While visiting Grinnell in February as a Mellon Foundation Humanities in Action Alumna scholar in residence, Irma McClaurin ’73 collaborated with students to build an archive of the Black Experience at Grinnell.
The Grinnell Singers, under the direction of Conductor John Rommereim, will be traveling east for the group’s week-long spring concert tour, March 16–22.
Grinnellians celebrated Black History Month as “Unapologetically Black Month,” highlighting the strength of community as Black students came into joy and celebration with each other.
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.
Take flight with the AeroLearn Club at Grinnell! Our mission is to give students a fun, hands-on way to explore engineering and aeronautic/space concepts at a school without an engineering program. From learning the fundamentals of aeronautics to experimenting with real-world projects, members will build both knowledge and practical skills. By the end of the year, we’ll bring some of our ideas off the page and into the air through applied projects. No prior experience needed — just curiosity, creativity, and a passion for discovery.
The African Caribbean Student Union (ACSU) is dedicated to celebrating the rich cultures of the African and Caribbean diaspora. We provide a welcoming space for all students students to connect, share experiences, and engage in cultural events and discussions. Our mission is to foster community, promote cultural awareness, and support student engagement within the broader campus environment.
Archaeology Club is best known for weekly Friday flintknapping sessions, where anyone can learn to make stone tools using prehistoric methods. Besides flintknapping, Archaeology Club hosts about two other events per month with varying topics. Past events have included metal detecting, video game nights, field trips, surface surveys, and much more!
Asexual & Aromantic Spectrum Support Network (AASSN)
The purpose of this organization relates primarily to our commitment to community and to connection. Not only does this include Grinnell students, but it includes professors, other MLCs and organizations in Grinnell, and groups outside of Grinnell. We are committed to dedicating more time towards connecting first years and others who haven't heard of AAA, so that they feel welcome, understood, connected, inspired, and most of all, happy.
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
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
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
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
Bi-Focal’s mission is to provide a space and community for the Bisexual/Questioning Spectrum of Identities for students who identify under the "Bi" label in Grinnell College, as well as offering resources for them to be part of the broader LGBTQ+ culture in the Stonewall Resource Center. All Grinnell College students are welcome.
The Black Student Union serves as an affinity group that represents and centers Black culture in its richness, diversity, and history. This is a space where students can share their experiences, seek support (academically and personally), build community, and advocate for the interest of Black student experiences. We welcome participation from anyone in the Grinnell College community interested in supporting the goals of the organization, while maintaining a focus on Black voices and perspectives.
Board Games club strives to reflect the values of Grinnell College in creating a welcoming environment for all students. The purpose of this organization is to be 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 stands for the Brazilian Student Association. Grinnell College’s chapter connects and empowers Brazilian students studying abroad through academic, professional, and cultural initiatives.
Campus Democrats seeks to encourage and facilitate student participation in the Democratic Party through education, outreach, voter registration, and other events.
Join a group of students interested in maintaining or rediscovering their Catholic faith through meeting other Catholic students, discussing important issues surrounding the church, and participating in volunteer activities.
Chaverim is a Jewish Student Organization dedicated to providing a Jewish community on campus. We aim to fulfill the cultural and religious aspects of a Jewish community. We are also a religious and communal resource to non-Jewish students who are potentially interested in Judaism or Jewish culture/identity. We seek to promote Jewish life on campus through various religious, cultural, and social events open to both Jewish and non-Jewish students and Jewish faculty, staff, and community members.
The purpose of Cheese Club is to expand the palate of the Grinnell student body through monthly cheese tastings paired with educational sessions about the history and backgrounds of each cheese present. Through 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.
The mission of CSA is to build relations with the Grinnell College administration, other student organizations at the College, and Chinese student organizations at other universities.
Collage Club is a relaxed, welcoming space for students to express themselves through collage. We hope that everyone feels comfortable to try out collage, whether you consider yourself an artist or not. Our club strives to create a community based on making things side by side and getting to know each other through art.
