Student Organizations

2D Art Club

2D Art Club strives to nurture students’ artistic passions and celebrate diverse voices through creative expression. We do this by maintaining a shared space for artists and providing communal resources for Grinnell students of all abilities to express themselves. The club seeks to centralize the Grinnellian art community and foster artistic collaboration. Ultimately, we want to give everybody a chance to explore their creative side, whether they are a seasoned artist or only picking up the hobby.

AeroLearn

AeroLearn at Grinnell College exists to provide students with opportunities to explore engineering and flight through collaborative learning and creative problem-solving. 

We aim to make aerospace concepts accessible and inspire curiosity in engineering, bringing theory to life through practical applications and end-of-year projects/hands on work.

African Caribbean Student Union (ACSU)

The African Caribbean Students Union (ACSU) serves as a student-led organization providing representation and a sense of community for students who identify as members of the African diaspora. This is facilitated through events, workshops, meetings, and overall presence on campus. The organization works closely in collaboration with the Black Students Union and the Black Cultural Center.

Archaeology Club

Asexual & Aromantic Spectrum Support Network (AASSN)

Asian American Association (AAA)

The Asian American Association (AAA) is an Asian and Asian American affinity organization. We aim to foster connection among Asian and Asian American-identifying Grinnellians through events such as Faculty/Staff Meet and Greet and AAPI week.

Badminton Club

The Badminton Club is a fun, inclusive space that provides opportunities for players of all skill levels to play, learn, and socialize. We host weekly open gyms where anyone can drop by, have some friendly competition, and meet new people!! We offer practice spaces and access to experienced mentors for those that want to learn techniques. We also host a biannual tournament with prizes and snacks!

Basement Gallery

The purpose of this organization is to build community around experimental visual arts through exhibitions, visiting artists, lectures, and workshops. Unlike other campus art spaces that require in-depth applications or a strong background in studio art, we operate as an informal, student-run creative space. We offer accessible opportunities for educational and professional development by programming with outside artists and fostering lasting connections in the art world. We also provide rare chances for students to exhibit artwork in a low-stakes, community-centered environment. Open to all majors, we invite students to participate in both group and solo shows. Through hands-on programming, unconventional exhibitions, and an artist-centered approach, we aim to make the arts a more inclusive and integral part of campus life.

Basketball Club

The Grinnell Basketball Club provides a space for any and all Grinnell College students to enjoy playing basketball in both casual and competitive formats. The club hosts open gyms once a week at a time that many members are available in which loosely structured pickup games happen for about an hour. The club also provides an intramural basketball structure and schedules games for teams that sign up in both fall and spring “mini seasons.” Intramural basketball is both a great competitive outlet for basketball players of any level and a fun way to meet other people!

Bi-Focal

Bi-Focal is a queer student organization that provides a safe space for bisexual, pansexual, and other queer identities on the bi spectrum. Our goal is to emphasize the impacts of intersectionality when it comes to bridging people from different identities by building rapport and relationships within our communities through intentionality, grace, patience, and understanding of one’s unique and distinct needs. 

Birding Club (GCBC)

The Grinnell College Birding Club aims to create a shared space for all students interested in natural and social connection via birding as a practice. We aim to create an enjoyable, grounding, and accessible space for birders, new or experienced, to get a chance to experience the joys of birding.

Black Student Union (BSU)

The Black Student Union (BSU) at Grinnell College is dedicated to centering and supporting Black student life while fostering a more inclusive and connected campus community. BSU creates spaces for cultural expression, dialogue, and advocacy, uplifting the diverse experiences and voices within the Grinnell community. Through programming, collaboration, and campus engagement, BSU invites all students to learn, build relationships, and participate in meaningful conversations about identity, equity, and belonging. The organization works to strengthen community, promote cross-cultural understanding, and advocate for the needs and well-being of students at Grinnell.

Board Games Club

Board Games club is a gathering of individuals interested in playing board games of all types with other Grinnellians to unwind from the stress of classes with casual and competitive games of varying skill and luck.

BRASA: Brazilian Culture

BRASA Grinnell brings together Brazilian students and anyone interested in Brazilian culture. 

We host social and cultural events, build a strong campus community, and connect members with opportunities through the broader Brazilian Studies Association (BRASA) network. 

From casual gatherings to professional development, our goal is to support Brazilian students and share our culture with the Grinnell community.

Campus Democrats

Campus Democrats seeks to encourage and facilitate student participation in the Democratic Party through education, outreach, voter registration, and other events.

Chaverim: Jewish Student Organization

Chaverim provides a Jewish community on Grinnell’s campus. 

We seek to promote Jewish life through various religious, cultural, and social events open to both Jewish and non-Jewish students as well as Jewish faculty and community members. 

