SoC Affiliated Student Organizations
School of Communication students participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities. For example, students run the campus film society and organize their own film productions, engage in intercollegiate debate and forensics, manage and program the radio station, take on advisory roles in various leadership forums, and produce stage productions ranging from theatre and musicals to modern dance. Each fall quarter, Northwestern’s Activities Fair is the place to check out student groups and clubs, and additional resources for connecting with student groups are listed further below.
Here’s a sampling of activities affiliated with our school:
Arts in the City
Offered exclusively to students in the School of Communication, this program enables you to see the best arts in Chicago for a nominal fee, which includes ticket and transportation. Keep an eye on your email for opportunities to get tickets.
A collaboration between the School of Communication and the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, Block Cinema screens classic and contemporary films.
Dean’s Advisory Council
The DAC consults with the Dean of the School of Communication to discuss issues of importance to undergraduates.
The oldest of its kind in the country, NU’s debate program lets you develop valuable analytical and communication skills by participating in intercollegiate competitions, hosting debate tournaments, and debating teams from other countries.
Lambda Pi Eta
Lambda Pi Eta is the national honors society of the National Communication Association. Each year, outstanding juniors and seniors in the School of Communication are invited to apply.
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, founded in 1972, is a preprofessional association for graduate and undergraduate students interested in the study of communication science and disorders. NSSLHA has member representation on the policy-making board and selected committees and boards of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The Northwestern chapter is dedicated to providing opportunities for members to have access to educational, social, and philanthropic experiences during their tenure at the University.
Speech Team
Through the forum of public speaking, learn to communicate effectively in a competitive environment that stresses logic, quick thinking, breadth of knowledge, and persuasion.
Student Academy of Audiology
The Student Academy of Audiology is a national student organization dedicated to advancing the interests of students pursuing careers in audiology. Northwestern’s SAA chapter takes part in this collective mission in a number of ways: holding triquarterly meetings to discuss current topics in audiology and ways to advance the group; organizing and participating in community outreach programs; sponsoring relevant speakers; maintaining contact with Northwestern alumni; and engaging in a variety of social events. For more information, see Communication Sciences and Disorders Student Activities.
Student-Organized Seminars
A small group of students, under the sponsorship of one or more faculty members, may explore a specific topic not covered in the University curriculum. Typically, each student prepares a written seminar paper and makes an oral presentation.
Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies Productions
Most productions are held in the Wirtz Center, where you can catch a mainstage season of seven to eight works a year, plus works in progress, staged readings, a brown bag lunch series, and much more.
URGs fund independent academic and creative work in all fields of study. Under faculty supervision, grant recipients immerse themselves in novel projects in the laboratory, the library, or the studio, on campus or around the world.
Waa-Mu is Northwestern’s own original musical revue written, performed, and presented by students every year.
A noncommercial radio station operated and managed by students, WNUR specializes in presenting culturally and intellectually stimulating programming.
Additional Resources
Student Organizations and Activities (SOA)
For more information on Northwestern organizations and activities, visit the Student Organizations & Activities (SOA) web page. SOA is a part of Northwestern’s Division of Student Affairs and can help connect you to a variety of extra-curricular involvement opportunities on campus and beyond, or create an organization of your own. The office provides support, advising, and training for students and their organizations.
NU Student Group Directory
Check out ASG’s (Associated Student Government) comprehensive student group directory, featuring RTVF-related groups like Studio 22 Productions, URSA student council, and Niteskool… performance-related groups like the children’s theatre of Griffin’s Tale, Purple Haze a cappella, and the annual student-produced Dolphin Show… and media-related groups like AdShop Inc., NU Channel One, and the Northwestern News Network. You can also use the directory to find explore a wide variety of Non-SoC affiliated student groups.