ColorStack at Grinnell
Academic
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
Con Brio A Cappella gathers students with a passion for music-making to create music exclusively from internal instruments. This organization strives to create and share a cappella music with its members, participants of the college, and the ever-expanding Grinnell a cappella community.
Contra dance is a partner folk dance that’s a cross between swing and square dancing. Led by a caller, dances are a combination of individual and group movements to create intricate patterns. Contra is beginner friendly! We teach six dances per week and always welcome new dancers.
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
Affinity and Multicultural
Performances and Art
Sports and Recreation
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
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
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.
The Disability Cultural Association aims to form a diverse, disability-centered community for students, faculty, and staff. We seek to empower our community by expanding our views of normality and success. We aim to foster campus connections and revolutionize Grinnell's view of disability. Through advocacy, we will take Grinnell College's silent disability culture and make it prominent and respected.
Diversity and Inclusion Club in Economics (DICE) 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 is an organization dedicated to building up the ttrpg [tabletop roleplaying game] player community in Grinnell College and expanding their repertoire of ttrpg games.
Duels and Games is a foam weapon fighting and building organization. We have foam weapon fights consisting of swords, shields, spears, javelins, etc used in various forms of duels and group fights. We additionally have a wonderful community around building and maintaining our equipment during our social build sessions where we hang out with other members of dag and, perhaps, make new weapons and gear for our duels (and games).
Feminist Film Society
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
The Feminist Film Society empowers women by exploring and analyzing film through a feminist lens, fostering critical discussion, community, and representation in cinema.
To facilitate a welcoming and creative space for all things related to creating games! Be it art, music, programming, etc. all are welcome from every step in their development journey.
Gateway
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
Gateway is a group that strives to promote civil discourse surrounding the ideas and values of Christianity and to provide mentorship for those looking to learn more about Jesus and Christianity. Gateway is interdenominational and open to all, regardless of religious beliefs.
We are the Grinnell College chapter of Girls Who Code’s College Loops program — a community of college students working together to uplift and empower women and gender-marginalized students in tech. Throughout the academic year, we host weekly meetings focused on building community, growing technical skills, and supporting each other’s success in computer science and beyond. As part of our mission, we also lead weekly after-school coding programs at the local Grinnell-Newburg Middle School to mentor and inspire the next generation of young coders.
Grinnell Health Advocacy and Mentorship Program (GHAMP)
Grinnell Health Advocacy and Mentorship Program (GHAMP)
The Grinnell Health Advocacy and Mentorship Program (GHAMP) aims to create a network of student mentors and/or advocates to provide guidance and support for students accessing health care services. We seek to provide easily accessible and digestible resources to guide students through the health care system and help them mitigate rural barriers to care.
Rallying students together through the sport of pickleball, our club aims to create a vibrant community that fosters friendships, healthy lifestyles, and a passion for the game.
Habseha Student Organization is a student org aiming to provide a communal safe space for Habesha Students and people interested in Habesha Culture. To do so, HSO will to try to create a space for socialization and the discussion of issues, and social phenomena pertaining to people who identify as Habesha.
This organization seeks to disseminate the ideas and practices of the Hindu dharma, create spaces for individual religious practices, and provide a vibrant larger community of students that follow Hindu practices on campus. We also seek to aid non-Hindu students interested in engaging with dharmic philosophies, cultures, and practices. All social, cultural, and religious events organized by this group are open to all campus community members.
Join the Grinnell Home Economics Club each week to learn vital life skills in a judgement-free space! Meetings alternate weekly between workshops and cooking quick, easy, and cheap recipes together that you can then make on your own. Examples of possible/previous meeting topics are mending, grilled cheese and tomato soup, embroidery, cupcakes, floral arranging, and minor home repairs. All people are welcome to join, regardless of experience or skill level!
Infinite Coincidence is a long form improv group composed of Grinnell College students with a shared love of comedy. We utilize the longer format in our improv shows to explore longer plotlines, relationships, and character development while also having fun for our audience. We perform multiple shows each semester, open to any Grinnell College students and faculty looking to enjoy an evening of laughter!
