Student Organizations
The Compass
The Compass is CNU's hub for student involvement. It lists all 150+ student organizations on campus. The Compass is an outstanding way for student organizations to market events, recruit new members, organize and store important club files and documents, and communicate. What types of clubs and organizations does CNU offer?
Academic and Honors
Cultural and Identity based
Faith based
Fraternities and Sororities
Music and Performance
Political and Activism
Professional Organizations
Service & Volunteerism
Club Sports
Special Interest
Student Government
Student Media and Publications
Starting a New Organization
Any student on campus is welcome to start a new student organization (NSO) by following the steps in the Recognized Student Organization Manual. Specifically, to start a new organization, students must:
Submit registration to The Compass for review
Attend an NSO meeting with the OSI student assistant
Compile a roster of at least 10 interested students
Identify a faculty/staff member as an advisor (if necessary)
Create a constitution or bylaws for the organization
Attend an NSO orientation with the OSI professional staff
Anchor Organizations vs. Recognized Student Organizations
Anchor organizations are specific groups on campus that have a substantial relationship with the University due to how they represent the University or events they host that are integral to life on campus. Each anchor organization is advised by a Student Affairs professional staff member and they are eligible for priority allocation of funding (front-end budgeted status [FEB]) as recommended by the Student Government Association to the Vice President of Student Affairs. This allocation establishes a defined relationship with the University and therefore, requires the organization to operate within all state and University policies. We have 10 anchor organizations on campus.
In addition to anchor organizations, we have Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs). RSOs are all organizations NOT classified as an anchor organization that have completed all requirements for recognition through our office. RSOs complete in annual requirements to maintain status as an RSO.
OSI provides all student organizations with the Student Organization Resource Guide to provide assistance in operating their organization effectively.
CNU Anchor Organizations List
Alternative Breaks
Alt Breaks at CNU (previously named REACH) is an organization that allows students to engage in service focused on social issues during academic breaks.
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
Campus Activities Board (CAB) is CNU's premiere programming board on campus, bringing the students prime, interactive entertainment. We strive to host the highest quality entertainment, including bands, comedians, cultural speakers, festivals, and how-to programs. Some signatures programs we host include FallFest, WinterFest, Captain's Ball and SpringFest.
Captain's Log
The Captain's Log is our student-run newspaper, which gives voice to students, faculty and staff to provide news to the community. This is a great resource for students interested in getting experience writing, editing, taking photos, etc.
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
IFC is the governing body of the 8 recognized fraternities on campus. The council itself is comprised of delegates from each chapter, who serve as the voting members for their chapters on community-wide issues. This organization promotes academics, community and campus involvement as well as brotherhood across fraternities. They also plan campus-wide events such as Formal Recruitment.
National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC)
NPHC is composed of 7 International Greek letter sororities and fraternities. Together, they engage others in forums and cooperative programming initiatives.
Panhellenic Council
Panhellenic is home to 7 National Panhellenic Conference sororities on CNU's campus. Similar to IFC, the council is made up of delegates from each sorority and they meet regularly to discuss matters impacting sororities and the Greek community. In addition, this council plans and implements Formal Recruitment.
Residence Hall Association (RHA)
RHA is comprised of student leaders that represent all residential students to advocate for improvements and make change in the residential community. One of their signature programs each year is the Pancake Breakfast, which occurs the night before exams in the fall semester. During this time, faculty and staff serve breakfast to students as a study break!
Student Diversity & Equality Council (SDEC)
The Student Diversity & Equality Council (SDEC) cultivates an inclusive and pluralistic campus environment through community building, leadership development, educational programming, advocacy, and recognition at Christopher Newport University.
Student Government Association (SGA)
SGA represents student needs and concerns by surveying the student body, sharing feedback, partnering with the administration and more. In addition, they provide programs on campus as well as conference and small grant funding for professional opportunities.
Student Honor Council (SHC)
Student Honor Council is a group of students selected to serve the University by promoting and upholding a community of honor, integrity and personal responsibility. These students serve as panel members for the Center of Honor Enrichment and Community Standards (CHECS) to support students going through the conduct process.
See CHECS page for more information.
