v. Student Organizations at UNO

As we’ve already discussed, getting involved in a student organization is one of the best ways to build community, explore your interests, and make your time at UNO unforgettable. Whether you want to meet new people, plan events, gain leadership experience, or just have fun—there’s a place for you here!

Remember, joining a student org isn’t just fun—it’s smart…. and it can be a SMART goal! When you join a student org, you can:

• Build Friendships & Community
  Meet people who share your interests and values. Many students say their organization became their UNO family.
• Develop Leadership Skills
  From planning events to leading meetings to budget management, you’ll gain experience that employers love to see.
• Boost Your Résumé
  Involvement shows initiative, teamwork, and time management—great traits for any job or grad program.
• Make an Impact
  Many student orgs lead service projects, awareness campaigns, and events that make a difference on campus and in the community.

Whether you want to lead, create, serve, or just connect—there’s a student org waiting for you. Your college experience is what you make it. So why not make it extraordinary?

How to Find a Student Organization

UNO has over 75 active student organizations, so you’re bound to find something that fits your interests. These groups include academic clubs, cultural organizations, service groups, creative outlets, professional societies, and more.

To explore your options:

• Download the Suitable App or visit https://www.uno.edu/student-involvement-leadership to see a list of active organizations.
• Check out organization descriptions, meeting times, and contact info.
• Attend events like Privateer Plunge, Start Fresh Fest, or Fraternity and Sorority Life Fair to meet members in person.
• Not sure where to start? Come visit us in UC Room 222, and SIL’s staff will help you find your fit!

Photo by University of New Orleans

How to Start a New Organization at UNO

Have an idea for a club that doesn’t exist yet? You can make it your goal to start your own!

Here’s how:

• Recruit 5 interested students to join as founding members.
• Find a campus advisor—a faculty or staff member who can support your group.
• Complete your anti-hazing training and sign the acknowledgment form.
• Submit your organization registration online through the SIL website.
• Meet with the SIL staff to walk through the next steps and set your group up for success.

SIL will help you with everything from writing a constitution to planning your first event!

Greek Life at UNO

Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of New Orleans is all about friendship, leadership, scholarship, and service. Our Greek community is made up of diverse, values-based organizations that offer students a unique way to get involved, grow as leaders, and make lifelong connections.

Whether you’re looking for a supportive brotherhood or sisterhood, leadership opportunities, or a way to give back to the community, UNO’s fraternities and sororities have something to offer.

Why Go Greek? Joining a Greek organization at UNO means:

• Building Lasting Friendships through shared experiences and close-knit communities.
• Growing as a Leader by taking on roles within your chapter and across campus.
• Giving Back with meaningful service and philanthropy projects.
• Excelling Academically with peer support, study hours, and mentorship.
• Becoming Part of a National Network that supports you for life.

UNO’s Greek community is home to three governing councils representing a variety of fraternities and sororities:

• Panhellenic Council (CPC): National sororities that promote sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
  • Alpha Xi Delta
  • Delta Zeta
  • Sigma Kappa
  • Zeta Tau Alpha
• Interfraternity Council (IFC): National fraternities focused on brotherhood, leadership, and academic excellence.
  • Kappa Sigma
  • Lambda Chi Alpha
  • Phi Kappa Sigma
  • Theta Xi
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): Historically Black fraternities and sororities, often called the Divine Nine, focused on unity, service, and cultural pride.
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Find out more by watching the video below!

Greek Life at UNO is supported by the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership (SIL). Interested in making Greek life one of your goals? To learn more, attend recruitment events like FSL Fair, Letters in the Quad, and Late Night with the Greeks, or visit https://www.uno.edu/greek-life for details on joining.

UNO Student Government

At UNO, student government isn’t just about politics—it’s about purpose, participation, and Privateer pride.

The UNO Student Government Association (SGA) is the official voice of the student body at the University of New Orleans. SGA advocates for student needs, allocates funding to student organizations, and enhances campus life through leadership, legislation, events, and student-focused initiatives.

At UNO our SGA is made up of five unique departments that work together to represent and serve students in every aspect of campus life.

1. Executive Department – Led by the Student Body President the Executive Department represents student voices to university leadership and coordinates the work of the other branches. The Executive team sets priorities for the year, oversees major initiatives, and supports student success at the highest level.

2. Legislative Department (Student Senate) – The Senate includes elected representatives from each academic college and division. Senators propose, debate, and vote on legislation that addresses student concerns, allocates funds, and recommends campus policy changes. Senate meetings are open to all students and offer a platform for your voice to be heard.

3. SGA Supreme Court – The UNO SGA Supreme Court ensures that all SGA activities follow the SGA Constitution and By-Laws. This department hears cases, oversees SGA Conflicts, manages parking ticket appeals, and provides interpretations of governing documents.

4. Privateer Council – The Privateer Council serves as an advisory council for all registered student organizations at UNO. This department helps coordinate student org efforts, facilitates collaboration across campus, and provides guidance and support for organization success. Representatives from each organization are encouraged to attend meetings and participate in org-wide initiatives.

5. Programming Department: Student Activities Council (SAC) – The Student Activities Council plans and hosts many of UNO’s most beloved campus events—from movie nights and festivals to game shows and the annual Homecoming celebration. SAC is a great place for students who want to bring fun, inclusive, and creative events to life. Any student can join and help shape the social side of campus.

Have a Goal to Get Involved? Here’s How:

• Run for office during Fall or Spring elections
• Apply for open positions or join a committee anytime during the year
• Attend a Senate meeting
• Volunteer with SAC to help plan events
• Reach out to your college’s senator or the SGA Office with your ideas

Visit https://www.uno.edu/student-government or stop by the SGA Office in University Center 236 to learn more, get connected, or ask questions.

UNO Leadership Development Programs

You don’t have to hold a title to be a leader—just take the first step. We’ll help with the rest.

At the University of New Orleans, we believe that every student has the potential to lead—and we’re here to help you discover your strengths, grow your confidence, and make an impact on campus and beyond.

Whether you’re leading a student organization, serving on a committee, or just finding your voice, UNO offers leadership programs that help you build meaningful, real-world skills.

Emerging Leaders Program – Designed for first-year and second-year students, the Emerging Leaders Program is a 6 week experience that helps students explore their personal leadership style and gain foundational leadership skills. Through workshops, reflections, and team-building activities, participants connect with fellow student leaders and develop the tools they need to take the next step on campus. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn and grow! https://www.uno.edu/student-involvement-leadership/leadership

Annual Leadership Retreat – Each year, student leaders head off campus for a weekend of learning, bonding, and adventure. The retreat includes interactive workshops, team challenges, reflection activities, and lots of fun—all centered around a unique theme. Students return to campus feeling energized, connected, and ready to lead. https://www.uno.edu/student-involvement-leadership/retreat

Leadership Recognition Ceremony – At the end of each spring semester, we come together to celebrate the incredible contributions of student leaders, advisors, and organizations. Awards are given for innovation, service, inclusiveness, and more. It’s our way of saying thank you to the students who go above and beyond. https://www.uno.edu/student-involvement-leadership/ceremony

Additional Leadership Opportunities – We offer a variety of leadership development sessions and skill-building workshops throughout the year, including:

• Officer Trainings for Student Orgs
• Conflict Resolution & Communication Workshops
• Event Planning & Budgeting Tips
• Safe Space Trainings
• Resume & Career Skills for Student Leaders

Many of these programs are tracked through the Suitable app, where students can earn digital leadership badges for their involvement and learning. This is a great goal and the skills you develop here can be invaluable. Find information here: https://www.uno.edu/student-involvement-leadership/leadership