Parent Handbook
Student Activities
The Office of Student Activities acts as an adviser, ally, administrator, educator and mentor to the students of Southwestern University by facilitating learning experiences through leadership opportunities, student organizations, social activities and other services that promote personal growth and the empowerment of students for success in our diverse community and beyond.
The Office of Student Activities is located in the Red and Charline McCombs Campus Center, Suite 340.
There are approximately 100 student organizations on campus, including student publications, a student-run coffeehouse, student government groups, a University Programming Council that organizes all-campus events, eight national Greek social organizations, national service organizations, religious groups and academic, honor and departmental organizations.
The Office of Student Activities also coordinates New Student Orientation, organizes student committees, schedules meetings and events in the McCombs Campus Center and more.
FAQ
Do you have organizations?
Yes. We'll start the fall semester with approximately 100 registered student organizations ranging from academic, departmental, special interest, honor and sport clubs.
How can my student get involved?
There will be a Student Organizations Fair the week after classes begin to give students an opportunity to visit with members from many of the organizations. Additionally, an Organizations Guide which lists/describes all organizations and cites contact names and addresses is available here.
What if a student wants to start an organization?
Yeah! We welcome students to come by the Office of Student Activities to talk about their interests. It's an easy process, and we are always ready to help.
When is fraternity/sorority recruitment?
Deferred recruitment, held in January, provides students with a chance to get organized academically. Recruitment information will be available during the first semester. Students may also choose to wait until their sophomore year.
What percentage of students pledge fraternities/sororities?
Approximately 30 percent. Southwestern has four national, social fraternities (Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta and Pi Kappa Alpha). Southwestern has four national, social sororities (Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Delta Delta and Zeta Tau Alpha).
Is there anything to do on weekends?
Yes! Weekend programming includes nationally touring performances in The Cove every Friday night, and monthly Saturday night first-run movies, complete with freshly popped popcorn! There is also an annual large-act concert during the academic year. Enhanced on-campus entertainment, combined with Austin entertainment opportunities greatly contribute to student life at Southwestern. The University Programming Council is a group of students who plan, organize and execute campus activities. Student Activities can provide more information.
Is there student government?
Yes. One benefit of University life is the opportunity for students to participate in their own governance. This opportunity comes through participation in the Southwestern Student Congress, the University Programming Council and other University-wide committees. The Student Congress is a group of elected representatives that sponsors monthly meetings to inform students of University issues and to provide a forum for concerns and opinions. The Student Judiciary is composed exclusively of students and hears accusations of Honor Code violations. The University Programming Council is responsible for community programming. In addition, students have the unique opportunity to participate with faculty and administrators in the major governing councils of the University. The men's Interfraternity Council (IFC) is a governing and legislative body for the fraternities on campus. IFC works for the improvement of the fraternity system at Southwestern. The women's Panhellenic Council provides programming on women's issues and compiles standards that govern recruitment and membership for sororities.
Student Activities Staff
Jaime J. Woody
Associate Dean for Student Life
Phone: 512-863-1345
Jason Chapman '03
Student Activities Coordinator
Phone: 512-863-1874
Lisa Dela Cruz '08
Student Activities Coordinator
Phone: 512-863-1863
Fax: 512-863-1777