We are also a religious and communal resource to anyone, Jewish or otherwise, who is interested in learning more about Judaism or Jewish culture and identity.

Cheese Club

Cheese Club provides the student body with exploratory monthly tastings where members experience diverse flavors and culinary traditions. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of where their food comes from and how it is connected to the communities in which they reside.

Chess Club

The Grinnell Chess Club is where members of the Grinnell community gather to play chess. 

We meet weekly and play over the board. Come join us on the weekends for some chess!

Chinese Students Association (CSA)

The Chinese Students Association (CSA) at Grinnell College is dedicated to promoting Chinese culture, enhancing cultural exchange, and fostering a supportive community for students. 

CSA organizes a range of events, including traditional festival celebrations, cultural showcases, and social gatherings, providing opportunities for engagement with Chinese heritage and contemporary society. 

The association also facilitates interaction among students from diverse backgrounds and contributes to an inclusive and dynamic campus environment.

Con Brio A Capella

Contra Dance Club

Do you like to dance? Do you also like silverware? Then you should join Contra Club! We meet every week to dance together. Contra is commonly described as similar to the dancing seen in Pride and Prejudice (2005), or kind of like square dancing, but you have a partner. No experience required; we are more than happy to teach!

Dance Organization

The purpose of this club shall be to create a space for dancers of all levels on campus; provide students with opportunities to participate in and lead dance workshops; and to use global dance forms to spark conversations about inclusivity and diversity at Grinnell College.
Our mission is to instill an appreciation of dance as a global art form and promote collaboration and leadership. We provide a globally diverse range of dance experiences to foster an interactive, educational community seeking to advance cultural understanding.

DanceXchange

DanceXchange fosters an environment of school spirit of Grinnell College through high energy dance performances at school events. Members will meet at least once a week to learn and practice routines and perform student choreography. 

This club will help create space where members feel comfortable to express creative ideas, and it will be a main platform for street dance styles on campus. 

This organization will also collaborate with other dance organizations to foster supportive and creative dance culture in the College.

Dharma Gyan

To create a space for students to discuss and engage with authentic Buddhist literature, teachings, and methods for mental and spiritual wellbeing in a compassionate, community-driven environment.

Disability Cultural Association (DCA)

We provide a community space to discuss disability on campus and promote access and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion Club of Economics (DICE)

DICE (Diversity and Inclusion Club of Economics) is an organization made for and by students interested in economics that works to uplift diverse voices in economics at Grinnell College and beyond. We are particularly focused on creating a more welcoming place for historically marginalized groups of people and providing them the tools to succeed in economics at Grinnell and beyond.

DND and More

DND and More seeks to bring together the tabletop roleplaying game [ttrpg] community, and broaden the scope of games played.

Duels and Games (DAG)

DAG is a foam weapon fighting club and social hangout club. We duel primarily on Mac Field and run various fast paced games.

Feminist Film Society

The Feminist Film Society is an organization dedicated to the analysis of feminism in film. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment to discuss femininity and its representation in the media.

Film Club

Film Club provides students with opportunities to engage with cinema through community screenings, workshops, and community-driven film outings.

Gateway

Gateway is a group that strives to promote civil discourse surrounding the ideas and values of Christianity through reading and analyzing the Bible, and to provide mentorship for those looking to learn more about Jesus and Christianity. Gateway is multi-denominational and open to all, regardless of religious beliefs.

Grinnell Health Advocacy and Mentorship Program (GHAMP)

GHAMP builds a network of student mentors and advocates to support peers in navigating health care. We provide accessible resources to help students overcome barriers to care, especially in rural contexts. Our mentors offer approachable, peer-based guidance to increase health literacy and confidence. We collaborate with student groups to address health disparities and highlight intersectional experiences. Ultimately, we prepare students to manage their health and insurance beyond Grinnell.

Habesha Student Organization (HSO)

The Habesha Student Organization (HSO) is a student-led group at Grinnell College dedicated to celebrating and promoting Ethiopian and Eritrean cultures. HSO provides a welcoming space for students of all backgrounds to explore Habesha traditions, including food, music, language, and history. Through cultural events, social gatherings, and educational programming, the organization fosters community, cultural pride, and cross-cultural understanding on campus. HSO also serves as a support network for students of Habesha descent while encouraging broader engagement with the diverse experiences of the Habesha diaspora.

Hindu Culture and Sanatana Dharma (HDSC)

Hindu Culture Sanatan Dharma (HCSD) is a student organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving Hindu culture, traditions, and philosophy on campus. We provide a welcoming space for students to explore the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Sanatan Dharma through festivals, discussions, meditation, and community gatherings. Whether you are Hindu, curious about Hindu philosophy, or simply interested in learning about one of the world’s oldest traditions, HCSD invites you to join our vibrant community. We aim to foster cultural understanding, spiritual growth, and meaningful connections among students while sharing the values of dharma, seva (service), and unity with the broader campus community.

