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.

African Caribbean Student Union (ACSU)

A space for students of African and Caribbean descent to build community and express themselves within the context of their cultures.

Archaeology Club

Asexuality & Aromantic Spectrum Support Network (AASSN)

Asian American Association (AAA)

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. Lastly, AAA intends to raise awareness about AAPI social, cultural, and political issues.

Asian Student-Athletes Club (ASAC)

The mission of this club shall be to raise the awareness to the community about the lack of representation of Asians in sports as well as to build a space where Asian student-athletes can openly connect and discuss their experiences with one another. We plan to promote and support Asians in sports and find ways to let them know their importance and impact in representing such a small percentage of athletes in sports. We want to educate those interested about reasons why there are such small percentages of Asian representation in sports, specifically pertaining to the obstacles that Asians face in the athletic realm. It is a club that welcomes all races, genders, athletes, and non-athletes; forming a support system for Asian-athletes in sports here at Grinnell.

Badminton Club

We provide students with regular, organized opportunities to play badminton on campus. Badminton Club creates a space for both casual and competitive athletic fun with weekly meetings consisting of friendly games of badminton open to students of all skill levels. We also host occasional campus tournaments for those that desire a more competitive atmosphere.

Black Student Union (BSU)

Black Student Union will serve as an affinity group for Grinnell College students who identify as black. Black Student Union will also help create and unite the black community of Grinnell College.

Board Game Club

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.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club teaches skills in grappling, ground fighting, and submissions.

Brazilian Student Organization (BRASA)

BRASA is a student-led organization dedicated to promoting Brazilian culture and fostering impactful platforms. As part of the larger BRASA network, we aim to empower the next generation of Brazilian leaders by providing opportunities for cultural exchange, networking, and personal growth. Through a variety of events and initiatives, we strive to create a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and fosters connections between students interested in Brazil. Join us to explore Brazilian culture, expand your horizons, and make lasting friendships at Grinnell College.

Campus Democrats

Campus Dems provides opportunities for students to engage with Democratic politics on the local, state, and national level. 

Campus Storytelling Collective

The purpose of this organization shall be to support and promote the creation and enjoyment of collaborative storytelling experiences at Grinnell, such as tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) by providing access to workshops, props (such as maps, miniature models, and costumes), books, and other educational materials and supplies to enrich the experience of creators and participants.

Card Game Club

The Grinnell Card Game Club is an organization dedicated to enjoying trading card games such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokémon. We meet weekly to play games and trade. New or inexperienced players of any TCG are welcome!

Catholic Student Association

The purpose of the Catholic Student Association is to provide opportunities for students to connect with each other and with the parish at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, to rediscover, grow, and discuss their Catholic faith as well as to provide service opportunities for all students.

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.

Chess Club

Providing a place for students to play casual or competitive chess against others in the community.

Chinese Students Association (CSA)

CSA aims to facilitate Chinese students’ experience at Grinnell College while promoting understanding of Chinese culture within Grinnell community. Through holding various cultural events and collaborating with other student-governed organizations, we aspire to provide a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for the Chinese student body by celebrating our own identity.

ColorStack at Grinnell

Color Stack at Grinnell’s mission is to increase the number of Black and Latinx Computer Science graduates that go on to start rewarding technical careers.

Contra Dance Club

Contra dancing is a fun and casual form of social dancing. We encourage people of all experience levels to join us! In contra dancing, the moves from different choreographies are called out, so you don't need to even to remember the next step!

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.

Disability Cultural Association

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.

DND and More

The purpose of this club shall be to promote the tabletop roleplaying game community, and to encourage the play of a broader selection of roleplaying games.

Duels and Games (DAG)

Our organization strives to provide a fun and welcoming environment for all students to engage in foam weapon building, decorating and fighting. We meet biweekly on Tuesday Evenings and Friday Afternoons to play a variety of games involving our assortment of foam based medieval weapons ranging from short and long swords to javelins and archery. A focus is also put on maintaining creating and decorating weapons during build sessions hosted by our quartermaster. 

Fiber Arts Club

We are a community of students interested in sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, and all else fiber arts related. Whether you are a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between, stop by to relax or express your creative side.

Floating Squirrels

Want a fun, low-stress way to workout with cool people! Join the Floating Squirrels! An innertube water polo club where all are welcome, and no experience is required. Come join us at the college pool and we'll teach you the game!

Free Speech Club

Free Speech Club aims to bring Grinnellians with a diverse range of political views, national and cultural backgrounds, and other identities together to discuss and debate the issues affecting the Grinnell community, the American nation, and the world as a whole.

