Student activities and involvement
Whether you want to pursue your current passions or try something brand new, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for engagement and leadership at Earlham.
Student Engagement is committed to enhancing the student life experience by developing and creating opportunities to participate in social, leadership and cultural experiences. As you participate in student and campus community events, clubs, organizations and leadership programs, you’ll gain a strong sense of belonging within the Earlham community.
Recreational and club sports
Earlham offers a large variety of recreational sports and club sports for those students interested in participating in athletics without a high-level of commitment. Explore our opportunities below.
Clubs and organizations
Students are encouraged to become active and informed participants during their time here at Earlham. Student organizations are a good catalyst for this participation. This section provides you with all current student organizations. We invite you to find your niche through these groups, and we welcome new ideas if you feel passionate about something that is not found within these pages. We want your voice to be heard.
Earlham Disability Advocates
We aim to support disabled students in activism, camaraderie, educational initiatives, peer support, and participation in national disability issues.
Health Club—Through Center for Global Health
The Earlham College Health Club welcomes students interested in, or considering, going into a health profession. We strive to develop experiences that help to educate our students while serving the greater community. Learn crucial healthcare skills in our Health Skills Certification Series or volunteer at our annual blood drives and health fairs. Yearly observations also include Health Professions Week and Public Health Week, both endorsed by the NAAHP (National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions).
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)—Through Center for Global Health
This national organization seeks to develop leadership and technical HOSA skill competencies through a program of motivation, awareness, and recognition, which is an integral part of the Health Science Education instructional program. HOSA chapters can be found on high school and college campuses across the country. Each year Earlham students prepare and compete in State and National level competitions in various healthcare sectors.
The Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS)—Through Center for Global Health
The sister chapter of SNMA (Student National Medical Association). Their mission is to increase the number of African-American, Latino and other students of color entering and completing medical school. Members of EC’s chapter have the opportunity to network with IU School of Medicine. EC’s chapter is also open to all minority students interested in a health career, not just medicine.
Net Impact Chapter at Earlham
The mission of Net Impact: Earlham College is to inspire, educate and equip individuals to use business power, especially social entrepreneurship, to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world.
The chapter will serve as a nexus for students, faculty, alumni and administration to educate and expose the Earlham community to entrepreneurship as a career option.
Sexual Health Peer Educators
Black Student Union
Earlham’s Black Student Union serves as a guiding organization to PASE, BLUE and BMU. BSU supports the three student organizations to construct a more stable union that can better serve the African diaspora at Earlham. The Black Student Union is both a support and action group for all of its members, reflecting the principles of love, perseverance and unity.
International Student Organization
We strive to educate and expose students to varying ethnic cultures and societies and encourage students to explore and seek these cultures. Serving as a liaison between non-domestic and domestic students at Earlham, we also understand the importance of learning through others’ global experiences and understanding different perspectives.
Latin and Caribbean Student Association (formerly Pura Vida Latinx)
The purpose or mission of the Latinx and Caribbean Student Association is to promote a cultural change at Earlham College that fosters understanding and inclusivity. LCSA celebrates the diversity and intersectionality of identities within those who relate or associate as members of the Latin American, Caribbean, Latine, Latinx and other diaspora communities internationally and nationally. We want to shine a light and support those identities that might have been erased in the past, including but not limited to Afrolatinx, Indigenous, Indo-Caribbean, Asian Latinx, LGBTQ+, etc. We aim to become an outlet for self-expression and educate the community through educational and celebratory events highlighting these identities.
South Asian Student Association
The South Asian Student Association aims to bring and celebrate all South Asians on campus through our different cultures and traditions. This club seeks to represent this diversity and enrich the exchange of experience with the wider Earlham community.
Students for Free Tibet
Students for Free Tibet’s mission is to educate the Earlham community on the Tibetan struggle for freedom and independence.
Students for Peace and Justice in Palestine (SPJP)
Our conviction that the Palestinian narrative is misunderstood and weakly represented in America, Students for Peace and Justice in Palestine (SPJP), works towards highlighting the sufferings of the Palestinian people and the violations of their rights. A group of committed students initiated SPJP at Earlham College in January 2008 with a mission of informing the Earlham community about the plight of the Palestinian people by conducting cultural events, festivals, exhibitions, letter writings, and petitions on numerous human rights violations and calling for a just and durable solution to the conflict in the Middle East.
