest in skiing and snowboarding can join the Elevation Ski and Snowboard Club, while those interested in filmmaking can join the University Filmmakers Organization. There are also clubs for students who enjoy ultimate frisbee, hip hop dancing, and even skydiving with the Arizona SkyCats Skydiving Club.

In addition to these recreational clubs, there are also career-oriented and professional groups, such as Engineers Without Borders, the Student Optics Chapter, and Women in Medicine and Science. These groups provide students with the opportunity to network with others in their field, gain valuable experience, and develop new skills.

Joining a club is a great way to meet people and make connections with those who share similar interests. It can also help students to develop valuable leadership skills and gain experience in areas such as communication, problem-solving, and management. The University of Arizona also has a wide variety of cultural and special interest clubs, as well as cultural and resource centres, where students can gather to celebrate their identity and work towards social justice initiatives.

The University of Arizona also offers fraternities and sororities, with over 50 programs that provide opportunities for personal and professional development, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

With so many clubs and organisations to choose from, students at the University of Arizona can easily find ways to get involved, pursue their passions, and connect with their fellow Wildcats.

Student government

The Associated Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA) is the University of Arizona's student government. It offers a wide variety of programs and services that students can both help organize and utilize. These programs include planning carnivals, raising funds for scholarships, and representing student concerns to the state legislature.

ASUA is responsible for the functioning of nearly 500 clubs and organizations that make up the campus environment. It is the perfect opportunity for students to get involved in student government and gain leadership skills and experience.

Students can take on leadership roles within ASUA and have their voices heard by representing student concerns and interests. They can also help organize and participate in the various programs and services offered by ASUA, such as planning social events like carnivals and raising funds for scholarships.

Getting involved in student government is a great way for students to develop their leadership skills, gain experience in event planning and organization, and make a positive impact on the campus community. It also allows students to connect with their peers and work together to enhance their university experience.

Additionally, students can join various clubs and organizations on campus, such as Engineers Without Borders, the Microbiology Club, and the Women in Medicine and Science club, to name a few. These clubs provide opportunities for students to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and connect with others who share their passions.

Through their involvement in student government and campus clubs, students at the University of Arizona can actively contribute to their community, gain valuable experience, and make their university experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Residence Hall Association

The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is the official voice of on-campus residents at the University of Arizona. It is a student-run organization that works closely with department leaders to promote a great residential experience for students. As a resident, you automatically become a member of the RHA.

The RHA has two core values: creating a socially just campus and implementing sustainable practices that contribute to the world. It aims to develop an educational, inclusive, sustainable, and social living environment for its residents. Through promoting active participation in community development, the RHA encourages a positive residential experience that builds communities and leaders.

The RHA is made up of a board of directors, individual hall, community, and apartment councils. Each location has an RHA with executive and board positions that students can run for to enhance their leadership skills. These positions allow students to give back to the larger community through advocacy, programming, and leadership.

The RHA puts on large-scale programs such as the Hall Involvement Team (HI Team), Block Party, Taste of the Union, and Hall Leadership Camp. The HI Team is a group of selected students who arrive early to campus to help incoming students move into the dorms and provide them with leadership training.

Through inclusive and fun campus programs, the RHA educates students on greater campus needs. These programs are carefully planned and executed to send an impactful message. Through these initiatives, student leaders develop skills and abilities that make their leadership intentional.

Fraternity and sorority programs

The University of Arizona is home to a diverse range of fraternity and sorority programs, with over 50 options to choose from. These programs offer students numerous benefits, including personal and professional development, leadership opportunities, and the chance to form lifelong friendships.

United Sorority & Fraternity Council (USFC)

The USFC is ideal for students seeking a tight-knit, family-like organization. It comprises 10 identity-based sororities and 6 identity-based fraternities, including historically Black fraternities and sororities. USFC chapters foster strong bonds not only within their own members but also with other USFC organizations across the country. They are committed to serving the local community, particularly underrepresented groups in Tucson. USFC organizations are identity-based, celebrating cultures such as Asian, Latinx, LBGTQ+, African American, Native American, or multicultural. While these organizations were founded to celebrate specific cultures, students do not need to identify with a specific culture to join and are welcomed if they simply appreciate the culture. USFC dues are affordable, and council recruitment events are free.