Friends of Bob’s Underground

The Friends of Bob's Underground is a student organization that hosts open mics, karaoke open mics, and painting nights. We aim to make Bob's a community on campus where anyone can come to perform, hangout, and immerse themselves in the sharing of art! Whether you are a poet, comedian, musician, singer-songwriter, public speaker, magician, or anything else, you will be welcome here. Oh, and by the way' we have our very own muse, the ghost of Tripod Bob, the three-legged cat who used to frequent these parts. We also like to paint on the walls sometimes. Bob's Underground is a living mural, an always-changing representation of the Grinnellian spirit. Find us in the basement of Main Hall!

Gateway

Gateway is a group of Grinnellians interested in discussing Christianity and learning from the Bible. We are a nondenominational group open to all, regardless of religious backgrounds or beliefs. Come join us!

Girls Who Code

Grinnell College's Girls Who Code chapter fosters diversity in computer science while building a supportive community for women and gender minorities in CS. We also mentor young minds by facilitating a Girls Who Code club at the Grinnell Middle School. Through weekly visits, we guide the middle school students through fun activities and games, building a strong foundation in computer science while fostering a sisterhood.

Grinnell Basketball Club

The Grinnell Basketball Club's purpose is to provide Grinnell Students with open gyms twice a week for recreational pickup basketball. This club will also organize Intramural Basketball Games on certain weekends throughout the school year. Any Grinnell student of any skill level is welcome to join the Grinnell Basketball Club!

Grinnell College Pep Band

The Grinnell College Pep Band consists of students who are interested in fostering enthusiasm through music during GC athletic events. We play upbeat songs during time outs and halftimes at football and basketball games. This group is open to any GC student who can play their instrument at any level. We meet for about 2 hours a week, and we do our best to ensure the practice space is fun, relaxing, and understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to davisona@grinnell.edu!

Grinnell College Table Tennis

To provide all students with equipment and space to play and learn table tennis in an inclusive environment. To build community through table tennis and support all levels of play. To provide the opportunity to train with high-quality equipment and compete through the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA) and other competitions.

Grinnell Health Advocacy and Mentorship Program (GHAMP)

We are a student organization that seeks to inform students and empower them to be active participants in their health care. We aim to help students navigate any barriers to care that students may experience in accessing health care, and we aim to do this through resources created in partnership with SHAW and student-led meetings and presentations.

Grinnell Robotics

We are a student organization that revolves around the exploration and understanding of robotics.  Using our ideas to create robots that can be programmed and instructed.  Our goal is to create a space where we can explore the world of robotics.

GrinTECH

GrinTECH is a student club whose three main goals are Social good, Professional development, and Technology education. We host tech workshops, coding language crash courses, volunteering opportunities, tech news, and alumni events (looking to host tech exhibitions, Raspberry Pi workshops, and coding support). Our members experience a community where they can share knowledge and interest in technology regardless of major. Some major takeaways are new programming skills, tech awareness, a sense of social good, professional career development, and teamwork.

Habesha Student Organization (HBO)

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.

Infinite Coincidence Improv

Founded in 2012, Infinite Coincidence is an audition-based long-form improv group made up of Grinnell's most inspired, daring, and comedic students. We practice twice a week and have monthly performances for the community. Auditions are held at the beginning of Fall semester.

International Media and Pop Culture Club

We strive to share what we care about and what inspires us from all over the world! Through movies, video games, books, food, fashion, and making friends, we hope to learn more about others and have fun!

International Soccer Club

The International Soccer Club aims to host small scale, low-stakes soccer scrimmages for all Grinnell College students. We play both indoor and outdoor soccer, and all levels of play are welcomed. Usually, we play 3 times a week at Ahren's park or the auxiliary gym. Come play! (Close-toed shoes and a good attitude required).

International Student Organization (ISO)

ISO is the largest organization on campus and seeks to promote international understanding within and beyond the college community. Furthermore, ISO encourages students to broaden their horizons and explore and experience different cultures. Our organization also acts as a networking group, a resource, and a safe space for members of the Grinnell community.

Japanese Cultural Association (JCA)

The Japanese Cultural Association (JCA) holds events and study breaks to promote Japanese culture on campus and cultivate a welcoming environment for Japanese Grinnellians. We strive to share our culture with food, pop culture, movies, and much more!

Korean Student Association (KASA)

Korean Student Association is an organization that provides a community for Korean students, of all backgrounds, in Grinnell College through social, cultural, and political events. This organization's goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates Korean culture and spreads Korean culture in Grinnell College.

Mahjong Club

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.

Math Club

Math Club is a club for recreational math where we explore applications of math, often in more recreational forms such as sudokus, origami, and glaciers. Math Club is for casual math enthusiasts regardless of their level of math experience or enrollment in math classes. We want to provide a welcoming space for everyone in order to spread math love throughout the Grinnell community. While we are called math club many of our meetings are focused primarily on Sudokus, Origami, Tetris races, Star battles, glaciers, trucks, fire safety, and so much more.

