Student Clubs and Organizations

Alpha Epsilon Phi is a national sorority founded in 1909 to promote esteem and sorority fidelity. AEΦ Beta Alpha Chapter is composed of a diverse group of women brought together by their common values of honesty, philanthropy, scholarship, leadership, tradition, pride, fun, sisterhood, and growth. As a social sorority, AEΦ organizes sister and Emerson events, as well as devotes time to local and national philanthropies. The sisters of the Beta Alpha Chapter at Emerson are especially dedicated to the fight against breast cancer--raising thousands to help the cause. As a national sorority AEΦ works with other local chapters and participates in AEΦ’s annual National Convention. Alpha Epsilon Phi provides a lifetime bond of friendship and sisterhood.

Alpha Pi Theta is a local social fraternity with goals of brotherhood, love and trust. The brothers have carried on that tradition through their spirit, enthusiasm, and dedication to the College. The brotherhood is actively concerned with the welfare of the fraternity and of the College. Theta sponsors various social events on-campus.

Emerson’s Latino organization is dedicated to creating awareness of the Latino community at Emerson, to share the differences within Latino cultures, and to serve the Latino community in the greater Boston area. AMIGOS is a multicultural group which welcomes everyone, Spanish-speaking or not, who would like to learn about its many cultures.

Emerson’s Asian Students for Intercultural Awareness (ASIA) was officially recognized as of Spring 1993. This organization was founded to provide awareness of the vast cultures present within the Asian community. ASIA is dedicated to becoming an active member in the varied social events of the Emerson community.

ASLEmerson (formerly known as Hands-On Experience) is an organization that was created to learn about and promote the awareness of deafness and sign language as a form of communication. This is done through regular performances and workshops which incorporate music, poetry, dance and the performing arts with sign language. Membership is open to all students, regardless of major or related experience.

Created in 1947 and issued every week during the academic year, The Berkeley Beacon is a college newspaper, which is student produced. All staff positions are open to students.

This group serves as a creative outlet for writers, actors, film and production students as a means to unite all Emerson College majors to produce a comedy show. The aim is to explore the many forms of comedy and thus create a varied, original and most importantly, funny show.

The mission of CPLA is to awaken students' passion for communication, politics,  and law and to turn their political interest into political action.

Emerson’s only creative black and white photography magazine that showcases the talents of students. Developed Images is published annually and will accept submissions from anyone in the Emerson community.

EAGLE was established to promote visibility and acceptance of queer culture throughout the campus and community. Membership is open to any student who is interested in aiding others with a personal acceptance of homosexuality. The group sponsors social, academic and awareness functions for the community on issues relevant to queer culture.

Earth Emerson works to promote environmental awareness and stewardship and to better the campus, community, and global environments through student action. Annual activities include cause fundraisers, and benefit concerts, recycling, hiking, community clean-ups, and campus greening projects.

Emerson’s Black Organization with Natural Interests (EBONI) is an organization dedicated to the political and cultural reawakening of students of African descent within the emerson community. Students organize and sponsor such programs as Harambee, Kwanzaa, cultural retreats, Black History Month, and the end of the year Awards Banquet. They also maintain a resource library, and hold seminars and conferences designed to further the involvement and increase the influence of students of African descent at Emerson.

EC Dance is dedicated to promoting spirit at Emerson College. The team came together in the fall of 1999 with the intention of performing cheers, dances, and stunts at the school’s NCAA basketball games. EC Dance is also very involved in co-sponsoring events with other departments and organizations.

ECW’s main purpose is to explore and perform any and all comedic forms, as well as to provide experience for all students interested in the field of comedy with a special emphasis on sketch and video comedy. Membership is open to all full-time students who complete the audition process and are chosen to be actors, writers or directors.

Emerson Independent Video (EIV) is a student-run organization serving the Emerson Community. The organization models its operations on that of a television station. Its goal is to provide an opportunity for students to apply or learn skills in all phases of television production in a professional atmosphere. Whether you are interested in marketing, directing, producing, or writing, the organization has a place for you.  Over the years EIV has won numerous national college broadcasting awards as well as having programming air on cable and national outlets. EIV also produces the EVVY Awards, Emerson’s equivalent to the EMMY Awards, where distinguished industry professionals give awards honoring Emerson’s best student work. The EVVY Award ceremony is a major event in the Emerson community.

em magazine, founded in 2007, is Emerson's only lifestyle magazine dedicated to providing the student body with not only real experience on a commercial style magazine, but also real content they actually want to read. They cover fashion and beauty, relationships, features, fitness, entertainment and Emerson news. All content is student produced. Online and now in print.