USFC fraternities and sororities usually require a minimum college GPA of 2.5, with many requiring a 2.75. They also emphasize the importance of community service, community involvement, and campus leadership, expecting applicants to have a strong record in these areas.

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

The IFC represents 18 general men's fraternities and offers a range of experiences. IFC chapters vary in size, with an average of 85 members, and members often form close bonds within their new member class. IFC fraternities are actively engaged across the University of Arizona campus, including in student leadership roles and intramural sports. They also raise significant funds for Tucson's Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse.

IFC fraternities emphasize academics, leadership, and campus involvement. They offer a variety of social and recreational activities, such as formals, theme parties, and philanthropic events. While most IFC chapters have a chapter house, most members do not live in them, and organizations without housing still provide a fulfilling experience by utilizing other locations for social events.

The IFC encourages men going through the recruitment process to have a minimum high school GPA of 2.75 or a college GPA of 2.5 with 12 or more college units. They emphasize the importance of community service, community involvement, and leadership, both in high school and at the university level.

Panhellenic Council

The Panhellenic Council represents 13 sororities, 12 of which belong to the National Panhellenic Conference. Panhellenic chapters are large organizations, ranging from 150 to 340 members, and they foster strong bonds between sisters and their mentors. These chapters emphasize philanthropy, committing to various national and global organizations and raising thousands of dollars each semester.

Panhellenic sororities focus on academics, leadership, and campus involvement while also offering social and recreational activities. While most chapters have a house, the majority of members do not live in them, and organizations without housing still create a fulfilling experience.

The Panhellenic Council encourages women going through recruitment to have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 or a college GPA of 2.75 with 12 or more college units. They emphasize the importance of community service, community involvement, and leadership during the high school and college years.

Benefits of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Joining a fraternity or sorority at the University of Arizona offers numerous advantages. It provides opportunities for personal growth and leadership development, allowing students to take on leadership roles within their chapters and the wider campus community. Fraternity and sorority life also fosters a sense of community and belonging, with members forming close bonds and lifelong friendships. Additionally, these organizations promote academic excellence and provide a platform for campus involvement and social activities.

Overall, the fraternity and sorority programs at the University of Arizona offer a well-rounded experience that enhances students' personal and academic lives, providing them with a support system and a sense of community during their time at the university.

Student leadership

The University of Arizona offers a wide range of student leadership opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and make meaningful connections.

The A Center Student Leadership

The A Center encourages students to connect with their peers and seek out leadership positions. They offer various student leadership roles, including A Center Explorers (ACEs) and Peer Mentors. ACEs are trained to represent the department at recruitment events and speak to prospective students about the University of Arizona and the process of exploring majors. The Peer Mentors assist incoming first-year students with their transition to university life by providing support and community-building activities.

Eller College of Management Undergraduate Leadership Programs

The Eller College of Management offers several leadership programs for its undergraduate students. The Eller Rising Professionals program provides first-year foundational business management students with a series of workshops, challenges, and networking opportunities for professional development. The Leadership Empowerment and Academic Development (LEAD) program helps first-year students transition to college life successfully through community-building, study halls, and professional development events. Additionally, Eller has an exclusive opportunity called PREMIER, which allows first-year students to develop new business and leadership skills and network with their peers.

Blue Chip Leadership Experience

The Blue Chip Leadership Experience is a program where students build community, learn through service and action, and develop valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Honor Society)

Omicron Delta Kappa is a society that recognizes and fosters superior leadership qualities in students. They focus on academics and research, athletics, service to the campus and community, communications, and creative and performing arts.

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

As a member of the University of Arizona's residential community, students automatically become a part of the Residence Hall Association (RHA). RHA is the official voice of on-campus residents and works closely with department leaders to enhance the residential experience. It serves as a programming and leadership development group, organizing large-scale programs and events.

Hall Involvement Team (HI Team)

The Hall Involvement Team is a leadership opportunity for new students living in the dorms. Members of the HI Team arrive early on campus to receive leadership training and assist with student move-in.

With over 400 clubs and organizations, the University of Arizona provides numerous avenues for students to develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact during their time at the university.

Frequently asked questions