Student Activities

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Last updated: Aug 02, 2024 by Jennifer Bauman
4 min read


Activities Fee

At Eastern Mennonite University, we value the vibrant and diverse community that our students create. Full-time undergraduates contribute to this community through an activities fee of $75 per semester, while part-time students pay $6 per credit hour. These fees support a wide range of recreational and co-curricular activities that enrich your experience beyond the classroom. For more details, see the “Student Services—Recreational” section.


Allocation of Student Fees

EMU is committed to supporting student-led initiatives that align with our educational mission. Recognized student clubs and organizations that are open to all interested full-time undergraduate students may apply for funds from the comprehensive student fee. These funds help promote activities that contribute to a well-rounded and enriching student life.

Requests for allocations are reviewed by the Student Government Association (SGA) Finance Committee, with guidance from the Director for Student Engagement and Leadership Development. The committee holds annual budget meetings each spring to allocate funds for the upcoming year. Recommendations are then presented to the SGA Senate for preliminary approval and to the President’s Cabinet for final approval.


The following guidelines help the Finance Committee evaluate requests:

  • Only fully recognized organizations or committees are eligible for allocations.
  • Funding requests must be submitted in writing at least 24 hours before the review date. A representative should be available to meet with the Finance Committee to discuss the request.
  • Organizations can request funds for operating expenses by submitting an itemized budget proposal.
  • Programming requests should be specific, including details like the name of a film and its current cost. Only activities that benefit both members and the wider community are eligible for funding.
  • Equipment needs must be submitted as separate one-time requests and should not be included in the annual operating budget.
  • Organizations that overspent in the previous year may have their future allocations reduced accordingly.

Please note that the following are not typically funded by the comprehensive student fee:

  • Politically or denominationally affiliated organizations, or those representing partisan interests.
  • Clubs directly related to academic majors, which may be exclusive in membership.
  • Gifts or contributions to third-party charities or causes, as student fees are intended for on-campus co-curricular programs.

Funds allocated to student organizations must be retained in a Business Office account, and all expenditures must follow institutional procedures.

We encourage organizations to explore diverse funding methods, including membership dues, user fees, gifts, and fundraising projects, to help keep the comprehensive student fee reasonable for everyone.


Co-curricular Organizations and Activities

At EMU, learning extends beyond the classroom through our co-curricular programs. These programs are designed to foster academic growth, social interaction, leadership development, community service, and the enjoyable use of leisure time.

For information on how to start a new student organization or get involved with existing ones, please contact the Director for Student Engagement and Leadership Development, Tyler Goss, at tyler.goss@emu.edu.

All student organizations are expected to uphold university policies in the spirit of shared responsibility. Misconduct by organization members may result in sanctions if the organization fails to meet its responsibilities or if the misconduct occurs during planned activities.


Athletics (Intercollegiate)

Intercollegiate athletics are an integral part of the vibrant life at Eastern Mennonite University. We offer varsity sports for men, including soccer, cross-country, basketball, baseball, track and field, and volleyball. Women’s sports include field hockey, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, triathlon, and track and field. Some sports also offer developmental teams.

Both men and women compete in the NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Our athletes have excelled in these conferences and have competed in national post-season tournaments, earning numerous athletic and academic honors at conference, regional, and national levels. For more information, visit www.emuroyals.com.


Athletic Admission Fees

EMU Game Admission: Students, Faculty, and Staff with ID are FREE

Admission fees are charged for ODAC and NCAA tournament events.

At EMU, athletics go beyond competition—they are a platform for personal growth, leadership development, and the cultivation of strong values and relationships. Our program emphasizes the importance of balancing academic success with athletic achievement, fostering teamwork, communication, and self-sacrifice. Through athletics, students build strong interpersonal relationships and gain insights that extend far beyond the field or court.

Athletic events at EMU are more than just games—they are community experiences that bring everyone together, offering opportunities for entertainment, socialization, and shared growth. Whether you’re an athlete or a fan, being part of EMU athletics means joining a community where you can explore the intersection of self, community, and faith.


Music Ensembles

For the latest information on music department ensembles, events, and how to get involved, please visit emu.edu/music/ensemble.


Recreational Sports

We’re excited to offer a variety of recreational opportunities designed to bring our community together through fun and engaging activities. This year, the Campus Activities Council will host exciting weekend tournaments, while Campus Rec will provide Open Gyms four nights a week for students to enjoy various sports and stay active.

Everyone—students, faculty, staff, and their spouses—is welcome to participate. Whether you’re interested in volleyball, basketball, tennis, soccer, or any of our other offerings, there’s something for everyone. Our tournaments include billiards, table tennis, sand volleyball, disc golf, and 3-on-3 basketball—great ways to connect with others and enjoy some friendly competition.

Please note that participants are responsible for any medical expenses resulting from injuries incurred during activities. We look forward to seeing you out there!


Student Clubs and Organizations

For the most current information on student clubs and organizations, please visit emu.edu/studentlife/clubs.


Student Publications

The Weather Vane (student-run newspaper): weathervaneemu.wixsite.com/theweathervane

The Phoenix (student literary and visual art journal): emu.edu/language-and-literature/phoenix

Theater of EMU

For the latest information on theater activities, events, and how to get involved, please visit emu.edu/theater.