Trans Student Union
The Earlham College Trans Student Union is a support network led by Earlham students from different fields, backgrounds and gender identities united by a shared beautiful transness. We aim to provide resources, education, space and solidarity to all transgender and genderqueer students. From prospective students first experiencing campus to graduating seniors, the Trans Student Union’s intention is to help all trans students feel safe through regular meetings in the Earlham Pride Room, public art representative of trans humanity and excellence, and available resources like TSU merchandise and free food. The Trans Student Union’s goal is solidarity, community and safety for all trans students.
Earlham College Amnesty International (ECAI)
Earlham College Amnesty International’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. In pursuit of this vision, our mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of these rights.
EC for Fair Labor
Our mission is to educate and organize the Earlham community to create a more equitable, fair, and just workplace on campus.
EC Votes is a student-led movement to register, educate and encourage other students to vote. This nonpartisan group is committed to providing students with the necessary information and materials needed to vote in every local, state, and federal election.
Model United Nations
The Model UN’s mission is to plan and operate an excellent Model UN conference for area high school students. We also send Earlham students to university-level conferences to skillfully represent member states.
Buddhist Student Association
The Buddhist Student Association supports students interested in Buddhist teachings and practices. Rooted in mindfulness and compassion, BSA hosts meditation sessions, Dharma talks, and retreats that promote personal growth and community well-being across campus.
College Meeting for Worship Committee
The College Meeting for Worship Committee is a group of students who meet weekly to facilitate College Meeting for Worship. We choose speakers and themes and help speakers prepare their worship service. All are welcome to join this committee.
Earlham Christian Fellowship
Earlham Christian Fellowship (ECF) is a community of students seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We come from many backgrounds and denominations, but we are committed to providing a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their beliefs. We ask tough questions, we support each other, and we seek after the truth that can be found in the person of Jesus and in the Bible. Every week we meet for Bible study with a new series each semester, often focusing on topics/issues relevant to college life. We also host an annual Christmas Candlelight service and an Easter celebration, and engage in outreach both on- and off-campus. Everyone is welcome to join us!
Interfaith College Council
Jewish Student Union
JSU provides a community space for Jewish students and beyond on campus. JCC is a space for all those interested in Jewish life to eat, learn, and have fun! We host cultural events for holidays, we cook Shabbat weekly as a house and often for all of campus. We also host a range of speakers who talk about Judaism in many different contexts.
Muslim Student Association
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at Earlham College aims to cultivate a community for the Muslim students and faculty on campus through dialogue and educational outreach. We help the Earlham community learn more about Islam by engaging in religious events such as breakfasting together during Ramadan, Eid celebration, Maulid Nabi, etc. Every week we also meet up at Teague Library for open worship and Friday prayers. We aim to foster understanding and acceptance while working towards a common goal of inclusivity in the Earlham community.
Questing Catholics is a group of Catholic students and faculty at Earlham College committed to remaining in the Catholic Church while at the same time constructively wrestling with the challenges and questions that arise with being active participants in a traditional religious faith. The group seeks to respond to the needs and interests of Catholics at Earlham, helping to form a community in which Catholics can feel comfortable and spiritually nourished.
Hindu Student Association
The Hindu Student Association at Earlham College offers a welcoming space for students to explore and celebrate Hindu culture, philosophy, and spirituality. Through festivals, discussions, and community events, HSA fosters a deeper understanding of Hindu traditions and encourages interfaith dialogue.
If you are interested in forming a student religious life group please contact the Office of Religious Life: [email protected]
Barn Co-op — Equestrian Program
Whether “horse” is to you a hobby, a sport, a lifestyle, or an intriguing mystery, the Earlham College Equestrian Program is the community to enhance your learning and sustain your passions. The only student-run, cooperative, collegiate equestrian program in the country, this program offers affordable lessons and boarding to students and the community. In addition to our lesson program available to all, recreational riding on school horses and a competitive hunt seat equestrian team are available to Barn Cooperative members. We’re in the unique position of being able to welcome new members from the full spectrum of equine experiences and it is through the collective wisdom of that diversity that our program flourishes.
