The purpose of student organizations at Willamette University is to provide opportunities for the enhancement of academic, cultural, social and recreational aspects of student life through participation in group programs and activities. Every Willamette student has the opportunity to become involved in campus organizations!

Student organizations fall into one of ten categories. To browse student organizations, select a category below.

Academic

Archaeology Club

The Archaeology Club aims to engage students in extracurricular archaeological activities, projects and events. The club hopes to give students more hands-on learning opportunities.

Megan Rodgers  Advisor: Ortwin Knorr  

Biology Club (BIO)

Biology club aims to advance the study of biology

Emelia Sherman  Advisor: David Craig  

Chemistry Club

The purpose of the Chemistry Club is to engage the Willamette community in chemistry-related activities both on campus and around Salem. The club provides teaching experience, along with training in lab safety techniques, for members who perform science demonstrations at local elementary and middle schools. The Chemistry Club also provides opportunities to learn about possible careers in chemistry. Science and humanities majors alike are welcome.

Daniel Sytsma  Advisor: Cooper Battle  

Debate Union

This club will serve as an extension to the already existing Debate Union class. Club members will learn how to do British Parliamentary Debate, practice debating, and do drills to enhance participants’ public speaking ability.

Amanda Padgett  Advisor: Kyle Session  

Eye Health and Pre-Optometry Club

The mission of the Eye Health and Pre-Optometry Club is to provide a space for students to meet other students with similar interests, and to benefit the community by completing community

Morgan Schetter  Advisor: Cooper Battle  

German Club

A club to provide community for German students and those with an interest in German language and culture.

Alora Crago  Advisor: Aili Zheng  

Institute for Healthcare Improvement & Health Professions Club (IHI)

This group aims to provide academic, social, and professional support for students interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Morgan Schetter  Advisor: Cooper Battle  

Math Club

The purpose of the Willamette University Math Club (WUMC) is to provide an environment in which members can explore extracurricular mathematics.

Nathan Howard  Advisor: Josh Laison  

Museum Club

Museum Club is an organization for those interested in art, art history, and/or the activities of the Hallie Ford Museum. Activities will include workshops, conversations, games, visits to local museums, and occasional events with/at PNCA.

Mathew Mahoney  Advisor: Jonathan Bucci  

Philosophy Club

The Philosophy Club's intention is to be a meeting place for philosophy majors, minors, or philosophy enthusiasts who are majoring or minoring in another field to come together to philosophize.

Hannah Chaffin  Advisor: Anthony Coleman  

Physics Club

It is the mission of the Physics Club to create a supportive student community focused on expanding aerospace and other relevant physical knowledge.

Teddy Brewer  Advisor: Rick Watkins  

Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics (PPLE) Club

PPLE Club is an organization for majors, minors, or students interested in PPLE to connect with each other and with faculty of the department.

Colby Alexander  Advisor: Richard Ellis  

Slavic Club

The purpose of the Slavic Club is to promote awareness and a greater appreciation of the Slavic culture and also to provide an opportunity for students of the Slavic Department to associate and socialize.

Ines Marco  Advisor: Sarah Bishop  

Fraternity and Sorority Life

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

IFC is the governing body for the men's fraternities, composed of elected representatives from each of Willamette's fraternities.

Royce Samaniego  Advisor: Lisa Holliday  

Kappa Sigma

By striving for excellence in Kappa Sigma's Four Pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service, we seek to produce Brothers who are involved in all aspects of campus life; who excel academically as students and professionally upon graduation; who develop lifelong bonds with those around them and who support those peers; and who serve their colleges and communities.

Thomas Sato  Advisor: Jeffery Allen  

Sigma Chi

The purpose of this fraternity shall be to cultivate and maintain the high ideals of friendship, justice and learning upon which Sigma Chi was founded.

Reese Hamilton  Advisor: Emilio Solano  

Panhellenic Council (PHC)

PHC is the governing body for the women's sororities, composed of elected representatives from each of Willamette's three sororities.

Emma Measer  Advisor: Lisa Holliday  

Alpha Chi Omega

Alpha Chi Omega seeks to positively contribute to our surrounding community through philanthropy, educational activities and social events. We strive for excellence in academics, leadership, responsibility, character, and seek to create strong bonds of friendship among our members

Anna Corner  Advisor: Anne Lapour  

Alpha Phi

Alpha Phi is a women’s fraternity that seeks the highest ideals of womanhood through sisterhood, scholarship, service, leadership, loyalty, and character development.

Jillyan Harada  Advisor: Luke Ettinger  

Media

The Collegian

The Collegian strives to teach journalistic skills and ethics while providing Willamette's weekly student paper.

Emma Innes  Advisor: Sarah Schneider  

Film Studies Club

Film Studies Club is a group of Willamette students who get together to view and discuss films as a form of cross cultural exchange.