EmComm is a student-operated and faculty-advised marketing communication agency dedicated to providing students with hands-on experience in the areas of advertising, public relations, promotion, graphic design, and computer graphics. EmComm services are available to on and off campus organizations.

Recoginzed in the Spring of 2005, Emersive’s mission is to advance the study of new media by providing opportunities for application beyond the classroom experience.

The Emerson College Democrats is an organization dedicated to promoting Democratic Party politics, educating the Emerson College student body and creating and maintaining a lively political atmosphere to promote Democratic awareness.

The Emerson Dance Company is a student organization that welcomes both the accomplished and beginning dancer. The group offers opportunity and growth in the areas of performance and choreography. They also offer Master Classes by well-known choreographers and dancers which are open to the Emerson community.

It is the mission of Emerson Forsensics to encourage all students at Emerson College to participate in the intercollegiate forensic and debate circuit, to be aware of pressing national and international issues, to train students to speak in public forums, and to sharply question the world around them. Emerson Forsensics is dedicated to helping students become more informed, critical citizens who can communicate their ideas, thoughts and opinions effectively.

Emerson Goodnews Fellowship is an ecumenical group, formed from many different church denominations, that meets for Bible study prayer and fellowship. EGNF seeks to build more community between Christians in the community. It also offers occasional services, community service projects and helps connect Emersonians to local churches.

EI, the College’s international student organization, works with the Director of International Student Affairs to provide support for Emerson’s international  population as well as increase cultural awareness within the College community.Made up of students of diverse backgrounds and interests, EI provides social and educational programs while serving as a resource for projects identified by the International Student Affairs Office.

Emerson Peace and Social Justice, formerly known as the Emerson Greens, is a non-hierarchical group of dedicated students working towards social and economic justice in the Emerson community, Boston, and beyond. Emerson Peace and Social Justice advocates and educates in any areas promoting a positive change in our environment, particularly in the areas of nonviolence, feminism, tolerance and diversity, social justice and equal opportunity, community based economics, and ecological wisdom.

This award-winning literary magazine is edited by undergraduates and issued biannually. It includes short stories, poetry, articles, and reviews by students, as well as work s solicited from graduate students, faculty and guest authors.

Named Student Organization of the Year for 2003-2004, FPS is a student run organization dedicated entirely to teaching professional film production. It is the only organization on campus that involves many students in the pre-production, production, and post-production of films. It is an opportunity for students to learn every aspect of film making, hands on, before they reach their first production class. FPS turns students into teachers.

Freshman Class Council meets weekly to develop a class constitution, plan programs, learn about getting involved at Emerson and to prepare for leadership positions. Student interested in running for class office their first year must participate in and successfully complete the FCC program. All first year students are encouraged to participate!

Gangsters in Concrete is produced by the undergraduates of Emerson College. GIC is entirely student-run and features poetry, prose, and photography by the Emerson College undergraduate community.

Launched in the fall of 2001, Gauge is a general interest and cultural media arts magazine produced entirely by Emerson College students. Its goal is not only to incorporate the various fields of study offered at Emerson into one compelling publication, but also to push the boundaries of the magazine format.

Greek Council is the official governing body of Emerson College that recognizes all Greek Letter organizations. It is comprised of delegates from all recognized fraternities and sororities. They collectively work to govern all Greek organizations, promote Greek Life on campus, and work on projects to serve the College and the surrounding Boston community.

Emerson College Hillel is dedicated to the culture, observance, education and well being of Judaism throughout the world. Members of Hillel participate in social activities, cultural celebrations and holiday services together.

H.O.P.E. is a volunteer group of undergraduate students who are dedicated to educating their peers about health and wellness issues important to college students. H.O.P.E. is affiliated with the national organization Bacchus and Gamma.

H.O.P.E. meets weekly for group trainings. H.O.P.E. students are extensively trained on issues such as sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, eating disorders, and stress. They develop and deliver educational programs and skits to Emerson students as a way of empowering them to make healthy choices! H.O.P.E. also plans special weekend events for Emerson students, such as mocktails and movie nights, the Holiday Pajamboree, Hot Wings and Trivia, and Spa Night.

Emerson’s humor magazine, Hyena, was founded in 1979. It is one of the outlets open to the Emerson community for humor, both written and visual. All types of positions are available and anyone interested in humor, publishing, and printing should contact the Hyena via their mailbox in the Student Union.

Imagine Students Reaching Out focuses on involving Emerson students with local community service projects. The idea is that while helping others, members develop leadership skills, have fun, and enrich the lives of others.

A technically oriented comedy group founded in the spring of 1999, Jimmy’s Traveling All Stars seeks to promote comedy through use of both live and taped sketch performances, with a preference towards video.

