University of Rochester

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Global Campus Connections

Student Groups

Many students choose to participate in various clubs and group activities during their time in Rochester. Below is a list of international, cultural, and religious clubs currently active within the University community.

River Campus (Undergraduate)


Complete list of College clubs

Graduate and Residential Groups

Eastman School of Music

Complete list of Eastman clubs

Simon School

Complete list of Simon clubs

University and Community Organizations

Biomedical Foundation of India

The Biomedical Foundation of India, in collaboration with the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), strives to facilitate biomedical education as well as basic and clinical research opportunities for Indian graduate students and researchers. URMC is a respected world leader for its work in biomedicine, and through this collaboration, the Biomedical Foundation of India is helping India's best and brightest individuals pursue a world-class education in biomedical sciences.

Center for Jewish Studies

The Center for Jewish Studies promotes research, scholarship, and education in Jewish Studies. Through courses, publication, lectures, fellowships, and intellectual collaboration, the Center aims to increase knowledge in the field of Jewish Studies, to provide enriched learning opportunities for students, contribute to the intellectual life of the University, and share its resources with the Rochester community.

Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies

Established in 1986, the Frederick Douglass Institute promotes the development of African and African-American studies in undergraduate and graduate education and through advanced research at the University of Rochester. In collaboration with the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, the Frederick Douglass Project seeks to digitize all of the Frederick Douglass materials held in the collections of the University of Rochester libraries, most of which relate to the 25 years of activism Douglass spent in Rochester, NY.

International Association for Robin Hood Studies (IARHS)

Initiated in 1997 at the University of Rochester, the IARHS holds biannual conferences that alternate between North America and the United Kingdom. Robin Hood studies at the University of Rochester are interdisciplinary, combining English Language and Literature, History, Media Studies, and/or Visual and Cultural Studies. In addition, the Robin Hood Project digitizes texts, images, bibliographies, critical articles, and other information about Robin Hood legends.

M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

The M.K. Gandhi Institute of Nonviolence is a nonprofit that works to realize the vision of its historic namesake. The Institute helps individuals and communities develop the inner resources and practical skills needed to achieve a nonviolent, sustainable, and just world. Located at the University of Rochester, it collaborates with other nonprofits, academic institutes, students, and driven peacemakers in the areas of nonviolence education, sustainability and social justice through food, and restorative justice.

Open Letter Books

Established in 2007, Open Letter Books is the University’s press for translated literature. Publishing ten books a year and running an online literary website called Three Percent, Open Letter is one of only a handful of U.S. organizations with a commitment to cultivating an appreciation for international literature. The Press also provides internships, especially to students enrolled in the University's literary translation programs.

Rochester International Council

Since its founding in 1948, the Rochester International Council (RIC) has supported international students and visitors in the Rochester area and remains dedicated to promoting understanding among people from diverse cultures. Social and educational programs help to build connections with the Rochester community and introduce new opportunities to participate in American life. The University of Rochester hosts RIC on the River Campus and co-sponsors events to benefit its international population.

Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies

Established in 1994 at the University, the Skalny Center aims to promote the study of Poland and Central Europe into the mainstream of the College’s curriculum, providing unique opportunities for interdisciplinary studies in the language, literature, culture, history, economy, and politics of the region. The Center also maintains formal institutional exchange programs for faculty and students with Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. To complement its academic offerings, the Skalny Center has developed an impressive program of cultural and artistic events—ranging from lectures to concerts to films—that enrich the campus and Rochester area communities.

Campus Traditions

Annual Diversity Conference

Each year, hundreds of University community members gather to discuss how to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment at Rochester’s campuses. The conferences include a keynote lecture, panel discussions, and workshops.

Polish Film Festival

Each year, the five-day festival showcases some of Poland’s best cinematic treasures and often brings to town Poland’s most acclaimed actors and directors to headline the event. This event is hosted by the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies and has been supported by a major grant from the Polish Filmmakers Association and the Polish Film Institute.

Middle Autumn Festival

Each fall, the festival celebrates this Chinese holiday of heritage, family and community with traditional dance, music and other performances. Historically, this event has drawn more than a thousand attendees from the University and broader Rochester community. The festival is organized by the Chinese Student Scholar Association



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