Home Economics Club

Focusing on crafts such as cooking, sewing, mending, and more, Home Economics Club aims to host workshops that teach students practical life skills that they can apply both here at Grinnell and beyond.

International Soccer Club (ISC)

In International Soccer Club, we only play soccer. Lately we’ve moved up to making soccer tournaments and also Gardners, but mostly soccer. ISC for students that want to play soccer and just make friends.

International Student Organization (ISO)

The International Student Organization (ISO) at Grinnell College brings together students from diverse backgrounds to build community and celebrate cultures from around the world. ISO organizes events such as Food Bazaar, Cultural Evening, and other social gatherings that allow students to share traditions, food, and experiences.

Japanese Cultural Association (JCA)

The Japanese Cultural Association's (JCA) purpose is to promote and spread the Japanese culture to the Grinnell College community by hosting cultural events. We welcome all students interested in learning about or engaging with Japanese traditions and pop culture!

Juggling and More (JAM)

JAM is a club dedicated to teaching people new skills with props. This includes juggling, cardistry, diabolo and more.

Korean American Student Association (KASA)

Korean American Student Association (KASA, aka KSA or KASO) is a vibrant community that celebrates Korean culture while welcoming students of all backgrounds. Through various cultural events, KASA creates opportunities for students to connect, build friendships, and learn about Korean traditions and contemporary culture. From holiday celebrations to casual events, KASA fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where students can feel a sense of belonging and explore shared interests.

Minority Association of Pre-Health Students

Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS) at Grinnell is the undergraduate student representation of the Student National Medical Association where we support all students who are interested in pursuing health professional careers through programming, mentoring, and community service.

Muslim Student Association (MSA)

The Muslim Student Association advocates for Muslim students on campus and organizes activities for the members of the organization. We aim to create an equitable and open environment for everyone.

Nepali Student Organization (NEPSO)

Nepali Student Organization (NEPSO) attempts to foster, share, and celebrate Nepali culture amongst Grinnellians and the community as a whole. We organize a variety of events, catered to the entire school. We celebrate culture of this small Himalayan nation that has successfully made a mark upon Grinnell and the world. These include food events, festivals, and cultural events pertaining to Nepal.

Nerf@Noyce

Nerf @ Noyce puts on a multitude of games involving nerf blasters every Friday. A few crowd favorite games are Humans vs. Zombies, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Revolutionary War, Stalingrad, Trouble in Traitor Town (TTT), and Resident Evil. Nerf @ Noyce also provides Nerf blasters and darts for anyone who needs them, but welcomes people willing to bring their own Nerf weapons. Once a year during the spring semester, Nerf @ Noyce hosts All-Campus Nerf, a weeklong event where the games breakout from Noyce and take place across campus.

Overbooked

Overbooked is a fun and friendly book club that helps members build time into their schedules for reading and connects members with other readers! Every month, we ask members to nominate books to read; the book we read is then decided through a vote. We read across genres and spend an hour per month discussing the books we’ve chosen. On weeks without discussions, we still provide a space for members to read anything they choose in community with one another.

Pakistani Student Organization (PSO)

The Pakistani Student Organization advocates for Pakistani Students on campus, spreading awareness about Pakistani culture. Our events are open to all.

People of the Bench

People of the Bench is dedicated to spiritual growth, disciplined character, and thoughtful inquiry grounded in the Qur’an and Islamic tradition. The group supports students in navigating college life while striving for self-improvement, purpose, and strong moral foundations. People of the Bench welcomes sincere truth-seekers and encourages respectful engagement with other faith traditions, including the Torah and Bible. Through discussion, reflection, and community, members deepen their own faith while learning from others. The organization aims to cultivate humility, intellectual curiosity, and meaningful relationships that build bridges across Abrahamic traditions and beyond, fostering a campus community rooted in understanding, integrity, and shared pursuit of truth.

Pep Band

You'll find the GC Pep Band at events like football, basketball, and at other places during the off-season. This group is open to any student with any musical ability. We meet for about 2 hours a week, and we do our best to ensure our practices are fun, upbeat, and relaxing. If you're looking for a chill place to develop your musical skills and play fun music, please feel free to reach out or come join on of our practices! :)

Pickleball Association (GPA)

Grinnell Pickleball Association (GPA) has fun, enjoyable pickleball games for students. Open to all skill levels, the club offers welcoming, open gym style meetings with all equipment provided. Enjoy continuous game action with rotating teams, making it easy to meet new people and improve your skills. Plus, don’t miss our exciting doubles tournaments each semester, featuring free snacks and great prizes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, GPA is the perfect place to play, compete, and connect!

