The Cornell University currently has over 1,000 Student Organizations. Student organizations offer programs, events, leadership opportunities, and activities that reflect the diverse nature of our student body.

Whether your student is looking for a group that supports athletics or the arts, community service or cultural awareness, religious or political activism, the Greek community or academic scholarship, there's a Student Organization for them at Cornell University.

If your student feels like they don’t have time to commit to a group, encourage them to attend campus events. This is another great way to get involved and meet new people. The Campus Activities office hosts many free events throughout the year. Your student can also find hundreds of campus events on the Campus Groups Calendar.

The Einhorn Center’s mission is to be the hub of community engagement at Cornell, supporting a university culture where students, faculty, staff and partners work together to create a better world. Students can choose from a wide variety of opportunities with community partners. Whether your student is looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity or a recurring spot, the Einhorn Center can help them find a fit to enhance their academic learning. Your student can find opportunities to volunteer on the Einhorn Center’s Event Calendar.

Within the division of Student and Campus Life, there are a variety of leadership training programs designed to compliment your student's academic experiences. They are often free of charge and provide your student with valuable skills and knowledge that can be used inside and outside the classroom in their everyday lives and future careers. More information can be found on the Student Leadership website.

Cornell Recreational Services ('Big Red Rec') provides facilities, programs and educational opportunities for the Cornell Community to promote healthy lifestyles.

Students can participate in Group Fitness Classes or sign up for personal training sessions. Intramural and club sports are offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters. Big Red Rec also offers students the opportunity to rent outdoor gear if they would like to enjoy the great outdoors, but are unable to store their personal equipment in their dorm or apartment. Membership is required.

The First-Generation & Low-Income (FGLI) Student Support supports first-generation (students who are the first to go to college in their family) college students. Students have opportunities to meet fellow students, and build strong academic and social foundations for their academic journey.

Studying abroad is different from and complementary to what your student can get in Ithaca. It's a chance to connect with Cornell peers in new ways, study and make friends with local students, and experience every facet of life in a new country. The Office of Global Learning provides rigorous academic programs with a cross-cultural learning experience that is not available in the United States.

Encourage your student to think early about study aboard and how it might fit into their academic schedule. Scholarships are available for students and financial aid may also be used towards covering the costs of studying abroad.

Cornell's sorority and fraternity community is among the oldest in the nation. About one-third of the undergraduate population at Cornell are members, helping them to develop leadership, self-governance, integrity, and interpersonal skills. Sorority and Fraternity Life oversees all Greek organizations on campus.

Cornell has a deferred recruitment policy which requires all incoming students to wait at least one semester before beginning a recruitment or intake process. This policy encourages students to focus on building solid and positive academic habits and adjust to college life.

Cornell students can attend all of Cornell University athletic events for free except men’s ice hockey and playoff games after signing up for the Big Red Sports Pass (BRSP). BRSP holders are the first to know about student promotions and giveaways at athletic events! The BRSP membership will be loaded onto your student’s ID card. Students must present their Cornell ID card to receive free admission to games.

The Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment and Belonging (The Centers) work together to support student equity, empowerment, and belonging through identity-based programs, resources and community spaces. Each area focuses on identity exploration and celebration, involvement opportunities, leadership development, support, and allyship. The Centers encourage students to explore and embrace the depth of their multiple identities to foster a more profound understanding of themselves and others.

Cornell’s Military Community assists veterans, service members and their families with the transition from a military environment into a positive academic community in pursuit of professional and personal development by connecting students to expert support services and tools to enhance academic and professional success.

The Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making (OSMM) supports Cornell students of all religious and nonreligious identities, ethical backgrounds, and worldviews. As a unit within the Dean of Students’ Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging, the office works together with Cornell United Religious Work (CURW) to guide and support opportunities for students to explore the spiritual dimension of life and learning.