Swarthmore Student Organizations
Registered Student Organizations
A registered student organization consists of a group of students who have indicated their interest to the Office of Student Engagement in forming a club/organization without funding. Registered organizations may plan on going through the Student Government Organization (SGO) chartering process during the fall or spring semesters. Please note that non-chartered groups are ineligible to receive an SBC-approved allocation. Registered groups may not submit a budget to the Student Budget Committee (SBC) until they have been formally chartered by SGO typically by the end of the semester.
Chartered Student Organizations
A chartered student group is officially recognized by the College’s Student Government Organization, may apply for Student Activity Fee Funding through the Student Budget Committee (SBC), and maintains its charter by following the procedural guidelines set forth by the Student Organizations Committee (SOC) of SGO. All chartered student clubs and organizations will need to re-register annually. Chartered clubs and organizations are notified about the re-registration process in the preceding spring semester for the subsequent academic year.
Student leaders of chartered clubs and organizations affirm each year that they understand, will comply with, and will share with all their active members the College's non-discrimination and equal opportunity policies. Enrolled students may contact ose@swarthmore.edu for current club/organization leadership information. Below is a list of Chartered Student Organizations.
Aja
Aja is a club that strives to promote the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of Black women and non-binary people on Swarthmore's campus by providing a space to explore and celebrate our identities as as well as create community amongst ourselves. Aja is centered on self-care, empowering its members to focus on surviving and thriving on a campus that was not created for us.
Alpha Omega
We invite every student to read, discuss and test the Bible for themself to understand what it means to live following Jesus. We have weekly events and serve underprivileged communities alongside students from universities across Greater Philadelphia.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE is the nation's oldest engineering society dedicated to professional development of engineers. Swarthmore's chapter hosts events with professional engineers and competes in regional engineering competitions.
Amos J. Peaslee Debate Society (Endowed Organization)
The Amos J. Peaslee Debate Society is Swarthmore's sole competitive debate team. Welcome to experienced high school debaters and newcomers alike, we compete against other colleges and universities on the East Coast through the American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA) and worldwide on the British Parliamentary (BP) circuit. Swarthmore has won numerous tournaments and awards on the national and international levels, including winning the APDA National Championships in 2018.
ANALOG
Founded in the fall of 2018 to preserve enthusiasm for film photography, ANALÖG is the hub for all things alt-process on Swat's campus, from providing free film for student photographers to hosting hands-on development and darkroom workshops for all interested students.
Anime Club
Swarthmore Anime Club is a student-run organization dedicated to organizing spaces for anime, manga, and light novel fans to gather and engage in activities together. We wish to build a sense of community between anime enthusiasts on campus and provide fans with opportunities to do anime related activities, such as: viewing films and/or going to conventions, and related workshops.
Archery Club
The Archery Club is a recreational student activity group that gives students at Swarthmore College the opportunity to learn and practice the sport of archery. We currently hold shooting lessons and events at Middletown Archery twice a week. All students are welcome to join and no prior experience is necessary to participate.
ASL CLUB
ASL club works to expose Swarthmore students to Deaf culture regardless of previous experience with ASL. Focusing specifically on the language of many Deaf Americans: American Sign Language, the club is a platform for Deaf events, resources and social spaces that work to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and hearing community.
Badminton
Full of grace and power, the Swarthmore College Club Badminton team dances across the court, challenging University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Drexel University, Haverford College, Bryn Mawr College, Temple University, and other institutions in both collegiate and open tournaments across the Northeast. We practice year round, with our main collegiate competitions occurring in the spring. Players of all skill levels are welcome to join us for practice and tournaments. Come become part of our family!
Beekeeping Club
We maintain and are responsible for two hives on campus. Our gatherings include hive checks and harvesting honey. We promote the wellbeing and population of bees, as climate change gravely affects their status. We foster a learning environment for those curious or interested in learning about bees and beekeeping!
