Create your Duke experience!
Duke University is home to hundreds of student organizations. To learn more about the many ways to get involved visit DukeGroups.
Find student organizations that match your interests using the search feature on the club directory page. You can filter by group type and category. Many groups will have a link to get in touch with their officers.
Student Organizations Overview
Organization Classifications
There are two classifications of student organizations at Duke University.
- Recognized Student Organization (RSO) - a completely student-led group comprised of current undergraduate, graduate, and/or professional students. These groups operate under Duke University policy, focus on student interests and initiatives, have completed the registration process through Student Involvement and Leadership, and have been granted official recognition by Student Affairs.
RSOs must have at least 10 currently enrolled Duke students and a Duke faculty/staff advisor. University-Sponsored Organization (USO) - a student-led group comprised of current undergraduate, graduate, and/or professional students. These groups are closely tied to and directly sponsored by specific Duke University departments or offices. They have limited delegated authority, have completed the registration process through Student Involvement and Leadership, and have received official recognition from Student Affairs.
USOs function as extensions of their sponsoring department’s mission and objectives. Their activities and programs are directed or influenced by the sponsoring department. USOs receive substantial support and oversight and align their programming and operations to reflect Duke University’s priorities. All USOs are also RSOs.
Organization Types
Undergraduate student organizations recognized by Student Involvement and Leadership. These organizations do not have any requirements to join the general membership.
These organizations' fund codes are managed by Student Affairs and are eligible to apply for student activity fee money via the Student Organization Finance Committee of Duke Student Government.
Undergraduate student organizations recognized by Student Involvement and Leadership. These organizations have additional requirements to join as a general member. These requirements may include an application, audition, interview, membership dues, and/or being a member of an affiliated national organization.
These organizations' fund codes are managed by Student Affairs and are eligible to apply for student activity fee money via the Student Organization Finance Committee of Duke Student Government.
Undergraduate student organizations recognized by Student Involvement and Leadership. These organizations may have additional requirements to join as a general member. These requirements may include an application, interview, membership dues, and/or being a member of an affiliated national organization.
Competition groups participate in contests or exhibitions that are external to Duke at regional, national, and/or international levels.
These organizations' fund codes are managed by Student Affairs and are eligible to apply for student activity fee money via the Student Organization Finance Committee of Duke Student Government.
Requests to change an existing RSO to a competition group should be submitted directly to leadership@duke.edu. To be considered a competition group, a student organization must demonstrate that competition is central to the organization's mission and provide evidence of external contests they have/intend to participate in.
Graduate/professional student organizations recognized by Student Involvement and Leadership. These organizations do not have any requirements to join the general membership.
These organizations' fund codes are managed by Student Affairs and are eligible to apply for student activity fee money via Graduate and Professional Student Government.
Sport Clubs are recognized and supported by Duke Recreation and Physical Education. Sport Clubs represent the Duke community in local, regional, national, and international competitions. Teams are formed, organized, and governed by their members and welcome both veteran athletes and newcomers. Sport Clubs operate in an inclusive environment and require no tryouts or cuts to participate.
Any individual who is a current Duke student and/or has an active Duke Rec & P.E. membership is eligible to participate in Sport Clubs - however, individual Club governing bodies may limit sanctioned competition participation to full-time, undergraduate students.
To be eligible to become a Sport Club, a student organization must exist for two consecutive academic years. All Sport Clubs must have a nationally recognized governing body that determines official sport rules and eligibility. For more information contact sportclubs@duke.edu.
Student organizations recognized by Student Involvement and Leadership and officially sponsored by or connected to another university department.
These organizations' fund codes and administrative support are provided by the sponsoring department. Student organizations that are solely department sponsored are not eligible to receive funds from student government.
Student Organization Resource Hub
Get information on using Duke Groups, planning an event, information about funding, and more for existing registered organizations.
Training & Development
In order to maintain good standing with the university, student organizations are required to participate in training/development opportunities throughout the year.
Starting a New Organization
Looking to start a new group at Duke? Check out basic requirements and the full process here.
Student Organization Policies
Duke University policies are designed to help provide expectations about the use and access to variety of resources and privileges.
Fraternities & Sororities
Fraternities & sororities have been part of the University’s history dating back to the time of Trinity College.
Advisor Resources
Student organization advisors are a critical part of the support network for students.
Looking for a fresh start?
These two student organizations are directly advised by Student Involvement and Leadership and are always looking to connect with students.
Duke Student Government
DSG is the governing body of undergraduate students at Duke University. They serve as community builders, advocates, and change agents for the Duke undergraduate student experience.
Duke University Union
DUU is one of Duke’s largest student organizations, and is Duke’s student-led event programming and media body. They plan movies, concerts, trivia, have a record label, a film production team, and a lot more.