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Departments of Campus Life

The Office of Campus Life was created with the following three functional areas within it:

  • Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Student Organizations & Activities
  • Leadership Development & Community Engagement

In envisioning student involvement, the office of Campus Life does not see these areas as distinct, but rather working collaboratively to support the multidimensional work of students and their organizations.

It is the office of Campus Life's intention that students will be able to walk into our space, have a theatre contract signed, plan an upcoming leadership retreat, and discuss recruitment for their sorority.

Please check out our Campus Life Organizational Flowchart (pdf) to better understand our office restructure! 

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Fraternity & Sorority Life is the office that represents the premiere collegiate experience and have been a part of Northwestern since 1859, playing an important role in the lives of thousands of students and alumni. Their educational programs, social activities, service projects, and leadership development opportunities contribute much to the University community. Northwestern currently has 47 values-based chapters across four governing councils that range in mission from social to service to cultural; however each chapter was founded on the principles of scholarship, service, leadership and community.

The total membership of more than 3,000 students comprises 40 percent of the campus community.

Student Organizations & Activities

Student Organizations & Activities seeks to engage students in involvement opportunities that build a sense of belonging and community at Northwestern University. Students have the opportunity to participate in over 500 student organizations on campus or create one of their own. Our office provides support, advising, and training for students and their organizations. Through educational and programming opportunities we facilitate and nurture experiences in:

  • Leadership
  • Campus programming
  • Student community service
  • Social justice
  • Student organization development
We encourage students to visit us to find their passion, develop ideas, and think creatively about their student organizations.

Leadership Development & Community Engagement

In partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, the office of Leadership Development & Community Engagement serves as a connector, convener, and collaborator to support students’ development and engagement on and off campus. We pursue justice & equity through students’ leadership development and engagement in the community with our non-profit and K-12 partners.

LDCE serves as the hub for the Northwestern Leadership Framework which guides Student Affairs and other departments as they plan programs that engage students in developing their leadership capacity, understanding of themselves, and understanding their leadership in the context of our complex world. We develop sustained partnerships on campus and in the community that advance student learning, transformation, and commitment for a just, equitable, and sustainable world.