Bird Club
Bird Club is a low-stakes, welcoming environment to explore the birds in our own backyard of the Crum Woods and in our local community (Philadelphia Zoo, Ruston Woods Preserve) with semesterly field trips. We also hold game nights to play the board game Wingspan and craft nights if you prefer to engage with birds in an indoor setting. All are welcome and no prior bird knowledge is necessary whatsoever! Come out and enjoy the birds!
Bowling Club
Bowling Club is a space that allows for beginner and amateur bowlers to learn techniques to progress in the sport. Through involvement in a league, bowlers can build a team and competitive spirit while growing their skills from one handed or two handed, straight to curve bowling styles. The Club also has fun recreation events open to all students to enjoy social bowling.
boxing club
Swarthmore's Boxing Club welcomes students of all levels and backgrounds to develop their skills and fitness in a collaborative and positive environment. We train with a boxing coach multiple times a week and hold various team-bonding events throughout the semester.
Boy Meets Tractor
Boy Meets Tractor provides a space for students to hone their sketch writing, production, and acting skills. Every semester, we put on a show to share our work with the Swarthmore community. We aim to foster a love of comedy on campus.
CASA
The goal of this club is to create a community for Latinx women and non-binary individuals at Swarthmore. “Machismo” is very prevalent inside and outside of our cultures, and we believe that all of our members at CASA can find solidarity within each other through sharing and discussing our own lives and experiences. Our mission in CASA is for Latinx women and non-binary people at Swarthmore to feel safer and in closer proximity to one another all while building meaningful friendships that embrace all of our cultures and differences.
Chess Club
The Swarthmore Chess Club is a group for players of all skill levels to play, practice, and compete in the wonderful game of chess. We host monthly open free play sessions and occasional tournaments, and for those interested in competition, we also field a competition team in an online collegiate league. Whatever your opening, ELO, or chess background, we provide a welcome space to build community and play some fun games with a good group of people.
C4
C4 is a student-chapter organization of CRCQL (Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living) dedicated to building alliances between local colleges and CRCQL with the goal of eliminating factors promoting environmental racism in the area. Through these relationships, we collectively spearhead and support initiatives that promote environmental justice in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, we interrogate our own college communities’ complicities and roles in this injustice and implement institutional-level solutions for equitable waste management. C4 mobilizes community and empowers all citizens to contribute to a sustainably just society through education and advocacy. C-4 works to bring forward serious discussions about environmental injustice in pursuit of equity and justice for harmed marginalized communities. We actively engage in direct action and critical systems change to envision solutions to the problems of environmental injustice, racial marginalization and economic exploitation.
Cinema Club
This organization is a student-run organization that is dedicated to supporting your film related projects! Whether that be with short film productions, trips to the movie theater, film screenings, or film reviews, the club is dedicated to supporting and providing an avenue for those interested in film at Swarthmore to express their love for the art form.
Co-Ed Club Volleyball
The Coed Volleyball Club Team seeks to provide a fun and competitive environment for those interested in organized volleyball. We will focus on building community through working together, collaborating to improve the individual skills of each team member, and providing a way for non-varsity athletes to obtain P.E. credit. The club is open to everyone, regardless of identity; we encourage individuals of all abilities and skill-levels to come practice and compete. Practices are held 2 to 3 times a week for 2-3 hours of practice.
College Democrats
Swarthmore College Democrats promotes civic participation through voter registration, education, and volunteer opportunities; facilitates campus discourse on current events and political issues; and aims to advance the political prospects of Democratic candidates.
COLORS
COLORS is a student-run organization that aims to support and uplift QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) on Swarthmore’s campus by centering queer/POC joy. The hope for COLORS is that it can cultivate a space where students who hold these identities feel comfortable and safe, and build community with other fellow QTPOC on campus.
Drama board
We provide networking support, funding, and artistic support for student theater productions on campus.
East Asian Calligraphy
The East Asian Calligraphy Club aims to foster appreciation and understanding of East Asian calligraphy, offering a platform for members to learn, practice, and enjoy this art
form. The club also hosts tea-drinking sessions to further immerse members in East Asian culture.