Minorities in Philosophy

Provide safe, open, and lively space for anyone interested in philosophy to gather in community, discuss philosophy, and our experiences in the discipline.

Minority Association of Pre-Health Students

We are a Grinnell MAPS chapter under the administration of SNMA. We organize events that are open to all students about pre-health information and opportunities.

Muslim Student Association (MSA)

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is committed to cultivating religious and cultural values for Muslim students on campus.

National Alliance On Mental Health (NAMI) on Campus

The purpose of the organization shall be to spread awareness and information surrounding mental illness and wellness to the Grinnell Community through educational materials and events. The organization serves to improve mental wellness on campus by working with existing resources at the institution and liaising between students and College administration. The organization also provides an informal space for students experiencing mental illness to receive support from their peers.

Nepali Student Organization (NepSo)

NepSo attempts to foster, share and celebrate Nepali culture amongst the Nepali students, and the Grinnell community as a whole. We organize a variety of events, catered to the entire school, be it Nepali-speaking students or not, that celebrates the students and the culture of this small Himalayan nation that has successfully made a mark upon Grinnell and the wider world. These include food events, festivals, and cultural events pertaining to Nepal.

Nerf@Noyce

Our organization is a sub free way for students to enjoy Friday nights. We welcome anyone who wants to hang out and play with Nerf guns with us. Whether its fighting for your life against zombies or strategizing with your team in capture the flag we have tons of engaging games. Its also the best way to learn your way around the labyrinth of Noyce!

Neverland Players

Neverland is a student led theater organization that works with children in the community to write stories and then turns those stories into skits and a musical. Auditions are held every semester and the shows are open to all.

Overbooked

Overbooked is a casual and low-stakes book club. Our club hosts informal monthly discussions about books that are voted on by our members. We also hold weekly "reading gatherings," where people are encouraged to bring a book of their choosing to read in community with others. These gatherings are opportunities for those who do not want to commit to reading our monthly book to meet fellow bibliophiles on campus. Lastly, we host a campus-wide book exchange each semester. We hope to see you at our meetings this year!

Pakistani Student Organization (PSO)

The Pakistani Student Organization is one of the many multicultural organizations at Grinnell that strives to promote understanding, respect, and representation for students on campus that have a Pakistani background. By hosting events such as Pakistani game nights, Chaat & Chats, Eid Fest as well as many others, PSO aims to create an exciting space for people interested in learning more about Pakistani culture and celebrating it.

Pickleballers

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.

Polish Student Association

Grinnell Polish Student Association is a club focused on creating an environment for Polish students, students who identify with Poland, and students who are simply interested in Poland and Polish culture to meet, learn more about Polish culture and history, and attend Polish events. We intend to have events centered around Polish food and hope to attend some Polish events in Chicago, Illinois, where there is a large population of Poles.

Pride vs. Prejudice

We aim to establish a safe environment in which we consume literature centering on QPOC (Queer People of Color) themes. Texts will span a diverse range of genres, time periods, and geographic origins. Through our readings, we will work to educate, analyze, empower, and to create both meaningful and open discourse surrounding marginalized voices. 

Pub Quiz

Grinnell Pub Quiz provides students with weekly Wednesday Trivia Nights where students have the opportunity to compete with their peers, testing their trivia knowledge on a wide variety of topics.  We create a friendly, competitive environment where students can unwind during the middle of the week. Every team will be appreciated regardless of their scoring or position during the night with both the highest and lowest achieving teams being cheered for.

Queer Athletes and Allies (QAA)

At QAA, we are a vibrant and inclusive student organization committed to fostering a supportive community that celebrates diversity, unity, and empowerment. Our mission is to create a safe and welcoming space where queer athletes and allies can come together, forge meaningful connections, and inspire positive change.

We are deeply committed to providing events, workshops, discussions, and resources that reflect diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This is a student-athlete-led organization that is open to all varsity athletes who want to amplify their voice in support of LGBTQIA+ athletes, learn how to be a better ally, and find resources to better their athletics experiences and queer journey.

Queer People of Color

We are an organization by and for Queer Students of Color. We are hosting weekly meetings every Thursday, and biannual extravagant drag shows! We are here to make a safe and strong community for Queer students of Color, join us for connection, solidarity, and fun!!

Questbridge Scholars Network

The purpose of this organization is to provide support to QuestBridge Scholars, First-Gen, Low-Income (FGLI) students at Grinnell and bring awareness of issues related to social class on campus.

Rare International Students Everywhere

1. Creating a space and building a community for students from underrepresented cultures, nationalities, and global identities.
2. Supporting cultural events and increase of visibility in underrepresented cultural identities on campus.

