With an ever-expanding selection of student clubs, Liberty University has multiple ways for students to enrich their campus life. Joining a club can help them cultivate their hobbies, celebrate ethnicity, hone industry-specific skills, and build friendships.
“I think it’s really cool to see students build community on our campus as they join new clubs and get more members,” said Riley Foster, director of clubs in Liberty’s Student Government Association (SGA). “It’s been really inspiring, and it gives us a lot of hope for the direction of the university to see all the interests there are and how the clubs are growing. I think it’s really cool to see that students have a channel to advocate for what they’re passionate about.”
The SGA acts as the support system for all university clubs, processing between 10-20 new club applications each semester. There are currently over 120 different clubs on campus.
Because Liberty University is home to students from all 50 states and 70 countries, these demographics demand activities that cater to a variety of interests.
Members of the scuba club use the pool at the Liberty Natatorium for practice.
“We have so many different clubs — for ethnic backgrounds, political parties, sports,” said Abbigail Goshen, an administrative representative under Foster. “It’s a great opportunity for people to come together who are like-minded or share the same hobbies and be a part of something. It speaks into the culture at Liberty, that it’s inclusive and everyone has a spot.”
Sophomore Emma Granger is president of the Zumba Club. She said students enjoy the community at club events as much as the exercise. For new students, it’s a chance for them to break out of their shell.
“One of our main goals as a club isn’t just the exercise,” she said, “it’s the spiritual aspect. There are people who come to these classes who just need a break. Life is busy. Life is crazy. But then they come, and they let it go. It’s so special to the club that we continue having that faith-based community every time.”
“Students who participate in our clubs are sure to gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and make long-lasting friendships as they engage and connect with other students who have similar passions and interests.”
— Dr. Mark Hine, Senior Vice President of Student Affairs
The club hosts a popular Zumbathon, a two-hour event each semester that is a great way for students to focus on fitness.
In the same way, the Robotics Club provides additional outlets for students. Although many of the members are mechanical engineering students who enjoy building robots, they also participate in other activities together, like hikes, often with a spiritual component.
Robotics club member Caleb Summy works on a small bot. Members learn how to configure bots to perform small tasks like lifting objects.
Moving to college doesn’t mean students have to leave behind all the activities they loved growing up. By joining a club, they don’t have to wait until they go home on breaks to pick up their hobbies again.
Liberty offers many recreational clubs, ranging from table tennis to fencing, gaming, gardening, SCUBA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, chess, and a general Outdoor Recreation Club.
Liberty also offers many clubs that allow students to advocate for causes and bond over shared personal experiences, like the American Sign Language (ASL) Club, the Autism Speaks U Club, and the Epilepsy Rise Up Club.
The Fencing Club is one of the many recreational clubs on campus that challenges students physically.
Many clubs are an extension of students’ academic fields, with an option for almost every discipline at Liberty. Students can integrate their vocation into an extracurricular through the Cyber Defense Club, Criminal Justice Club, or the Accounting Society. Some clubs are part of national associations and provide career networking opportunities, such as the Professional Association of Christian Educators (PACE), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the Pre-Physical Therapy club.
For students looking for service opportunities for (or in addition to) their required CSER (Christian Community Service) hours, they can join the Habitat for Humanity or Red Cross Service clubs. Students in the Cure U Club support hospitalized children and underprivileged families. The Operation Christmas Child Club coordinates Liberty’s yearly collection drive for the Samaritan’s Purse shoebox ministry.
Creative students may find a home in the writing club, poetic soul club, or improv team. Those interested in entertainment may enjoy Liberty’s Japanese Culture and Anime Club or the Disney Club, which tallies one of the highest numbers of weekly student participants.
Gardening Club President Jacob Grimes examines a patch of soil.
Many clubs like Campus Outreach or Ratio Christi (apologetics club) emphasize spiritual growth and community ministry.
Those fascinated with the Great Beyond can join the Liberty Space Club. The club is currently working with a NASA program to develop Liberty’s first satellites and send its first payload into low Earth orbit in August. The club is also engineering a 12-foot rocket that will be the first in history powered by a titanium 3D-printed rocket engine. Test launches are scheduled for 2023.
Liberty’s ASAD club brings in students of African descent to celebrate ethnic culture.
Regardless of the pursuit, Liberty’s clubs offer a community where students can grow, nurture friendships, and expand their academic interests beyond the classroom.
“Students who participate in our clubs are sure to gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and make long-lasting friendships as they engage and connect with other students who have similar passions and interests,” said Dr. Mark Hine, senior vice president of Student Affairs. “SGA clubs provide the opportunity for students to enrich their campus life by building valuable social skills, which assist them in becoming Champions for Christ.”
- For a complete list of current student clubs and contact information, visit Liberty.edu/clubs.
