Get Involved

Students who participate in campus organizations, leadership opportunities, and university traditions build stronger connections to the Shaw community, develop valuable career-ready skills, and are more likely to remain enrolled through graduation. Getting involved enhances your academic experience while creating lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.

When you get involved, you’ll:

• Build leadership and communication skills
• Develop friendships and professional networks
• Serve the local community
• Explore new interests and talents
• Strengthen your résumé
• Connect with faculty and staff mentors
• Increase your sense of belonging
• Enhance your overall college experience

You’ll want to attend Bear Break near the start of your first semester. That’s where student leaders of all Shaw’s clubs and organizations set up in the Student Center Quad, tell you what they’re about, and sign you up. We have more than 30 groups, and they’re all student-run.

Student groups and organizations are a way to gather around shared interests. Join a social fellowship (that includes the Greeks), honors society, or a religious, service, athletic, or special interest group—including music and drama. You can link up with the NAACP, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Colleges Against Cancer, or any of the many groups on campus. And if you can’t find the club you want, it’s easy to start your own.

Shaw University’s Christian heritage is an important part of our identity and mission. Students are encouraged to grow spiritually while respecting the diverse faith traditions represented within our campus community. Through chapel services, Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES), pastoral counseling, community service, and opportunities for reflection, students are supported in developing their faith, character, and commitment to serving others.

Campus Traditions:

• Homecoming
• SpringFest
• Welcome Week
• Bear Break Student Organization Fair
• Midnight Breakfast
• Founder’s Day
• CIAA traditions
• Convocation and Commencement

Explore the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel

Explore Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment Seminars

The Platinum Sound is the heartbeat of Shaw. You’ll hear the legendary marching band around campus and at Bears games, Homecoming, and special events. You can even catch the band representing Shaw U on a national McDonald’s commercial. The Platinum Sound, together with the Diamond Sensation Dance Line, celebrate the deep traditions of Shaw with passion and prowess.

The Student Government Association is the official voice of the student body. Elected annually, SGA members work hard to represent the student community and liaise with the University administration. This is the ultimate opportunity to develop and display your leadership skills—as well your ability to strategize, think creatively, and act diplomatically.

There are multiple roles available, from president and vice-president, to treasurer. The SGA Student Activities Board dreams up and organizes a stream of fun campus events. An R&B Paint session? Check. A Spooky Den Halloween event with music, potions and games? Check. This is your chance to shine.

Explore Student Government

The Royal Court is more than just for show—these folks represent the highest ideals of the institution and work hard to shape the Shaw U experience.

During their reign, Shaw’s king and queen and their court work together to organize philanthropic actions and educational endeavors. The Court also produces multiple programs for the campus community throughout the year that bring people together and keep Shaw spirits high.

Learn More about the Royal Court

Greek Life is a commitment to community and a connection to the network of nine Black sororities and fraternities, the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Known as the Divine Nine, these organizations have always been involved in social justice movements, from the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter.

The Divine Nine are all represented on campus. The organizations work together to uplift the Black experience, create unity, and contribute to the Raleigh community through service. Greek organizations at Shaw U organize some of the biggest campus events of the year, too—and some of the most fun, like the stroll competition, a battle for who runs the yard. Get involved with the Divine Nine and you’ll make bonds for life.

Divine Nine Fraternities

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Iota Phi Theta Fraternity ,Inc.

Divine Nine Sororities

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Explore the Council Of Fraternal Organizations

Explore leadership and career opportunities with Shaw University’s ROTC programs. Whether you’re interested in joining the Army or Air Force, our ROTC programs offer practical training, leadership development, and a path to commissioning as an officer. Embrace self-discipline, responsibility, and the confidence to excel in both military and civilian careers. Join us and be a part of something greater.