Ember Dance Company (EDC)
Ember Dance Company (EDC) aims to provide dancers on campus interested in ballet and contemporary styles a place to choreograph, rehearse, and perform outside of the academic department. Along with our end-of-semester performances, we strive to provide the campus community with free dance classes taught by fellow students.
ENLACE
ENLACE is a space for pan-ethnic Latine and Latin American-identifying students to come together in community and solidarity. We provide social, educational, mentoring, and political opportunities to engage students through collaborations with outside organizations, teach-ins, and cultural events to explore the many identities of our community members. Furthermore, ENLACE works to create pan-ethnic solidarity through community building across Swarthmore and the Philadelphia area.
Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association (EESA)
Swarthmore’s Ethiopian Eritrean Student Association (ESSA) is home to Ethiopian-Eritrean Swarthmore students who are both native-born and diaspora. ESSA hopes to raise awareness about the Ethio-Eritrean culture, people and history. One of ESSA’s missions is to embrace the differences between our cultures and provide a community of support.
FLI Council
Through mobilization around concerns surrounding the FLI experience, the Council will facilitate programs and initiatives that support FLI students. The Council believes in sustainable initiatives that create lasting, long-term structural change. As the Council advocates for the College to meet the needs of FLI students with critical care, they will continue to make change on their end.
Gender Minorities in Mathematics and Statistics (GeMs)
Gender Minorities in Mathematics and Statistics is a Swarthmore student-run club and a registered Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) student chapter. GeMs in Math & Stats’ goal is to provide a welcoming space for students of underrepresented identities interested in math and statistics, and to make the Math/Stat Department more open and accessible to all students by hosting events throughout the semester.
Girls Into VC at Swarthmore
The first undergraduate organization providing female-identifying students with a professional development network dedicated to building business acumen in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Good Food Project
The Good Food Garden Club is a space to teach students about planting, caring for, and harvesting their own food. We meet at the garden 2-3 times a week to plant new crops, weed our plots, harvest crops, and water the garden. We also use the space to grow ingredients for cooking and foraging events. Most recently, we have hosted an edible flower cookie baking day as well as a foraging/gardening-inspired vegan dinner. Over the summer, student interns take care of the space, working full time during the week to make sure everything looks good and is producing food well.
grapevine
Grapevine -- the most fun, the most fruity, and the longest consecutively running a cappella group at Swarthmore -- is a student-led group that welcomes all those identifying as a gender minority. Performing a broad repertoire of songs you’re sure to love, you can find us dressed in our signature purple and green at any of our multiple concerts each year. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester. To get a taste of our sweet music check out our Youtube channel (www.youtube.com/@swarthmoregrapevine4201) or our Instagram (@swatgrapevine).
Golf Club
The Golf Club is a student-run organization dedicated to helping Swarthmore students interested in participating in all activities related to golf. We seek to help Swarthmore students foster their love for golf by providing monthly trips to the golf course to either hit golf balls, play a round of golf, or participate in mini golf trips.
HAN
HAN is a student organization at Swarthmore that provides a space for students to experience Korean and Korean American culture and community. HAN hosts social, cultural, and recreational events, such as Korean holiday celebrations; food events such as semesterly hwaeshiks and ramen nights; and more! General members are invited to participate in the weekly open board meetings to contribute ideas, provide feedback, and get to know other HAN members.
Herbivores
Herbivores is an inclusive space for anyone interested in a plant-based diet. We host group cooking events, clothing swaps, speaker events, and meatless challenges while also engaging in discussions regarding animal rights and environmental/health benefits of veganism and advocating for more plant-based options on campus. Everyone is welcome to join!
i20
The i20 is the student club representing all international students to ease and enrich international students’ transition to college life so that they can maximize their time at Swarthmore College. We do this through informational events, useful experiences, and social events.
