Get Involved

You’ll want to attend Bear Break near the start of your first semester. That’s where student leaders of all Shaw’s clubs and organizations set up in the Student Center Quad, tell you what they’re about, and sign you up. We have more than 30 groups, and they’re all student-run.

Student groups and organizations are a way to gather around shared interests. Join a social fellowship (that includes the Greeks), honors society, or a religious, service, athletic, or special interest group—including music and drama. You can link up with the NAACP, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Colleges Against Cancer, or any of the many groups on campus. And if you can’t find the club you want, it’s easy to start your own.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities to enhance your religious commitment on campus. The Chapel is a cornerstone of Shaw U, a place you can go to center your spiritual, social and academic development. At Shaw, religion and education go hand in hand. The Chaplain is available daily and by appointment for prayer and guidance. Each semester there are four CASES events—Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment Seminars—where the University comes together and hears from community and Church leaders. CASES events include Martin Luther King Jr Celebration, Black History Month Symposium, Religious Emphasis Program, and University Awards Day.

Explore the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel 

Explore Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment Seminars

The Platinum Sound is the heartbeat of Shaw. You’ll hear the legendary marching band around campus and at Bears games, Homecoming, and special events. You can even catch the band representing Shaw U on a national McDonald’s commercial. The Platinum Sound, together with the Diamond Sensation Dance Line, celebrate the deep traditions of Shaw with passion and prowess.

The Student Government Association is the official voice of the student body. Elected annually, SGA members work hard to represent the student community and liaise with the University administration. This is the ultimate opportunity to develop and display your leadership skills—as well your ability to strategize, think creatively, and act diplomatically.

There are multiple roles available, from president and vice-president, to treasurer. The SGA Student Activities Board dreams up and organizes a stream of fun campus events. An R&B Paint session? Check. A Spooky Den Halloween event with music, potions and games? Check. This is your chance to shine.

Explore Student Government

The Royal Court is more than just for show—these folks represent the highest ideals of the institution and work hard to shape the Shaw U experience.

During their reign, Shaw’s king and queen and their court work together to organize philanthropic actions and educational endeavors. The Court also produces multiple programs for the campus community throughout the year that bring people together and keep Shaw spirits high.

Learn More about the Royal Court

Greek Life is a commitment to community and a connection to the network of nine Black sororities and fraternities, the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Known as the Divine Nine, these organizations have always been involved in social justice movements, from the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter.

The Divine Nine are all represented on campus. The organizations work together to uplift the Black experience, create unity, and contribute to the Raleigh community through service. Greek organizations at Shaw U organize some of the biggest campus events of the year, too—and some of the most fun, like the stroll competition, a battle for who runs the yard. Get involved with the Divine Nine and you’ll make bonds for life.

Black Fraternities

The Divine Nine fraternities—Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta—uphold Black excellence, brotherhood, and service. They have strong national networks that you can tap into while you’re at Shaw and after you graduate.

Black Sororities

The Divine Nine sororities—Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho—are devoted to service, sisterhood, academic excellence, and unity among Black women. Kamala Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Go Greek at Shaw, and you’ll be hooked into a powerful organization.

Explore the Council Of Fraternal Organizations

If you’re into competition but aren’t so athletic, you could try for the Shaw University debate team. The team faces off against counterparts from other colleges and universities nationwide. A recent topic for debate was reparations.

Explore leadership and career opportunities with Shaw University’s ROTC programs. Whether you’re interested in joining the Army or Air Force, our ROTC programs offer practical training, leadership development, and a path to commissioning as an officer. Embrace self-discipline, responsibility, and the confidence to excel in both military and civilian careers. Join us and be a part of something greater.