Top 10 ways to get involved at IUPUI

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As a new semester begins, many students are excited to embrace everything that college life has to offer. Whether you want to pick up new hobbies, experience campus life outside the classroom or make new friends, IUPUI has many opportunities for student involvement. Here are the top 10 ways to get involved and find your spot this fall.

1. Participate in Weeks of Welcome

WOW is in full swing, and you still have time to join in the fun. Learn more about upcoming events on our Weeks of Welcome website.

Students dancing it out at this year's First Night event, hosted by SAPB. Photo by Liz Kaye, IUPUI

2. Visit IUPUI’s Campus Center

Home to the Game Room, the Culture Arts Gallery and the Jaguar Campus Recreation facility (The Jag), the Campus Center acts as a hub for student life at IUPUI.

It also provides access to student services and places to hang out and relax like:

  • CrimsonCard office
  • Student Financial Services
  • The CUBE
  • Citizens Commons
  • Dining options
  • And more!

You can view the full building directory online.

3. Join student organizations

From Jagathon, IUPUI's dance marathon, to Kriya at IUPUI, a yoga club, there are student organizations for everyone on campus.

Attend next week’s Student Involvement Expos to connect with hundreds of organizations.

Not seeing an organization for you? Lead the way by starting your own student organization.

IUPUI has hundreds of student organizations to explore. Photo by Liz Kaye, IUPUI

4. Participate in intramurals and club sports

Show that competitive Jaguar spirit. Intramurals and club sports teams offer students the chance to play organized games with your peers on campus or compete with other schools’ club teams.

By purchasing a Campus Recreation membership, students not only gain access to all intramural and club programming, but also the Jaguar Campus Recreation facility (The Jag), the IU Natatorium and NIFS.

5. You Gotta Regatta

Regatta is IUPUI’s annual homecoming event. More than just a canoe race, Regatta will feature a dog costume contest, the crowning of Regatta Royalty and live entertainment.

Mark your calendars for this year’s race, which will be on Saturday, Sept. 24. Students can volunteer, participate in the race or attend as spectators. Regatta also acts as a fundraiser for IUPUI student scholarships, and the event is open to the community.

Each year, Regatta Royalty gets to judge the dog costume contest.  Photo by Liz Kaye. IUPUI

6. Join a fraternity or sorority

With 24 chapters, Fraternity and Sorority Life is a great way to make new friends on campus. Members of fraternities and sororities take part in serving their local community, provide academic support, plan events and develop leadership skills.

Learn more about our councils and chapters at fsl.iupui.edu, and express interest in joining a group via the interest form on The Spot.

7. Connect with Student Government

IUPUI’s Undergraduate Student Government advocates for the needs of the student body by working closely with faculty, staff and administration. All students are invited to attend public student government meetings on a weekly basis.

Learn more about getting involved with USG at usg.iupui.edu.

8. Volunteer for IUPUI programs and events 

Volunteering your time is a great way to give back, make connections with other students and be a part of programs and events that service the IUPUI community. 

Paws' Closet and Paw's Pantry, which combat clothing costs and food insecurity for students, are always in need of volunteers to help stock the pantry or assist in sorting clothing donations. Email jagsfood@iupui.edu to learn more about volunteer opportunities. 

9. Work on campus

Looking for flexible work hours? Consider working on campus. For students seeking a job, there are many positions available within the Division of Student Affiars, like:

  • Office Assistant
  • Fitness Center Attendant
  • CUBE (Student Organization Center) Team Member
  • Game Tech Team Member
  • Operations Team Member

10. Take an alternative break

By taking an alternative break, students can travel outside of Indiana and participate in valuable service-learning experiences. Through simple living, volunteer work and group reflection, alternative breaks are a great experience for all students.