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP)
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is an organization dedicated to ending the Israeli Occupation and opposing all forms of anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab oppression, as well as organizing for a just peace for all peoples in occupied Palestine and throughout the world. We are both unabashedly Jewish and political in our support for Palestinian rights. Our Judaism is not “neutral” or “apolitical,” and we feel called to come together and say: “Not in our name.” Together we organize and build community around principles of justice and liberation.
Kapatiran: Filipino Student Association
Swarthmore Filipino Student Association aims to foster a community for Filipino students to connect with their histories and heritage away from home. We aspire to engage the Swarthmore community in learning about Filipino culture and historical contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States. We seek to organize cultural events, dances, and teach-ins and collaborate with neighboring Filipino student organizations.
Kehilah
Swarthmore Kehilah is a religious, social, and cultural organization that serves the Swarthmore Jewish community and the campus as a whole by fostering engagement with Jewish cultures and religion, connecting students who are interested in Judaism to one another, and providing a space for practicing, exploring, and discovering Judaism and Jewish identity.
Kitao
The T. Kaori Kitao Art Gallery is Swarthmore’s only student-run gallery space and arts collective. Named for a beloved art history professor, it mounts monthly public shows, hosts open studio hours, and runs collaborative workshops.
Kizuna
As Swarthmore's Japanese culture club, Kizuna explores the world of Japanese food, culture, and events! Join our vibrant and inclusive club where we dive deep into all things Japanese. From weekly dinner meetings to amazing culinary experiences in Swarthmore, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and beyond, we offer fun opportunities for everyone to join in.
LaunchDeck
LaunchDeck is devoted to providing more resources for students interested in entrepreneurship and/or social impacts through business development. We create a space for students to learn and practice entrepreneurial skills through workshops, team projects, reading groups, and speaker AMA (Ask Me Anything) events. Through these activities, we aim to foster a community of Swarthmore students to actively connect their classroom concepts to real world challenges. We are also interested in embracing critical perspectives on the social aspects of entrepreneurship and business. We believe that, in improving these resources for learning about entrepreneurship, we support students to learn how to approach issues in our society more critically with hands-on activities.
Men’s Club Soccer
This club aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students of the college to engage in fun and competitive physical activity through soccer practices and games. It operates as a Coed program encouraging any and all students, regardless of past soccer experience, to join and learn more about the game through their peers.
Men’s Rugby
Swarthmore College’s Rugby (M) Club is a tight-knit team driven by our love for the game and our mission to grow the sport of rugby. Rugby offers a fast-paced and high-energy experience like no other. Our team is open to all, regardless of shape, size, or experience, and we provide a supportive and inclusive environment where you can learn and grow. We practice weekly and compete both locally and regionally year-round. Join us to get to know the sport and build friendships beyond the field. Follow along with the team on Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/swatmrugby/).
Mixed Company
Mixed Company (also known as MoCo) was established as Swarthmore's first co-ed a cappella group in 1991. Known for its diverse setlists ranging from throwbacks to today's hits, MoCo holds performances throughout the year with final concerts at the end of each semester.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial is a team-based competition that combines elements of law, speech, debate, and theater. Students prepare and try a simulated case before a judge and a jury in tournaments around the country.
Motherpuckers
We go to Springfield Ice Rink every Thursday and Sunday night to play ice hockey
Muslim Student Association
The Muslim Students Association is an open organization that holds various events and provides supports for its members. Events include but are not limited to, regular congregational Jummah prayers, speaker events/panels, outings into Philadelphia, community iftars during Ramadan, and more. The MSA also strives to educate the larger Swarthmore campus about Islam and Muslim life.
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK ENGINEERS (NSBE)
The National Society of Black Engineers at Swarthmore College aims to recognize and enhance the excellence achieved by African-American and other minority engineering students in academic, professional, and community realms. Our chapter is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where students in engineering and technology fields can thrive and prepare for future career success.