The club’s purpose is primarily to create a fun and active space for either international or domestic students, who enjoy playing Football (soccer) from time to time and through it make friends. Most of the time, you get to a new location and tend to have no friends or just be stressed do to classes or personal things, ISC is meant to be an exit for those problems, even if it's just for a few hours.
The International Student Organization (ISO) is the largest student-run organization on campus and seeks to promote international and intercultural understanding within and beyond the college community. ISO encourages students to broaden their horizons and explore and experience different cultures. Additionally, our organization acts as a networking group, a resource, and a safe space for members of the Grinnell community.
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!
To provide a space where students can teach and learn various dexterity skills, focusing on juggling. This space will also be a place to gather for practicing such skills and interacting with the communities built around such skills.
K-Drama Club
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
Join us in watching the best K-Drama shows together while making cute crafts!! We have passionate discussions about episodes we watch, and we do scrapbooking, keychain-making, and many more creative activities on theme with our favorite shows!!
Korean American Student Association (KASA)
Academic
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
KASA is the Korean American Student Association that is continuing the KSA. The mission of the Korean American Student Association (KASA) at Grinnell College is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates Korean culture, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and provides support and resources for students with a cultural affinity with or perspective on the Korean / Korean American experience.
To preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Chinese Mahjong by fostering community, enhancing skills, and promoting strategic thinking. We aim to create an inclusive and engaging environment where players of all levels can connect, learn, and enjoy the timeless tradition of Mahjong.
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.
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.
NAMI on Campus is a student organization that seeks to provide a welcoming community for all students and promote wellbeing through calming activities and discussions about mental health topics during our weekly meetings.
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 at Noyce is a student study break in the form of a night of semi-competitive games among the grounds of Noyce. Prepare to hunt zombies, strategize and communicate with your team to come out on top!
The Neverland Players is a student-run theatre group that collects children’s stories from Grinnell after-school programs and turns them into a series of skits for the community to enjoy each semester.
Overbooked is a student-run book club that meets every month to discuss a new book. Members get to suggest and vote on group books every month that the club will then read together. We promote reading for fun during the school year and give people a space to hang out and share our passion for books!
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
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
From the perspective of Islamic faith, People of the Bench is dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, self-improvement, and disciplined character, guided by the Qur’an, and preparing students to navigate college and life beyond. We welcome truth-seekers and encourage thoughtful engagement with the Torah, Bible, and other faith traditions so that students may deepen their own faith while learning across traditions and building connections that unite Abrahamic religions and beyond.
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! :)
Queer Athletes and Allies (QAA) is a student-athlete-led organization at Grinnell College dedicated to building an inclusive and empowering community for LGBTQIA+ athletes and their allies. QAA fosters a safe space for connection, education, and advocacy through events and discussions centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Open to all athletes, we amplify queer voices in athletics, supports allyship, and provides resources to enhance both athletic and personal experiences.
QPOC is a student-led group for Queer students of Color on campus to connect with other Queer students of Color and build a bond. QPOC organizes and hosts bi-annual drag shows and KINK to celebrate lives of Queer students of Color.
We represent Grinnell College students who are National Questbridge scholars! We throw events, not only for QB Scholars, but also for First-Generation and low-income students. You can take a look at our events on our Instagram: @grinnellquestbridge. If you have any questions about resources for FGLI students or how to be more involved, don't hesitate to reach out!
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.
Russian Speaking Society
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
The Russian Speaking Society fosters intercultural exchange and community through language, culture, and shared experiences. In collaboration with the Russian Department, we welcome and bring together international and domestic students to learn from one another and celebrate diverse traditions. Through guest lectures, cultural celebrations, film screenings, cooking events, and conversations, we showcase the cuisines, folk songs, holidays, and histories of Russian-speaking and post-Soviet countries. Our purpose is to create an inclusive and welcoming space where all Grinnellians can engage in dialogue, broaden cultural understanding, and strengthen connections across the campus community.
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.