Run for Fun!

We aim to create a welcoming, supportive space for runners of all backgrounds to share their love for the sport through regular group runs open to all, as well as several events per semester geared towards providing relevant information, resources, and group bonding opportunities.

Salsa and Bachata Club

Tto serve as an introduction to Latin dancing for all students of all background! Also serves to promote a sense of community and allow people to hang out with their friends and meet new ones and enjoy Latin music and dance technique.

Smash@Grinnell

At Smash @ Grinnell, we provide a space for students to play video games together to relax and meet new friends. Another important aspect of our club is the monthly tournaments and occasional other events we hold, in which people can play games such as Smash Bros in a competitive environment.

South Asian Student Organization

Spinning Squirrels

To promote the creativity of student choreographers and dancers in a performance at the end of each semester and to welcome everyone to dance!

Statistics in Sports Organization

The Statistics in Sports Organization is a place for avid sports and statistics fans to gather, discuss, and learn about different statistics in sports. The meetings have a wide variety of different focuses and want to adapt to the interests of the current members. The organization is generally very easy to be a part of and a fun environment. This is a great place to get more involved in sports analytics and study games you're interested in with your peers.

Student Athlete Mentors (SAMs)

Every sports team (including ultimate frisbee) has a Student Athlete Mentor or SAM. SAMs serve as a resource well for their team as they are trained in all of the available resources on campus. Additionally, the SAMs may serve as liaisons to campus resources and provide conflict resolution. Finally, the SAMs have a monthly meeting in which events are planned, team issues are discussed, and educational resources are provided.

Student Athletes Leading Social Change (SALSC)

SALSC (Student Athletes Leading Social Change) takes 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.). 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.

Student Environment Committee (SEC)

SEC works to identify and implement sustainable practices on campus while increasing the awareness of these issues throughout the student body. Furthermore, we aim to increase the involvement of students in environmental issues and target institutional objectives (academic, governance, etc.) that could benefit from sustainable focus.

Student Organization of Latine (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.

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

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.

Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)

Grinnell Students for Justice in Palestine (GSJP) is a collective of Grinnell students seeking to support Palestine, Palestinians.

Sunrise Grinnell

Working as a local chapter of the national student-led climate justice organization Sunrise Movement, we aim to further its goals of securing a sustainable and equitable future through policy change. Namely, our purpose is to promote the following four pillars of the Green New Deal: to ‘stop the climate crisis,’ ‘create millions of good paying union jobs,’ ‘invest in racial and economic justice,’ and to ‘reimagine our government to work for everyday people’. In order to do so, this student organization is to peacefully advocate for sustainable policies at the state and local level through engagement and open dialogue with both politicians, local authority figures, and fellow constituents.

Swing Society

Grinnell Swing Society is Grinnell's longest running dance club and provides a space for all students to come and Swing Dance - whether you grew up doing it or have no idea what Swing Dancing is!

Trans at Grinnell (TAG)

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.

Translational Medical Club

The Translational Medical Club at Grinnell College is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of Chinese medical terminology, healthcare practices, and cultural competencies among students interested in serving Chinese-speaking populations. Our mission is to create a dynamic, inclusive environment where students can enhance their language skills, explore traditional and modern medical practices, and engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges that will prepare them for careers in healthcare and research.

To achieve this, we want to organize workshops and events that focus on Chinese medical terminology, ensuring that our members are well-equipped to communicate effectively in clinical and research settings. Recognizing the importance of cultural competency, we want to invite Chinese-speaking researchers, professors, and healthcare professionals from Grinnell College and beyond to share their expertise on various medical topics, healthcare systems in China, and global health issues. These talks will not only deepen our members' knowledge but also provide invaluable insights into the intricacies of working within and across different healthcare environments.

Vietnamese Student Organization (VSA)

Promote Vietnamese culture, foster a sense of belonging among current and prospective Vietnamese student, contribute to the diversity of international students body

Volleyball Club

Volleyball club embraces players of all skill levels to join, offering weekly open gyms as well as the opportunity to play for a competitive team. Our club offers a space for growth and development of skills, and camaraderie. Fun and inclusivity are our guiding principles, ensuring that every member experiences the sheer delight of playing and volleyball while forging lasting friendships along the way.

Women and Gender Minorities in Computing (WGMC)

Women and Gender Minorities in Computing (WGMC) strives to be a supportive community for women and gender minorities interested in computing at Grinnell. We recognize that there are interlocking systems of oppression that come from the history of racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, etc. in the field of computing that create barriers for the success of students and faculty members, and we aim to reduce these barriers by offering a space to build community among and celebrate women and gender minorities in computing and providing platform for working towards departmental change on issues that impact women and gender minorities in computing.