A professional sorority founded at Emerson in 1902, Kappa is committed to serving the College and local community. The Sisterhood fosters the ideal of nurturing professional, strong and independent women. The Sisters expect and demand the highest and best standards for every active member. Named Organization of the Year for 1999-2000, Kappa feels this responsibility has been potent in making the society count as a valuable asset to the school.

Kidding Around is Emerson’s theatre group that performs and provides unique theatre experiences exclusively for children. It performs on campus and at local schools and after school programs where it creates an “interactive” theater environment with children of all ages. Emerson students are encouraged to become directors, designers, producers, actors, writers, and media persons.

The purpose of Latent Image is to promote discussion and criticism of the artistic and technical medium of film. The organization produces a Film Journal, hosts an Oscar Party and a student Film Festival.

This is Emerson’s only dramatic theatre troupe that explores all facets of producing, teaching and performing theatre. We open our membership doors to anyone interested in stage managing, producing, directing and teaching.

MTS provides opportunities for participating in outstanding musical production numbers on and off campus. Annually, MTS is responsible for Cabaret Players Productions and co-producing a major Spring Musical with the Performing Arts division performed at Emerson’s Majestic Theatre in Boston’s theatre district. MTS also sponsors special guest appearances by leading musical theatre personalities. MTS is open to all members of the college regardless of their field of study.

Outstanding broadcasting students are eligible for this national honorary broadcasting society. The Emerson chapter produces its own TV and radio programs and serves the media needs of the Emerson community.

The Newman Club provides opportunities for Catholic students to develop their faith and to work in sponsoring social, educational, spiritual and service-oriented events. Students come together for debate, prayer, and fun!

The purpose of this organization, created in the fall of 2002, is to promote creativity, education of music and diversity with regards to the A Cappella Scene at Emerson and in the Boston Community. The group provides entertainment for a variety of on and off campus events.

All Emerson students have the opportunity to become members of this national organization. The Emerson chapter provides the opportunity for students to take part in professional activities on a local, regional, and national level. Named Organization of the Year for 2000-2001, NSSHLA encourages professional interests among Emerson students in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior. NSSLHA provides aid and assistance within the College as well as to local organizations in the areas of speech, hearing, language, and behavior disorders.

A student organization to meet the needs of off-campus students.

Founded in 1902, Phi Alpha Tau is the nation's oldest professional communicative arts fraternity. Originally created to foster debate, Tau has evolved with Emerson over the past 100 years to include all areas of the communicative arts. The Fraternity gives the Joseph E. Connor Award to outstanding leaders in the communicative arts and hosts the Public Conversation.

PRSSA is a professional organization dedicated to furthering students in the field of public relations through scholarships, networking with practitioners throughout the country, understanding of current theories and procedures, and hands-on programs with Emerson College clients, while furthering an understanding of current theories and practices to better prepare students for one of the fastest-growing businesses.

Recognized in the spring of 2007, RAD pledges itself, but will not limit itself, to expanding the partnerships between artists in different mediums at Emerson College. RAD aims to affect cross-genre growth in all levels of the creative process. By facilitating workshops open to all members of the student body and presenting performance showcases, RAD focuses on both artistic process and product. RAD acts as a springboard for cross-boundary artistic dialogue and growth and in doing so entertain, educate, build continuum and push the boundaries of artistic expression.

Named Organization of the Year for 2004-2005, the mission of this organization is to support theatrical productions fully produced, directed, managed, and otherwise staged solely by students of Emerson College.

Named Organization of the Year for 2002-2003, the Radio Television News Directors Association is an international organization dedicated to improving communication between students and professionals. RTNDA has experts critique students’ work, sponsors student-run workshops, and organizes professional networking opportunities for students.

The Student Government Association was formed to "establish an effective student government, represent student interests, establish and facilitate all student organizations, act as a liaison between the student body, the administration, and the Board of Trustees, and promote and protect the rights of the students…" In coordination with the Office of the Dean of Students, the SGA allocates and monitors funds to student organizations and plans and executes student activities and programs for the campus. It also actively states the needs and protects the rights of the student body. Elections are held every spring to fill positions for the next academic year. Any full-time enrolled undergraduate student, who meets the candidate criteria, is encouraged to run.

The mission of this group is to provide an opportunity for Emerson students, of all majors and levels, to read, discuss, explore and perform the works of William Shakespeare, and related material through weekly discussion groups and production work; and to promote the knowledge of and interest in Shakespearean literature and theater in the greater community through educational outreach, workshops, and public performances.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon national fraternity was colonized as local chapter Phi Alpha on April 22, 1999 after a 13 year formation period. Sigma Alpha Epsilon brings a 143 year tradition of serving its member schools and communities through various social and charitable endeavors. This newest edition to Emerson’s Greek System further strengthens an already vibrant Greek life on campus.