The Earlham Bike Co-op strives to create a bike-friendly community on Earlham’s campus and in greater Richmond. The co-op organizes group bicycle rides, and anyone of any skill or interest level is welcome to participate and be a part of the co-op. Intro-level bicycle mechanic classes are given every semester, and weekly mechanic hours are held to allow anyone to come to learn how to fix bikes, do some tuning up on their bikes, or be around other people who love bikes!
Dance Alloy is a student-run, student-funded organization founded in 1990. Dance Alloy endeavors to showcase dancers from all identities and allow individuals to work together collectively. Each semester, our company performs a full-scale production of works by students and faculty, in a variety of styles. Dance styles include contemporary, step, Bollywood, swing, hip-hop, African, ballet, salsa, K-pop, and more. Dance Alloy aims to provide an artistic performance outlet for those interested in expressing themselves through movement. We do not exclude individuals based on ability- all you have to have is a passion for dance.
Earlham Ethical Debate Club (EDC)
Earlhamites pride themselves in advocating for global issues pertaining to several disciplines, whether in public policy, philosophy, arts, or science. This club aims to nourish and enhance this talent and provide students with a platform to broadcast their opinions and thoughts in a debating environment.
Earlham Theatre Company
ETC provides a space for students interested in any areas of theatre, including, but not limited to, acting, directing, producing, designing, and backstage assistance. The group offers the opportunity to increase students’ knowledge through extracurricular activities such as professional workshops and lectures, peer training, and the opportunity to create and present small pieces inside and outside the institution.
Google Developer Student Clubs (GDSCs) are community groups for college and university students interested in Google developer technologies. Students from all undergraduate or graduate programs interested in growing as a developer are welcome. By joining a GDSC, students grow their knowledge in a peer-to-peer learning environment and build solutions for local businesses and their communities.
Kpop Fan Club (formerly BTS Fan Club)
In their song “Magic Shop,” BTS sings, “On a day you hate being yourself, on a day you want to disappear forever, let’s build a door in your mind. Once you open the door and enter, this place will wait for you. It’s okay to believe the Magic Shop will comfort you.” This fan club is a place for ARMYs to gather, make friends, and learn about Korean culture. We will discuss content, play games, dance, learn the Korean language and eat food every week!
Neurodiversity Student Union
The purpose or mission of the NSU shall be: Creating and advocating for more inclusive spaces for members of the Earlham community who are neurodivergent and promote further education amongst both students and employees of the College. The NSU will strive to facilitate a more comforting, invigorating and understanding environment.
The Outdoors Club encourages enthusiasm for the outdoors and wilderness by promoting and sponsoring activities where participants gain first-hand experience. We hope to inspire people to lead trips or expeditions and to foster an appreciation of the unique attributes of outdoor activities. We also wish to serve as a resource and provide opportunities for fun.
Student Activities Board (SAB)
The Student Activities Board (SAB) is a student-led organization dedicated to providing fun, enriching, and free events to Earlham students! SAB puts on events year-round for everyone in the Earlham community. All of our events are free, often including food and giveaway items! SAB programs events like concerts, comedians, movies, Winter Wonderland, late-night events, guest speakers, and more! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @Earlham_SAB.
The Earlham Word
The Earlham Word is Earlham’s student-run newspaper that inspires to keep Earlham students educated and informed.
The mission of the Earlham College Club Sports Program is to provide students the opportunity to participate in competitive sport clubs against intercollegiate teams, with an emphasis on student leadership, development, and involvement.
Recreational sports at Earlham College are an integral and significant phase of the total wellness and fitness program that is geared toward the ability and skills of the entire College community. They exist for voluntary participation in team and individual sports and games.
WECI 91.5 FM: Richmond’s public radio station
WECI is a student-run public radio station on the Earlham campus. We’re always looking for students and community members who are interested in getting involved in the day-to-day management of the station as well as DJ radio shows.
More information and resources
The Office of Residence Life supports and encourages students by providing guidance in contemplative inquiry, opportunities for dialogue, sponsoring celebratory communal events, and supporting opportunities that enable students to put their most cherished beliefs into daily practice.