Life on Campus - Campus Life

Being at the Stockbridge School and UMass Amherst is not just about developing yourself academically.  It's also about personal development, and about what happens outside the classroom.  There is a lot to choose from while you're here.

With over 200 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at UMass Amherst, you can meet new people and build experiences, whatever you're into.  RSOs are based on academic interests, ethnic and cultural identity, arts and media, honor societies, politics, religion, and athletics.  If you don't find an RSO that fits your needs, you and your friends can start a new one. That's what the Turf Club did.  In the spring of 2008 the Turf Club was given the "Sammy" Award by the Student Government Association for the most successful new RSO. 

Many campus organizations are focused on community service and would welcome your energy and ideas. The Office of Community Service Learning (OCSL) has partnerships with organizations in the Pioneer Valley and throughout the country.  Your college - the College of Natural Resources and the Environment - has a committee on Community, Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ). CDSJ members are students, faculty, and staff who are committed to defining and creating the kind of community we would like to be a part of. 

Campus spiritual organizations bring together students with similar backgrounds and beliefs, with opportunities for education, outreach, and social work. 

Stockbridge School of Agriculture has its own fraternity called Alpha Tau Gamma (www.alphataugamma.org).  Being part of a fraternity or sorority is about academic excellence, friendships, scholarship, and leadership.  Through traditions of service to campus and community, participants in fraternities or sororities gain valuable experience and develop lasting friendships. 

There are eight student-run businesses on campus and the students who help run them provide valuable services to the community, while gaining hands-on experience in the details of running a successful business.

You can get involved in sports.  Although the NCAA requires that students on varsity teams be enrolled in a bachelor degree program, Stockbridge School has its own basketball and golf teams.  Students can also try out for either the equestrian team or dressage team.  UMass also offers a diverse intramurals program, and there are many club sports to choose from.  Or, if you like something less organized, recreation centers are located in many areas across campus.

Get involved in the arts if you want to. The academic programs in music, dance, theater, and film studies allow non-majors to participate in department events.  Try your hand at being an artist at the Student Union Craft Center or explore the work of other artists at one of five galleries on campus. 

In the end, if you can't find what you're looking for at UMass Amherst, consider clubs at one of the other five colleges in the area.

For a list of all of the options offered through the Center for Student Development check out student activities website.

You can find a list of current RSOs at the Center for Student Development website.