Sigma Pi Theta has emerged as a support group for women. We are dedicated to stimulating unity, growth, support, and awareness among the women of Emerson College. We encourage the growth of the individual, the sorority, and the Emerson College community via workshops and activities held throughout the year.

The purpose of Speak Up is to promote racial awareness on campus through activities, projects, and dialogue.

spec was founded to develop a forum for students interested in the art of screenwriting; to provide a means for students to explore artistic abilities; and to promote and nurture the interests of those who wish to pursue an education in the field of screenwriting. spec serves the video and filmmaking community by conducting workshops and by hosting annual performance-style readings.

Named Organization of the Year for 2001-2002, this student chapter of this prestigious national professional organization was created in 1983. Students who are committed to a career in journalism are encouraged to participate. SPJ activities include professional programs, service activities and social events.

Recognized in the Spring of 2005, Stork is an annual fiction journal dedicated to demystifying the publishing process and improving student writing. Stork is founded on the idea of communication between editor and writer and provides an outlet for budding writers to take their work to the next level.

This comedy and improvisation group is fully aware that it has misspelled “swollen.” The group performs original material throughout the year at scheduled showcase performances on campus and at Boston’s comedy clubs. Auditions are held each semester for students interested in comedy writing and/or performing. Membership is open to those students interested in production and advertising aspects of the organization.

The Emersonian, the College yearbook, is a permanent chronicle of the days, people, places and events of the academic year. Students interested in photography, advertising, layout or copy editing can receive one free non-tuition credit per term for assisting with producing the book.

Recognized in the Spring of 2005, the purpose of The Girlie Project is to promote female performers, writers and directors in the world of comedy. Membership is open to both women and men of all majors to create monologues, sketches, films, dances, and more in a non-competitive enviroment.

“This is Pathetic” theatrically explores the personal, uncomfortable, disturbed and sometimes inappropriate aspects of life. By placing these events of life in an experimental comic atmosphere, it is easier to understand just what we never want to. Open auditions are held annually.

THREAD exists to provide Emerson College students with the opportunity to publish their works of the script and screenplay format in a high quality, professional anthology.  It also offers the unique element of having a work of visual art accompany each published script. With the idea that screenplay is an ultimately visual medium, THREAD attempts to showcase a drawing, sketch, painting, etc. of the same feel and tone along side each script. THREAD also provides scriptwriters and playwrights with the chance to move their script to the next stages in production with the annual staged Reading Night and ties with on campus groups.

The purpose of Undergraduate Students for Publishing is to inform Emerson undergraduates about careers in publishing by inviting professionals to engage in discussion with students about their work. The club hosts panels of publishing experts to speak about their specific jobs and about current issues in magazine and book publishing. How to find and handle a publishing internship or a first job -- and how to build a career in publishing -- are regular topics. Advanced, experienced students offer advice to publishing newcomers. Field trips, community service projects, videos about publishing, and other events round out the club's varied program of activities.

Through teamwork, determination, and the exploration of current technologies, members of this organization will create films/digital videos in the genre of action and all sub-action genres and crossovers.

WAx on Felt (formerly Emerson Records) is a student-operated record company. Students record, promote, and release audio CDs in the commercial market. Students work in production, engineering, marketing, public relations, business management, new media, and graphic design.

This closed circuit radio station (99.9 FM/640 AM) serves the Emerson residence halls and dining facility. The station is staffed by students and operates on revenue generated through advertising. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester. Positions are available in sales, promotion, production, public relations, programming, music announcing, news reporting, and sportscasting.

Women In Motion is a student run, production oriented organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for students interested in film making to further their education through workshops, guest speakers, and most importantly, the experience found in a collaborative and creative working environment. The organization is open to both men and women while the foundation of the organization is to support women in leadership roles at the student and professional level of film making.

Zeta Phi Eta, established at Emerson College in 1908, is a National Professional Coed Fraternity in the Communication Arts and Sciences. Founded at Northwestern University in 1893, Zeta Phi Eta is the oldest national group of its kind. Since that time, Zeta has bonded together individuals committed to high standards in the communication arts and sciences, while providing opportunities for sharing professional interests through worthwhile activities. The sisters and brothers of Zeta Phi Eta are strongly involved with the campus community, in addition to working with many outside organizations such as the AIDS Action Committee and the American Cancer Society. In 1995, Zeta received national recognition through the Campus Chapter Achievement Award.