Chapter IV: Student Life

The University of West Alabama offers a diverse array of clubs and organizations on campus. No matter what your goals are during your university journey, UWA is dedicated to providing the support and opportunities you need to thrive and succeed. Joining a student organization allows you to form friendships and explore new interests. Engaging in campus life as a leader, planner, organizer, musician, athlete, or group member is crucial for a fulfilling and well-rounded education. These activities help you develop interpersonal, leadership, and management skills while fostering self-motivation, responsibility, and discipline. They also serve as positive outlets for energy and recreation, complementing classroom learning through practical application. We encourage you to participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible without compromising your academic success.

Campus Activities Board

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) organizes a range of fun and engaging activities for all students. With significant student involvement in the planning and execution of these events, CAB provides ample opportunities for leadership, event planning, and implementation. By joining campus activities, students can make new friends, gain diverse experiences, and adjust to college life in a fun, substance-free environment.

Student Government Association 

The University of West Alabama Student Government Association strives to actively represent the needs and concerns of the UWA student body by committing to excel in leadership, citizenship and fostering unity among its students. The mission of the SGA is to facilitate a better relationship and understanding between the administration, faculty, staff and student body. SGA will assess problems and make positive improvements upon the University of West Alabama.

Fraternities & Sororities 

Membership in a fraternity or sorority offers students a unique opportunity to have a balanced college life with a focus on academic excellence, brotherhood/sisterhood, leadership development, service and responsible social interaction.

Greek life also offers students the opportunity to make lasting friendships with those who have similar ideals, passions and common purposes. Focusing on these fraternal principles helps students have both positive collegiate and Greek experiences.

With a diverse array of Greek organizations, each with its own unique qualities, there is a perfect fit for anyone looking to join a fraternity or sorority here at UWA. Enjoy finding your new home.

Going Greek

The University of West Alabama Greek community is represented by three core organizations, each of which oversees specific fraternities and sororities, They include: The National Panhellenic Conference, National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council.

National Pan-Hellenic Council

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) at the University of West Alabama is the unifying, coordinating and governing body of the six fraternities and sororities associated with the National Pan-Hellenic Conference. Everyone who joins an affiliated Greek organization becomes a Pan-Hellenic member. The main objective of NPHC is to enhance the college experience, educate its membership and provide a fraternal environment.

Membership selection in NPHC is an individualized process that is different for each organization. Chapters choose the time when they will take new members. This process, known as intake, generally begins with an interest meeting followed by a period of membership education. The membership process culminates with initiation and a probate, or "coming-out" show, in which the organization's new members are revealed to the community.

We strongly encourage those interested in the Membership Intake process to contact the respective NPHC organizations for more information. To participate in the intake process with any NPHC organization, you must first attend an NPHC Convocation. This event will give you the opportunity to learn more about the NPHC organizations which are currently active at UWA.

National Panhellenic Conference

Founded in 1902, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is an umbrella organization that governs the 26 (inter)national women's sororities. NPC exists to promote the values of and to serve as an advocate for its member groups in collaboration with its members, campuses and communities.

• Alpha Sigma Alpha
• Alpha Sigma Tau
• Phi Mu

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at UWA is the governing body for the men's social fraternities on campus. IFC exists to advance The University of West Alabama and its spirit. In addition, IFC works to foster better relations among the member fraternities and ensure cooperation between them and University officials.

• Delta Chi
• Sigma Pi

Campus Recreation 

UWA offers a wide variety of activities, programs, and options for fitness, aquatics, organized and free-play sports, health and wellness, and outdoor adventures.

Clubs and Organizations

At the University of West Alabama, there are over 60 student clubs and organizations, providing opportunities for students of every interest. A college education starts in the classroom, but the opportunities you seek out in your spare time can balance your academics, serve as a means for connecting with other students, provide leadership development and opportunities, encourage civic engagement and enhance your college experience.

Some organizations are organized to meet the interest of a few students, while others are established to fulfill a long-term role with the university. Each organization falls into one of the following categories.

All registered student organizations must adhere to the guidelines outlined in this document and communicated by the Office of Student Involvement and Communication. The most up-to-date information can be found on the UWA website.

All student organizations must be registered with the Office of Student Activities to be officially recognized by the university. Registered organizations have the privilege to apply for student activities fee funding, appear in university publications, and reserve space in university facilities. To ensure accurate records of members and officers, organizations are required to update their registration form annually.

Registered Student Organizations (RSO) are permitted to:

• Use the University's name in conjunction with that of the organization's official purposes and business, i.e., UWA Bass Club.
• The privilege of sponsoring activities and events on campus.
• The privilege of using University facilities and property under University polices governing that usage.
• The privilege of distributing literature, flyers, posters, banners, and organizational materials according to UWA policies.
• The privilege to solicit membership on campus under the organization name
• The privilege to solicit funds on campus under the organization name when such solicitation is in accordance with established University policy.

Each registered student organization is categorized as representing one of the six groups listed below.

• Academic, Departmental, and Professional Organizations
• Special Interest Organizations
• Honor Societies
• Service Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Club Sports

A list of active clubs and organizations is available in the Office of Student Activities. You may also contact the Coordinator of Student Activities about starting a new student organization.