Established for and by aspiring writers, we aim to create a safe space of collaboration between peers on self-composed pieces of short fiction. We are focused on encouraging long-lasting relationships between writers that will transcend the organization’s purpose, uniting writers with a group of like-passioned peers.
The South Asian Student org celebrates the rich heritage and diversity of South Asian cultures. Our mission is to build an inclusive community that promotes awareness and appreciation for our traditions. Through insightful discussions, artistic showcases, and engaging social events, we create spaces for students to explore their identities and connect with others who share similar backgrounds. Beyond just entertainment, we advocate for South Asian voices on campus and provide mentorship opportunities. Whether you're looking to learn more about your roots, make lifelong friends, or simply immerse yourself in the vibrant South Asian experience, our organization welcomes you with open arms.
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.
Our student organization aims to take strides to better society through the world of athletics. Our purpose is to provide students involved in Grinnell College Athletics with the opportunity to participate in community service in a hands-on manner that may not be accessible otherwise due to scheduling conflicts. This club is designed for student athletes, but not limited to that population. We choose to define “athletics” on a much broader scale than simply a student’s participation on a varsity team.
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.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Activities and Interests
Sports and Recreation
Volunteer Opportunities
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) advocates for the student-athlete experience, promoting inclusivity, well-being, and a one-team mentality in Grinnell varsity athletics and NCAA. We engage with the greater Grinnell community through outreach and service. SAAC consists of four committees: service and outreach, athletic events, Special Olympics, and social media.
Grinnell Students for Justice in Palestine (GSJP) is a collective of Grinnell students seeking to support Palestine, Palestinians, and the Palestinian struggle. GSJP is affiliated with the National Students for Justice in Palestine, and works along with chapters across the country to provide resources, education, support, and cultural space.
Students for Reproductive Justice
Activities and Interests
Affinity and Multicultural
Volunteer Opportunities
Grinnell Students for Reproductive Justice (SRJ) collaborate with campus and community based organizations who are aligned to promote reproductive health and justice. SRJ is committed to creating an informed student body that is motivated to advocate for essential healthcare.
We are dedicated to providing a space where anyone can learn to swing dance. We meet once a week for about an hour that consists of learning a few new moves and trying them out while dancing with various partners.
The Theory Reading Group hopes to facilitate an open, diverse, and democratic community of students committed both to openly understanding the world around them and working to change that world for the better. For this end, the Theory Reading Group aspires to cover a wide range of different topics and promote interdisciplinary thinking in our materials to promote a radical generation of ideas. While the Theory Reading Group is primarily focused on collaborative discussion, we are equally committed to creating a community which channels productive discussion into the practices of combating oppression and facilitating liberatory activism.
Trans at Grinnell serves as a safe space for transgender students and community members at Grinnell College. We are here to protect and uplift the most vulnerable members of our campus - including QPOC and transgender youth - in the difficult environment of Iowa. Trans at Grinnell provides access to a gender-affirming apparel closet and connects students to resources and support related to transitioning. We also host the longstanding Mary B. James Party every year.
At Tuesday Afternoon Dead, we write, produce, and perform student-led scripted sketch comedy. We perform in a casual environment and create our sets and costumes by hand.
Promote Vietnamese culture, foster a sense of belonging among current and prospective Vietnamese student, contribute to the diversity of international students body
Grinnell Volleyball Club offers opportunities for all skill levels through two main entities: weekly open gyms and a competitive club team. beginners or experienced players.
Description
Grinnellians are inventive. With close to 100 student-created and run organizations, at Grinnell you can find a place to explore your current interests or build a new one. We invite you to find your fit with people who will inspire your curiosity and spark your self-discovery. All we ask is that you bring yourself — including your unique passions and wildest wonders. We’re better because you’re here.
Check this page frequently, as updates are made as new student organizations are registered, and check the Grinnell College calendar for upcoming student organization events.
Student-imagined and student-run groups add to the joy, variety, and richness of life at Grinnell. If you’re interested in starting your own group or want to change or update the listing for an organization you lead, please contact Student Involvement.
Consistent with the College's nondiscrimination policy, all registered student organizations are open to all current Grinnell students.
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