Isaac Woodman  Advisor: Teresa Hernandez  

The Mill

The Mill exists primarily to publish a magazine of student literary work but also to promote literary art on campus more broadly.

Sophia Leonard  Advisor: Scott Nadelson  

Radio Club

The Radio Club exists to provide a space for students to have radio shows to share music

Savanna Starks  Advisor: Heather Kropf  

Multicultural

Alianza

The purpose of Alianza is to promote the Latino culture as well as empower the outer Latin community in effort to seek a higher education. We will provide the campus with ethnic celebrations, films, speakers, and a supportive environment for multicultural students through potlucks, trips and other cultural gatherings.

Maria Aguilar Alvarado  Advisor: Olivia Munoz  

Asian Coalition for Equality (ACE)

The mission of the Asian Coalition for Equality (ACE) is to educate and promote interest in awareness of Asian American issues within the Willamette University community through the use of films, lectures, outings, and other events. ACE will also attend events of groups that we recognize in solidarity on campus. These include groups representing marginalized students, groups centered around activism, and groups holding educational or informational events. ACE is here to conduct Asian American education and activism, but we also seek to build connections and support other groups representing marginalized populations on campus.

Jacob Plax  Advisor: Aili Zheng  

Black Student Union (BSU)

The Black Student Union is dedicated to the unification and healing of African-Americans, people of African descent and others that are part of the African Diaspora through self-determination, cultural education, and academic excellence. Through the Implementation of these principles and others, the Black Student Union will strive to continue the struggle for Black liberation and the liberation of all.

Laila Pickett  Advisor: Ineda Pearl Adesanya  

Sinophone Cultural Association (CSA)

The Sinophone Cultural Association strives to bridge the gap between Chinese, Chinese American, and Willamette Students and to facilitate communication among these cultures on Willamette campus.

Emily Hanlin  Advisor: Huike Wen  

Hawaii Club

The Hawaii Club strives to produce a more comfortable environment for students, both from Hawaii and those interested in the culture. It provides a support group that participates in activities, service projects, and educational programs, especially through the luau put on at the end of the school year. It also functions as a transitory resource to assist students while finding their niche at Willamette University.

Jillyan Harada  Advisor: Kendrick Arakaki  

Japan Studies Student Leaders (JSSL)

JSSL is an organization open to all students interested in Japan, with the purpose of organizing engaging academic activities centered around Japanese culture, society and language for the Willamette, TIUA and Salem communities.

Sean Olson  Advisor: Miho Fujiwara  

Native & Indigenous Student Union (NISU) (NISU)

The purpose of the Native and Indigenous Student Union is to enlighten its members to the cultural diversity of the Native American people. This association will help Native Americans to identify with an organization on campus and all other students of different origins to be enlightened by the activities, debates and lectures this association may offer.

KC Fejeran  Advisor: Reyna Meyers  

Pro Immigrant Rights Student Union (PIRSU)

Pro Immigrant Rights Student Union (PRISU) is a pro-immigrant rights organization. We represent a diverse group of activists who recognize that immigration affects the wider Willamette and Salem communities. We advocate for human rights, equity, and justice by taking political action, spreading awareness, and educating the Willamette community and the broader public.

Melissa Melquist  Advisor: Delia Olmos-Garcia  

Spanish Club

A club to provide resources to WIllamette University students and offer the opportunity of knowledge about different Spanish speaking cultures and places.

Josefina Bovee  Advisor: Gustavo Fonseca  

Performing Arts

Bearcat Band

Bearcat Band is an organization of students rehearsing pep music in preparation for home sports games, an end of semester showcase, and other University events as requested.The main purpose is to play at Willamette sporting events to increase student participation in the arts and bring more pep to sporting events.

Yize Smith-Rockne  Advisor: Qinqing Qian  

Headband

Headband is a vivacious group of tenors, baritones, basses and vocal percussionists who perform contemporary a cappella music in a variety of genres! Headband performs on Willamette's campus, sings around Salem, travels to regional festivals, and competes in the International Competition of Collegiate A Cappella (you can check them out on YouTube and Spotify, too).

Ash Scott  Advisor: Bryce Tomlin  

Millstream Sailors

An audition free, lower commitment, all-gender and voice inclusive a-capella group dedicated to singing sea shanties.

Chase Pyne  Advisor: Bryce Tomlin  

Poi Club

Poi club promotes, expresses and teaches the art of poi on the Willamette campus. We will gather regularly to practice and improve each others' skills. Performances will be in conjunction with other clubs at WU including but not limited to the DJ and Hawaii club. The tools used in poi are varied; the include poi balls, glowsticks, zuni, beaming poi and fine poi among others.

