Student Groups & Clubs

All students and faculty belong to one of seven Minerva Houses, which bring together the campus community for hundreds of events each year. With a generous programming budget, students plan and host everything from film discussions to pancake study breaks.

Minerva facts

• All incoming students are assigned to a Minerva House. You're likely to take your First-Year Preceptorial in your house and to live in the same residence as other members of your Minerva. You'll also get to know the faculty assigned to your house.
• Each house has its own student-run governing council and a budget for academic and social events.
• The majority of events are open to members of all houses, but students generally are most involved in their assigned houses.
• The top floors of the houses provide living space for sophomores, juniors and seniors.
• All houses feature great rooms, seminar rooms and full kitchens for use by house members.

Union's Theme Houses offer like-minded students the chance to live together and connect through common interests:

• ARTS House
• Bronner House (multicultural)
• Cinematic House (movies and more)
• Dance House (dance and movement)
• Dickens House (literature)
• Game House (gaming and game theory)
• Iris House (LGBTQ+)
• Maker House (creativity and collaboration)
• Ozone House (sustainable living)
• Serenity House (mindful living)
• Symposium House (political and social discussion and debate)
• Tech House
• Wells House (community service)

The College’s continued commitment to the Greek system is based upon the significant opportunities these organizations provide their members in the areas of personal and social growth, in academic and intellectual development, and in acquiring skills in leadership and community service. The College’s rich Greek history is reflected on campus each year during Homecoming and Family Weekend, Greek Week and ReUnion. Members of the Greek community sponsor a variety of philanthropic and social activities for the entire Union community.

Sorority houses

• Delta Phi Epsilon (Potter House South)
• Gamma Phi Beta (Hickok House)
• Sigma Delta Tau (Raymond House North)

Fraternity houses

• Kappa Alpha (Davidson House North)
• Sigma Phi (Davidson House South)
• Alpha Delta Phi (Fero House)
• Chi Psi (Potter House North)
• Theta Delta Chi (Edwards House)
• Sigma Chi (Raymond House South)

Culturally-based houses

• Multicultural Greek Council (219 Seward Place)

Union provides volunteer opportunities to connect students with local partners in Schenectady. This allows students to contribute to the community, develop an understanding of local concerns, and cultivate essential leadership skills.

Programs

• Discovery Academy (offering a college life experience to adults with developmental disabilities)
• ESL tutoring
• Junior Science (teaching science skills to elementary students)
• Pen pals (elementary students)
• Union STEP (tutoring and mentoring to middle and high school students)
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (provide tax filing assistance to local families)

Annual events

• Community service themed Pre-Orientation Experience
• John Calvin Toll Day of Service
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. service event
• Random Acts of Kindness Week
• Community Carnival