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.
Select A Category:
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.
Olivia Reinhart Advisor: Ortwin KnorrBiology Club (BIO)
Biology club aims to advance the study of biology
Ryan Strobel Advisor: David CraigChemistry 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.
Marni Aosved Advisor: Cooper BattleDebate 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 SessionEye 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
Aubrey Sandler Advisor: Cooper BattleGerman Club
A club to provide community for German students and those with an interest in German language and culture.
Alora Crago Advisor: Aili ZhengInstitute 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.
Aubrey Sandler Advisor: Cooper BattleMath Club
The purpose of the Willamette University Math Club (WUMC) is to provide an environment in which members can explore extracurricular mathematics.
Tyler Przybylski Advisor: Josh LaisonMuseum 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 BucciPhilosophy 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 ColemanPhysics 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 WatkinsSlavic 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 BishopSpanish Club
Spanish club is a student-run organization at Willamette University that celebrates and promotes Spanish culture and language. We hold different types of events each month so students are exposed to the different foods, cultures, and dialects that are present in Spanish speaking countries. Our club is intended to expose students to aspects of Spanish language and culture that are difficult to explore in a traditional classroom setting, to promote fluency in the language, and to help students gain a deeper understanding of culture.
Josefina Bovee Advisor: Gustavo Fonseca
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 HollidayKappa 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 AllenSigma 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 SolanoPanhellenic Council (PHC)
PHC is the governing body for the women's sororities, composed of elected representatives from each of Willamette's three sororities.
Mia Lustick Advisor: Lisa HollidayAlpha 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
Jillian Layton Advisor: Anne LapourAlpha 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.
Bella Montalvo Advisor: Sarah SchneiderThe Mill
The Mill exists primarily to publish a magazine of student literary work but also to promote literary art on campus more broadly.
Sophia Valva Advisor: Scott NadelsonRadio Club
The Radio Club exists to provide a space for students to have radio shows to share music
Savanna Starks Advisor: Heather Kropf
Multicultural
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.
Mia Aguilar Advisor: Olivia MunozAsian 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 ZhengBlack 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 AdesanyaSinophone 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 WenHawaii 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.
Jill Harada Advisor: Kendrick ArakakiJapan 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 FujiwaraMultiracial Collective
The Multicultural Collective seeks to create community among bi/multi-racial students, as well as connect members with community resources, hold multicultural events, and host multicultural speakers.
Aanya FriedmanNative & 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 MeyersPro 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-GarciaSouth Asian Student Union
SASU aims to create a safe space for people who identify with South Asian heritage. Along with creating a sense of community, SASU hosts events relevant to South Asian culture such as Holi, Diwali, Lodi, and Eid.
Gia Patel
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 QianHeadband
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 TomlinMillstream Sailors
An audition free, lower commitment, all-gender and voice inclusive a-capella group dedicated to singing sea shanties.
Chase Pyne Advisor: Bryce TomlinPoi 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.
Irislyn Monteith Advisor: Anthony StaffordStudent 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.
Juno Tejchman Advisor: Susan CoromelTandem
Tandem is a co-ed a capella choir that arranges, learns and performs a variety of popular music.
Ella Chatalas Advisor: Anna SongUp 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 KappesWillamette 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.
Anna Corner Advisor: Lisa Holliday
Religious
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 StevensInterVarsity 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 CornerJewish 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.
Maxwell Fontaine Advisor: Eric LassahnSexual 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.
Amanda Padgett Advisor: Lisa LoganWillamette 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 Kuklok Advisor: Andrew FreshZena 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.
Adelaide Kemp Advisor: Wendy Peterson-Boring
Social and Support
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.
Eli Knowlton Advisor: Ivan WeltyChoice 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
Madeline Moore Advisor: Lisa LoganClimate Action Alliance
Climate Action Alliance is meant to provide opportunities to learn about and engage in sustainability, environmental justice, and other relevant topics.
Megan McNaughton Advisor: Janet LorenzenCollege 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 EllisDisability Advocacy Club
To provide a safe community and uplifting environment for current students with disabilities, as well as their allies.
Andrew Caruana Advisor: Justin LeibowitzFabric, 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.
Grace Kline Advisor: David AltmanNeurodivergent 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.
Sophie Bowman Advisor: Karen McFarlane HolmanNon 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 McCaffreyRestorative Justice Coalition (RJC)
This group will share information in regards to and advocate for reformation of criminal justice.
Sara McNaughton Advisor: Melissa BuisPoetry Club
A community of poets dedicated to creating a safe space to write and share art with each other and the greater community.
Arlo Craft Advisor: Karen DelsmanQueer 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 LorenzenStudent 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.
Ryan Johns Advisor: Brent SummersVideo 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.
Benjamin Weber Advisor: Jeff AllenThe 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
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 NottageMen'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 NottageMen's Soccer Club
The Men’s Soccer Club provides students the opportunity to play competitive soccer.
Forrest Davis Advisor: Quinn NottageNerf Club
The Nerf Club fosters a safe, friendly, social, and inclusive community centered around the Nerfing hobby.
Emma Innes Advisor: Quinn NottagePickleball Club
Pickleball Club is open to all who would like to play Pickleball a few times a week.
Kiera Atkinson Advisor: Raechelle MascarenhasRock Climbing Club
An inclusive and safe place to work out in a non-traditional way. Club activities include on-campus meetings, organized trips to the local climbing gym in Salem, trips to larger climbing gyms in Portland, outdoor trips in cooperation with the Outdoor program, and trips to other colleges in the Pacific Northwest that have climbing areas.
Marcus VernerTaekwondo 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 NottageTennis Club
A non-competitive club for people wanting to play tennis. Meets twice a week as weather permits. Club members can come with any skill level to rally, play matches, or even learn new strokes and the rules of the game.
Grace CorsacUltimate 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.
Sawyer Garrison Advisor: Quinn NottageVolleyball Club
This organization seeks to gather students of Willamette University to play volleyball and increase their skills in the sport.
Anushka Srivastav Advisor: Quinn NottageWillamette 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