Noa Landau-Camarillo  Advisor: Anthony Stafford   

Student Theatre Arts Group for Equity (STAGE)

STAGE is dedicated to supporting and funding theatrical endeavors on campus. Their goal is to create more inclusive student-led arts community on the Willamette campus as well as organize and support creative expression outside of the academic department.

Tori Purpura  Advisor: Kyle Lemoi  

Up Top

Up Top is a student-run treble a cappella musical group comprised of full-time Willamette students of any major. It strives to promote a creative and performance outlet through the process of performing and arranging original and "covered" vocal pieces.

Linnea Lovtang  Advisor: Kaelyn Kappes  

Willamette Dance Company

The Willamette Dance Company is an organization of dancers and dance enthusiasts with the common goal of creating and performing a fall and spring dance concert.

Taylor Hamura  Advisor: Lisa Holliday  

Religious

Campus Ambassadors

Campus Ambassadors Christian Fellowship desires to help students grow in the knowledge and love of God, guided by the authority of Scripture and prayer. We work to fulfill our mission through worship, Bible study, community service, daily prayer and retreats.

Serenna Thorsen   Advisor: Courtney Stevens  

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (WUIV)

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a student-led organization that is working with Jesus to cause a revolution through which all students will experience the kingdom of God, be transformed by His love and be sent out to change the world. Students lead small group Bible studies and prayer meetings in order to know Jesus personally.

Jasmine Shigeno  Advisor: Sue Corner  

Jewish Student Union

This organization strives to provide a forum and community for Jewish students of WU to practice and talk about Jewish culture.

Theo Balwit  Advisor: Meredy Goldberg Edelson  

Service

Burning Bright

Burning Bright provides a variety of opportunities to volunteer with children with serious illnesses. Opportunities include service at the hospital, fundraisers, organizational events and specialized camps.

Jenna Harris  Advisor: Eric Lassahn  

Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARA)

SARA aims to provide a safe group of trained volunteers to which survivors of sexual assault and their allies can go to seek support, advocacy, and information.

Sage Clemons  Advisor: Andrea Doyle Hugmeyer  

Willamette Emergency Medical Services (WEMS)

To encourage and facilitate training of students expressing interests in emergency medical services to include but not limited to training in CPR and First Aid. To provide certification in CPR to the Willamette Community.

Jacob Kuklock  Advisor: Andrew Fresh  

Zena Farm Club

The Zena Farm Club gathers students to collaborate ideas and work on Zena Farm, the Willamette owned piece of land just outside of West Salem.

Leila Fischer  Advisor: Jordan Uth  

Social and Support

Bearcat Pantry/SOAR

An operating food pantry that aims to serve students that identify as food insecure, help connect students with resources to support better financial stability, and to raise awareness about food insecurity.

Tama St. Onge  Advisor: Justin Leibowitz  

Chess Club

Chess Club provides a friendly, welcoming, judgement free space to play chess, develop strategy, hone tactics, learn theory, make mistakes, and gain a deeper appreciation for the game.

Tyler Bontrager  Advisor: Ivan Welty  

Choice Action Team

NARAL is part of the larger Pro-Choice Oregon: Salem Regional Leadership Team. We will work with this team to advance reproductive rights/access in our area and participate in legislative action and community organizing

Lily O’Shea  Advisor: Lisa Logan  

Climate Action Alliance

Climate Action Alliance is meant to provide opportunities to learn about and engage in sustainability, environmental justice, and other relevant topics.

Ian Curtis  Advisor: Joe Bowersox  

College Democrats

Willamette College Democrats will serve as a source of ideas, organization, and activism directed towards supporting the community members of WU who seek to gain experience in local, state, or national politics through voter education, voter registration, get out the vote efforts, as well as those who seek to gain experience by aiding candidates or campaigns aligned with the ideals found within the platform, heritage, or future direction of the Democratic Party.

Andrew Hull  Advisor: Richard Ellis  

College Republicans

The Willamette University College Republicans is dedicated towards the discussion and promotion of conservative ideas on campus and beyond. The club will serve to support the politics and platform of the Republican Party and connect students with opportunities to engage in real-world political discourse and action.

Kasey Englert  Advisor: Ortwin Knorr  

Disability Advocacy Club

To provide a safe community and uplifting environment for current students with disabilities, as well as their allies.

Andrew Caruana  Advisor: Justin Leibowitz  

Fabric, Yarn, and Textiles Club

Fabric Yarn and Textile club will meet with the purpose of building community and giving back to the larger Salem community through craft projects.

Ellen Lovre  Advisor: David Altman  

Millstream Board Games Collective

The Millstream Board Games Collective seeks to provide a sense of community for students, offering a safe, equitable, and inviting space to enjoy tabletop games through play, conversation, and creation.

