Welcome and thanks for visiting the Clubs and Organizations page at Penn State York, your one stop shop for many of our involvement opportunities on campus! Penn State York offers various co-curricular activities for the social, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of our students. The Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center is the main hub of these activities. Within the Student Center, you'll find the offices of Student Affairs and Student Government Association (SGA). Both Student Affairs and SGA sponsor many campus activities (usually at no charge) including musicians, speakers, comedians, and much more.
As a student, you are highly encouraged to participate in these activities and to join groups that might share some of your interests. Getting involved in campus life is an important part of your college experience and we sincerely hope that you take advantage of the opportunity.
If you are attempting to start a new club or need to re-register your club to remain in active status, please fill out the Student Club Registration online submission form.
For more information on how to start your own club, or any other club/organization related questions, see Sarah Guillen in the Student Affairs office or view policies and rules for student organizations [pdf].
Active Clubs
Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) Honor Society
Alpha Sigma Lambda’s aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. ASL stands as an inspiration to scholastic growth and an invitation to associate with similarly motivated students.
Contact: Scott Simonds
Any Other Word (Literary Magazine)
An online journal of the arts, Any Other Word is a creative outlet for members of the Penn State York student body. It is designed to showcase students’ talents and to unite artistic minds. Any Other Word publishes the best short stories and poems submitted by Penn State York students. Visit Any Other Word
Contact: Dr. Noel Sloboda
Biology Club
The Biology Club is a group of students who are interested in career opportunities in the biology and life sciences area. Students examine novel research findings, take field trips to local laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and speak with professionals in the life sciences careers.
President: Hunter Haggett
Adviser: Anne Vardo-Zalik
Blue & White Society
The Blue & White Society was established as a student organization that aims to enhance student life through promoting Penn State pride, community service, and dedication to the University. Specifically, the Blue & White Society provides our communities with Penn State pride and civic leadership, enhances the student’s Penn State experience by building relationships within the University and the community, and instills the concept within students that their involvement with the University can and should be a lifelong commitment.
President: Neve Consylman
Adviser: Iona Conlon
Chinese Undergraduate Student Association (CUSA)
President: Jingnan Huang
Adviser: Heidi Decker
Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG)
The York campus SGA is a member of CCSG, a University-wide organization whose membership includes the SGAs of all the Penn State campuses. Six times a year, local delegates attend statewide conferences and workshops to develop, coordinate, improve, and promote the academic and co-curricular activities program of the University; to train and maintain a cadre of student leaders at each campus; and to improve the lines of communication among the Penn State campuses.
For more information, visit psuccsg.org.
DiscipleMakers
The purpose of DiscipleMakers is to reach out to students and to have communion over the word of God.
President: Adelaide Pearce
Adviser: Kip Trout
HDFS/Psychology Club
The CFR is for Human Development and Family Studies and related majors. The club sponsors social activities and service projects with children.
Co-Presidents: Maddie Forbes
Adviser: Amber Seidel
Japanese Anime and Culture Club
President: Tanner Marchant
Adviser: Andy Landis
Lion Ambassadors
The Penn State York Lion Ambassadors are current students who promote the campus to prospective students, their parents, and the community. Besides being a part of the SGA, the group works closely with the Admissions Office. Activities include campus tours, fundraisers, and social events on behalf of the school. Members are expected to keep a 2.5 grade-point average (GPA). For more information, please complete the Lion Ambassador Application.
President: Madison Forbes
Adviser: Terri Van Slyke
Mock Trial Club
President: Xiomara Larkin
Adviser: Joy Giguere
Multicultural Club
The Multicultural Club strives to show others all the different cultures around the world and a place for Penn State York students to come and gather with one another.
President: Srishti Singh
Adviser: Sukhdeep Gill
Penn Players
The Penn Players presents several plays and performances throughout the year at the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center. In addition, the club travels to local theatres and enjoys dramatic presentations and theatrical events.
President: Hunter Cameron
Adviser: Anne Vardo-Zalik
Penn State York Robotics Football Team
President: Logan Leslie
Adviser: Patrick Hein
Phi Beta Lambda
President: Justin Lin
Adviser: Megan Lorenz
Rainbow Paws
Rainbow Paws supports equality and respect among all sexualities, while providing a safe place where students can relax and be themselves.
President: Catie Noble
Adviser: Joan Smeltzer
Students for Computer Recycling to Outfit Underrepresented Nonprofit Groups in Education (SCROUNGE)
SCROUNGE takes computer donations from local businesses and refurbishes them. The computers are then distributed to nonprofit organizations in the community.
For more information, visit the SCROUNGE website.
President: Atharva Chopde
Adviser: Joe Royer
Secondary Adviser: James Oplinger
Student Athletic Club
Penn State York students enjoy being active, and they have the perfect outlet to do so with the Student Athletic Club! This active club provides athletic and recreational activities on campus, while allowing students to develop their own athletic skills and their sports knowledge.
President: Michael Villalona
Adviser: Jeff Barkdoll
Student Government Association (SGA)
SGA is the representative voice of the student body. Composed of an elected senate, SGA deals with campus-wide issues and governance to promote student welfare. SGA is the organization that charters student clubs and organizations. Any group who wishes to start a new club must go through SGA in order to gain approval. SGA also acts as an advisory body to all chartered organizations on matters such as rules and policies and fund disbursement. In addition, SGA sponsors activities, programs, and student forums which allow for the fullest expression of student opinion.
President: Sohaib Tariq
Adviser: Sarah Guillen
Student Veterans of America (SVA) - York Chapter
Since SVA’s founding in 2008, over one million veterans have returned home to pursue a postsecondary degree. Penn State York is proud to host a chapter of this national organization, sharing best practices, success stories and supporting one another to further strengthen the student veteran community. We focus on veteran welfare to ensure student veterans are supported in their transition to education and employment. Through advocacy, partnerships and alumni support, SVA strives to help all student veterans succeed and contribute to civilian society.
President: Jared Posedenti
Adviser: Joe Royer
Tabletop and Roleplaying Gaming Club
President: Brett Stevens
Advisor: Allan Lehman
THON (Penn State Dance Marathon)
For more than three decades, the students of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) have raised more than $101 million and have helped thousands of children and families fight pediatric cancer. The largest student-run philanthropy in the world, THON is a year-round fundraising event benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund, at the Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey, Pa. The year culminates in a no-sitting, no-sleeping, two day dance marathon held every February.
For more information, visit the THON website.
Primary Chair: Omar Elhasany
Co-Chairs:
Adviser: Barbara Dennis
University Programming Board (UPB)
The University Programming Board is comprised of students who are interested in planning programs and activities for the student body. There are no special skills required to be involved with the board, just a willingness to “get your hands dirty” and make things happen on campus. UPB has sponsored coffee houses, movies, comedians, lectures, trips, and much more.
Chair: Sweeta Rasiyan
Adviser: Sarah Guillen