Olde Club
Olde Club is a student-run performance space that functions on the belief that live music is an inherently good, beautiful, and human thing that deserves to be cultivated and shared at Swarthmore College. In offering an exciting range of live music from the greater Delco and Philly area, as well as performance opportunities for student musicians, Olde Club strives to provide a welcoming space for campus and community members to come together, effectually supporting the local music scene and offering Swarthmore students the opportunity to gain experience working for and in a concert-venue.
Organizing to Redefine “Asian” Activism (ORAA)
Organizing to Redefine Asian Activism (ORAA) is a socio-political group that aims to mobilize students and unpack the nuances of an imperfect “Asian” identity. ORAA seeks to act as a site of political action in collaboration with other student organizations and the greater-Philadelphia Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Pacific Islander American (API/A) network. We hold discussion-based meetings and organize larger events such as panels, talks, screenings, fundraisers, and more. We discuss issues that cover a broad scope of topics, which include race, culture, identity, education, politics, current events, and popular culture.
Our Arts Spoken In Soul (O.A.S.IS)
Our Arts Spoken In Soul (O.A.S.I.S) is a student-led creative writing club deeply rooted in spoken word poetry performances. As the name suggests, O.A.S.I.S seeks to help cultivate a voice of truth in every creative writer through their arts: spoken word poetry performances, paper poetry workshops, fiction and short story reviews, etc. Through our workshops, open mics, and spoken word events, we intend to invite various writers to explore their writing styles as a means of contributing to the literary scene at Swarthmore College. We also intend to provide a platform where creative and non-creative writing majors at Swarthmore can find a family and space of relaxation outside of the classroom and intensive school work. Additionally, through our writing workshops, we aim to have participants learn about artists with marginalized identities who work with different media. We also provide a safe space for students to analyze art and explore their identities through exposure to other media and artists who may reflect or resonate with their experiences. Through O.A.S.I.S., members will practice delivery and share tips for effective performance in any form of art. O.A.S.I.S plans to organize on-campus events, travel, and admission to off-campus events, and collaborate with other organizations and faculty to bring people to campus for performances.
Outsiders
Outsiders is Swarthmore's student-run outdoors club; we run hikes, workshops, kayaking trips, and other outdoors activities, including the fall/spring break backpacking trips, and weekly indoor rock climbing trips. Got an outdoors skill you'd like to share with other Swatties or a cool hike you'd like to go on? Go for it -- any Outsiders member is welcome to lead activities!
Petey Greene Club
Do you want to tutor incarcerated people? Are you passionate about mass incarceration and education? The Petey Greene Program at Swarthmore College is an expansion of the nationwide organization that works to aid the educational efforts of current and previously incarcerated individuals as well as educating our smaller communities on the effects of mass incarceration. In addition to that, the Swat PGP works to facilitate open discussions of health and social care for those within and affected by the carceral state; this includes topics such as restorative justice, lgbtq+ health, and maternal care.
PsiPhi (Not a Frat)
PsiPhi (Not a Frat) is a student-run organization that provides a social space for students interested in fantasy, science fiction, and other nerdy hobbies. We host various events throughout the year to help our members bond over shared experiences, to introduce our hobbies to other students on campus, and most importantly to have fun. We also maintain our own library (PsiLi) in Parrish Basement, which holds board games and a variety of books, primarily of the science fiction and fantasy genres. We also organize the annual Pterodactyl Hunt, an autumnal staple at Swarthmore.
QuestBridge
The Swarthmore QuestBridge Chapter is a chapter of the national QuestBridge organization that connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities. As the Swarthmore QuestBridge Chapter, we aim to create a community and support for QuestBridge Scholars and fellow FLI students through various levels of engagement. We uphold QuestBridge’s core values as we work on self-engagement toward holistic growth, network engagement with the rest of the FLI community, and civic engagement through outreach and public service.
Rhythm N’ Motion (RnM)
Rhythm N’ Motion was founded by Jumatatu Poe in response to the lack of diversity in dance styles at Swarthmore. Underrepresented dance styles and music are the cornerstone of RnM. All of our pieces are student-choreographed and stem from the African Diaspora, which includes hip hop, rap, umfundalai, voguing, and more. The club has evolved into a Tri-Co performance group, with students from Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford.