Pun Club

We hope to foster pun-derstanding within the Grinnell community through pun events. We put the Grin in Grinnell!

Queer Athletes and Allies (QAA)

Queer Athletes and Allies is an organization dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ student athlete population by promoting a more inclusive athletic environment through events, speakers, and sparking critical conversations related to the experience of queer athletes. QAA also seeks to support the department’s queer students both personally and more generally by advocating on their behalf and helping better their overall athletic experiences.

Queer People of Color (QPOC)

Queer People of Color (QPOC) hosts the biannual Drag Show tradition at Grinnell College and provides a safe space and strong environment of solidarity for the QPOC community.

Rare International Students Everywhere (RISE)

Rare International Students Everywhere (RISE) aims to create a space and community for students from underrepresented national identities through organizing cultural events that increase the visibility of underrepresented national identities on campus.

Shelf Awareness

Shelf Awareness is a student-led banned book club dedicated to exploring and defending diverse and inclusive literature. In response to the growing wave of book bans and censorship, we focus on reading and discussing works that are being challenged or removed from schools and libraries across the country. Our goal is to foster open dialogue, promote critical thinking, and create a community where diverse voices and stories are heard and celebrated.

Short Fiction Forum

The Short Fiction Forum is a creative writing club founded on providing collaboration between peers on their writing. We meet weekly to write pieces of short fiction according to prompts, then play writing games and share writing ideas with each other. All writing styles, genres, and experience are welcome!

Smash@Grinnell

The organization's goal is to host weekly casual gatherings of Super Smash Bros. players around campus, as well as a monthly competitive-styled tournament. The events will take place in an HSSC room, with multiple switches running at the same time to support multiple ongoing games.

Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in the Sciences (SACNAS)

The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in the Sciences at Grinnell College is an organization dedicated to the fostering of academic and professional excellence of Latino and Native students in the sciences. This organization’s programming is one that centers community building, intersectionality, networking, civic duty, and critical thinking in order to mitigate the severe underrepresentation of these groups in higher education while maintaining doors open to all students regardless of Latino or indigenous Identity, who are supporters of diversity equity and inclusion within educational and professional settings.

South Asian Student Organization (SASO)

Spikeball Club

The Spikeball Club at Grinnell exists to be an inclusive, low-barrier athletic activity where students can connect through accessible play. While grounded in casual recreation, we also recognize the sport’s naturally competitive side. Our mission is to provide a space for students to enjoy low-stakes games while offering opportunities for friendly competition through structured matches. By making physical activity approachable, our club lowers the barrier to play and gives everyone the freedom to engage at the intensity that feels right for them. At the same time, it’s a chance to recharge from demanding academics, enjoy movement, and build community.

Student Athletes Leading Social Change (SALSC)

Student-Athletes Leading Social Change (SALSC) is a student organization designed for student athletes, but not limited to that population. Our mission is to take strides to better society through the world of athletics. Our purpose is to give students involved in Grinnell College athletics the opportunity to partake in community service in a hands-on way that might not be accessible otherwise because of scheduling (practices, competitions, classes, etc.).

Student Organization of LatinX/es (SOL)

The purpose of this organization shall be to create a space primarily for the students of Grinnell College to foster a sense of Latinidad (understanding of what it means to be Latinx, depending on the individual), comunidad (community amongst the group as well as greater Grinnell), and as open space to talk about issues and explore identities. We exist for Latinxs students, but are also open to the greater Grinnell College campus.

Students for Justice in Palestine

Grinnell Students for Justice in Palestine focuses on advocating for Palestine and the injustices happening in Gaza, while providing the student body with tangible action to support the Palestinian people.

Swing Society

We meet weekly to teach and perform West Coast Swing dance! We are open to all levels and are able to help students ranging from never danced before to experienced dancers.

Table Tennis Club

The table tennis club hosts two meetings a week in the game room. We do a combination of recreational play (mostly king of the hill), practice drills, and technique. Additionally, we watch and analyze world-class tournaments and matches to learn more about the sport.

Trans at Grinnell (TAG)

TAG meets weekly in the Stonewall Resource Center to discuss relevant topics, share experiences, and create an empowering environment for all trans, including non-binary and gender nonconforming, students at Grinnell. Meetings are casual and open to all trans, non-binary, questioning, and gender nonconforming students.

Vietnamese Student Association (VSA)

The Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) at Grinnell College is dedicated to celebrating and sharing Vietnamese culture while building a strong, inclusive community. Open to all students, VSA provides a welcoming space for those interested in Vietnamese heritage, traditions, and experiences. Through cultural events, social gatherings, and collaborative programming, the organization fosters connection among students and promotes cross-cultural understanding on campus. VSA also supports prospective and current Vietnamese students by creating a sense of belonging and representation within the broader international student community.