As participating members of the IUP community, students occupy a responsible role in governing and shaping campus life. Since a valuable part of education lies in participation in groups and activities where experience in leadership, social and community responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and spiritual interests can be met, active participation in varied organizations is available and encouraged.

There are currently more than 220 recognized student organizations at IUP advised by faculty or staff selected by the students. Students are also encouraged to initiate and support new groups which reflect interests not currently represented by existing organizations.

Under the direction of the Center for Student Life and funded for the most part by the Student Cooperative Association, many activities are orchestratrated by students and offer entertainment and cultural programs for the entire university community. These activities provide a significant opportunity for students to become more involved with their campus as well as to experience the growth and personal development that involvement provides.

Organizations and activities sponsoring many IUP events include the Ideas and Issues Lecture Series, On Stage Arts and Entertainment Series, and the University Concert Committee. These contemporary and performing arts series provide students both entertainment and educational experiences with many of today’s most popular and classic artists.

The Health Education and Advocacy Program and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Program maintain a learning-centered focus by developing and delivering educational programs on issues that impact the social, physical, emotional, and spiritual lives of students. These programs address the needs of all students by dealing with issues related to sexuality, HIV, eating disorders, assault, alcohol and drug use, self-esteem, body image, and stress management.

The Source (the student handbook) is distributed to all students electronically at www.iup.edu/studentconduct/source. It is maintained by the Center for Student Life and includes rules and regulations, the cocurricular program, and general information of interest to students.

The SGA is the representative and recognized voice of IUP’s student body. The SGA was reconstituted in the spring of 2005 to be the unified voice of the students. It is led by a president and a vice president elected at large in a spring general election. A primary responsibility of the SGA lies with the student members of various university advisory bodies, including the Student Cooperative Association Finance Committee, which allocates funds in support of university activities. Each member of the SGA is a representative on the University Senate, the institution’s chief governing body. The SGA meets bimonthly. Every student enrolled at IUP is considered a member of the SGA, and input is always sought and welcome. For more information, visit SGA at 210A HUB or contact us at 724-357-1302.

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