Forrest Derr  Advisor: Josh Laison  

Neurodivergent Student Union

The mission of this organization is to be a community space for neurodivergent students to create relationships with others like them, to offer support with navigating university resources, and to educate the community about Autism, ADHD, ADD, and neurodiversity.

Kayden Cantrell  Advisor: Karen Holman  

Non Traditional Student Union

Non Traditional Student Union creates a safe space for non traditional students to connect with each other and share experiences while also connecting to the larger Willamette community.

Lauren Meekins  Advisor: Cecily McCaffrey  

Restorative Justice Coalition (RJC)

This group will share information in regards to and advocate for reformation of criminal justice.

Meg McNaughton  Advisor: Melissa Buis  

Poetry Club

A community of poets dedicated to creating a safe space to write and share art with each other and the greater community.

Sieren Ureno Clayton  Advisor: Karen Delsman  

Queer Student Union (RBOW)

The Queer Student Union is dedicated to providing support, resources, and visibility for queer students in the Willamette community. We aim to build community and create a welcoming space for organizing towards queer liberation that celebrates all intersections of identity held by our members.

Emery Kerani  Advisor: Janet Lorenzen  

Student Athlete Advisory Committee

The mission of the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all student-athletes; protecting student-athlete welfare; and fostering a positive student-athlete image, while maintaining the tenets of the Division III philosophy.

Catie Kawamura  Advisor: Leslie Shevlin  

Tabletop RPG Club

Tabletop RPG Club will provide a positive and social atmosphere for Willamette students to enjoy themselves by playing various tabletop games.

Laurel Schmidt  Advisor: David Altman  

Video Game Club

It is the mission of the Video Game Club to promote teamwork and communication between video gamers on campus, and build an environment of harassment-free sportsmanship through on-campus competition.

Matthew Quirarte  Advisor: Jeff Allen  

Willamette Events Board (WEB)

The purpose of Willamette Events Board is to provide programs that complement, reflect and respond to the Willamette University community. These programs shall be designed to be an educational experience for those involved in planning and presenting of the programs, as well as those who participate. These programs should remain consistent with stated objectives, regulations, and missions of the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership and Willamette University.

Audrey Ely  Advisor: Jodi Santillie  

Sports and Recreational

Badminton Club

The purpose is to be an organization where members can compete against each other and enhance their skills as badminton players.

Marcos Maza  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

Basketball Club

A club where that meets weekly to practice and/or play basketball, and will compete as a group outside of the Willamette community.

Reese Hamilton  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

WU Gaming and E-Sports Club

WU Gaming and E-Sports Club aims to provide Willamette Students with the chance to compete in their favorite video game as eSports athletics to develop their competitive spirit, leadership abilities, and teamwork. There will be team practices, competitive tournaments, and viewing parties.

Isaiah Barnes  Advisor: Josh Laison  

Men's Rugby Club

Men's Rugby plays a challenging schedule in both the fall and spring semesters, and tour all over the country - from home games at McCulloch Stadium to campuses across the Northwest and California. Students with any ability level are welcome! Live your golden years playing the greatest sport in the world, and forming friendships you'll have the rest of your life. GO BEARCATS!!

Aiden Schubert  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

Men's Soccer Club

The Men’s Soccer Club provides students the opportunity to play competitive soccer.

Carlos Cortes  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

Nerf Club

The Nerf Club fosters a safe, friendly, social, and inclusive community centered around the Nerfing hobby.

Emma Innes  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

Pickleball Club

Pickleball Club is open to all who would like to play Pickleball a few times a week.

Kiera Atkinson  Advisor: Raechelle Mascarenhas  

Skate Club

Skate Club is a fun recreation club that plays with all types of skating including: Roller Skating, Roller Blading, Skateboarding, Longboarding, and Ice Skating.

Sabrina Daramola  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

Taekwondo Club

The mission of Taekwondo Club is to provide a place for college students to safely practice and improve in taekwondo.

Anders Webb  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

Ultimate Frisbee

This club exists to play Ultimate Frisbee and lots of it. Group members strive to develop skills, play in intercollegiate games and tournaments and to have fun in every weather condition.

Michael Bihrle  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

Volleyball Club

This organization seeks to gather students of Willamette University to play volleyball and increase their skills in the sport.

Anushka Srivastav  Advisor: Quinn Nottage  

Willamette Rugby Football Club

Our purpose at Willamette University is to promote the love of rugby in a positive and fun manner by providing women, non-binary, and transgender folks with a fun and athletic pastime outside of varsity sports. By participating in Willamette Rugby Football Club, students have a chance to participate in a unique sport and get involved in the Willamette community.

Mary Vickery   Advisor: Quinn Nottage  
Willamette University

Student Engagement and Leadership

Address
Putnam University Center, Second Floor
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6463 voice
503-370-6407 fax

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