Student Life

A look at Student Life at WOUHuge cornhole game at WOU

Although attending classes, studying and working toward your degree are the main reasons students go to college, they are by no means the only thing to do there. It is important for students to be involved in campus activities because that is how they get the full college experience. Not only are they meeting new people, they are gaining independence, learning to “adult,” hearing new viewpoints and creating their own community of support. Besides earning a degree, this is why people come to college!

At WOU specifically, students have the opportunity to be involved in every corner of campus, from Athletics to cultural events to the radio station. Here are just a few of the activities college students can experience at WOU:

What students do on campus besides class

  • Student government: ASWOU is the group that represents students on campus. There is also a Student Senate and a Judicial Board.
  • Clubs and organizations: There are dozens of special interest clubs and groups for students, everything from the Communications Club to Model U.N. to American Sign Language. If a group that matches your interests doesn’t already exist, you can start your own!
  • Athletics events: The WOU Wolves have 13 sports teams, so there is always some game or match happening on campus. WOU students get in free, and they lead the cheering section.
  • Theatre/Dance performances: The Theatre and Dance department stages multiple productions every year, including plays, musicals and the Spring Dance Concert
  • Live music: Music students stage concerts all year, and visiting artists are on campus all the time, too. Musical styles range from classical piano to funk to spoken word.
  • Student media: WOU’s student newspaper, radio station (you could be a D.J.!) and literary journal keep students up to date on campus news.
  • PLUS Team and Ambassadors: WOU advocates give campus tours, assist during SOAR events and generally share their love of WOU with visitors and prospective students.
  • Sororities and fraternities: Many of the Greek organizations on campus have a themed focus, such as National Honor Society, community engagement or leadership.
  • Campus Recreation: Multiple club sports (teams compete against other colleges) and intramural sports (teams play against other WOU teams) are extremely popular, as is the Outdoor Recreation program, which organizes hiking trips, beach visits and other adventures all year round.
  • Fitness center: WOU’s modern Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center features workout equipment, a track, a pool, a huge climbing wall and many other features so students can maintain or improve their health.
  • Art exhibits: WOU has an official art museum in Campbell Hall, and there are rotating exhibits in the Hamersly Library and Werner University Center as well.
  • Fine arts: The Smith Fine Arts Series and Jenson Lecture Series bring world-renown performers and speakers to Monmouth every year.

Organizations that have an academic side

  • Student Enrichment Program (SEP): A large percentage of WOU students are part of the SEP, which provides services and a supportive environment to equip first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities with skills to be successful in college.
  • Alternative Break: Students and WOU faculty and staff travel across the state, nation and world to help build stronger communities through service. Experiences are offered during spring break.
  • Study abroad: Students can study in many countries across the globe for a term or a whole academic year. They still pay WOU tuition and fees, and they still earn WOU credits.
  • Student leadership: Students who want to build their leadership skills during a term or a single day can participate in multiple programs hosted through Student Engagement.
  • Writing Center/Math Center/Science Center: Whether students work in one of these academic assistance centers or seek tutoring help at them, they are valuable campus resources.
  • Honors Program: This program is for students seeking more advanced academic challenges while at WOU. Students must apply for membership.
  • Residence Hall Association: Campus residents earn valuable leadership skills when they serve as Resident Assistants (R.A.s) or otherwise take part in this important organization.