If your schedule has not been sufficiently crammed with lectures, work, parties, meals and sleep, you might want to look into joining a club to fill those few extra minutes per week. Cornell has a niche for virtually every interest, no matter how esoteric. Whether you’re an aspiring guitarist or an expert knitter, it is likely you will be able to find a group of like-minded students with whom to share your passion. Below is a sampling of some of the more prominent clubs on campus.
Political and Activist Groups
The Cornell Democrats and the Cornell College Republicans represent the two major political parties on campus, each engaging in its own brand of activism and spreading awareness of political issues.
A number of other campus groups focus on more specific political issues. Amnesty International’s Cornell chapter promotes awareness of human rights abuses throughout the world through a series of campaigns, each of which publicizes a specific area of injustice.
Music and A Capella Groups
Cornell offers dozens of outlets for those looking to express their musical creativity. You won’t be able to turn a corner the first couple weeks of class without seeing a flier for an a capella tryout or a chalking pointing you in the direction of band auditions. The University chorus, jazz ensembles, symphonic band, marching band, symphony orchestra and glee club are all open to the musically inclined. The Hangovers and Cayuga’s Waiters are two of the University’s best-known a capella groups, although there are over a dozen for prospective members to choose from, each with a unique style.
Passionate about music but not one for singing? The Cornell Concert Commission organizes most of the major musical events that happen on campus, having brought such big-name acts as Incubus, The Roots, Nas and Ben Folds in recent years. Or, check out the Fanclub Collective, which hosts independent and local acts such as Interpol and the Microphones.
WVBR is a popular rock radio station which serves the entire Ithaca area and is staffed largely by students. Volunteers receive free training on the station’s equipment, and can get on the air as disc jockeys, sportscasters or newscasters.
Publications
The Cornell Daily Sun isn’t the only newspaper in town. The Cornell Review, which recently merged with The Cornell American, offers conservative commentary on local and national issues. Its liberal counterpart is The Cornell Progressive.
Had enough political commentary? Lighten up with a copy of the Lunatic, Cornell’s own humor magazine. The bi-annual publication features a variety of articles and comics, ranging from the satirical to the downright absurd.
Comedy and Drama Groups
For students who want to spend their years at Cornell in the spotlight, the Risley Theatre group gives members the opportunity to participate in all stages of a dramatic production. Whether you’re looking to act, direct, choreograph, construct sets, manage sound or create costumes, it’s likely Risley Theatre can use your skills.
The comedy troupe Skits-O-Phrenics puts on several sketch comedy shows each year and plans to hold auditions for new members this fall. If you’re in the mood for a more off-the-cuff style of humor, check out the Whistling Shrimp, Cornell’s improv comedy group.
Governing Groups
Each year, dozens of budding student politicians vie for seats on Cornell’s student governing body, the Student Assembly. The S.A. meets weekly in Willard Straight Hall to discuss issues and pass resolutions on behalf of the student body, addressing topics which range from Cornell’s public image to Slope Day regulations.
For those with political ambitions on a larger scale, the Cornell Model United Nations gives students the opportunity to represent a country at a mock meeting of the U.N., with awards for those who engage in the most persuasive debate.
The Panhellenic Association, Multicultural Greek Letter Council and the Interfraternity Council are the main governing bodies of the Greek community, which includes over 60 chapters and encompasses 30 percent of the student body. The three councils arrange social, educational and recreational programs, as well as establish and enforce guidelines for Cornell Greek chapters.
Academic and Miscellaneous Groups
If you found yourself inspired by the Mars rover missions, you can take part in your own cosmic exploration with the Cornell Astronomical Society.
Fed up with classes? Take your frustration out in the Cornell Debate Society.
Looking to get your inner nerd on? Head on over to the Chess Club’s meetings to practice checking your mates.