Salsa Con Sabor
Salsa Club provides weekly salsa and bachata lessons from an instructor for all levels. No shoes, partner, or experience needed!
SASA
The Swarthmore African Student Association (SASA) is a club dedicated to fostering and sustaining a sense of unity and community on campus among its African and Black student population by establishing opportunities to promote enriching and entertaining gatherings, meaningful cooperation opportunities, and successful solidarity between Black-led groups. SASA seeks to be a club that celebrates, respects, and welcomes the rich diversity of cultures, identities, and expressions of love and joy from all regions of the African continent and its diasporic populations present, past, and future. We often collaborate with SASS, SOCA, AJA, BLACK, BiMS, MSA, NSBE, ENLACE, ORAA, Kitao, the Black Cultural Center (BCC), the Intercultural Center, and its affinity group collective!
SASS
Founded in 1969, Swarthmore African-American Student Society (SASS) was created for Black Students, by Black Students. From our founding we have served the Swarthmore Black community, organizing for a safe space, family, and unwavering celebration of Blackness. Focusing on Programming, Events, Advocacy, and more, we bring the Black community together.
Sewing, Up-cycling, crocheting, and knitting club (SUCK)
S.U.C.K. is a community of fiber artists and needleworkers at Swarthmore, coordinating supply orders and hosting a weekly space for students to come together and learn or practice fiber arts. SUCK is a welcoming, inclusive space, open to all students regardless of previous experience.
Sexual Health Advocates (SHA)
Swarthmore College’s Sexual Health Advocates (SHAs) aim to create a space for Swarthmore students to talk and learn about safer sex, sexuality, and pleasure in a peer-led environment. We are a collective of volunteer students who share the common goal of learning and sharing our knowledge of resources. We plan events (open to everyone) and host weekly meetings centered around sex, intimate relationships, sexual health, sexuality, gender, and have connections to relevant on- and off-campus resources for the greater campus community. We are dedicated to empowering Swarthmore students to be able to make informed decisions about their sexual health free from shame, guilt, and judgment through conversations, inviting speakers, and with interactive events. We support and encourage safe, sane, and consensual sexual behavior of whatever form an individual wishes.
sixteen feet
Sixteen feet was originally established in 1981 as an all-male acapella group (the first acapella group on campus), but has since become a lower voices (TTBB) focused ensemble welcoming all genders. Currently, we hold group rehearsals for a total of 3-4 hrs a week, with the aim of performing at several student organized college acapella events throughout the semester.
Ski Club
Swarthmore's Ski Club serves students in making winter sports accessible to all. The club takes students to local mountains to ski, snow-shoe, and cross-country ski. No experience necessary, all students are welcome!
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) aims to empower people of marginalized genders to confidently pursue careers as engineers and leaders. We believe that the best engineering comes from groups who are innovative, diverse, and motivated to make the world better for everyone.
SOSA
We're Swatties of South Asian (SOSA)! We're all about connecting people with South Asian culture, whether you grew up with it or just want to explore something new. We provide means for many festivals to be celebrated such as Diwali, Navratri, Holi, and Eid which are open to everyone. These festivals have an average of over 100 attendees spanning over students, faculty, and staff. In addition to that we host weekly hangouts over tea and south asian snacks which are typically attended by 20 students.
Small Town, Rural, and Remote Club (STARRS)
Swarthmore’s club for small town, and rural/remote students. If you are from a small town or identify as rural, join us as we share our experiences, learn about each other and the world around us, and take on new opportunities together! From club dinners and board game nights, to trips to Philly for a museum or dinner excursion, come join us for community, learning, and fun!
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is a vibrant and dedicated community committed to fostering the advancement of Hispanic and Latinx students in the fields of engineering and technology. We will follow SHPE’s guiding values of Familia, Service, Education, and Resilience, in order to achieve SHPE’s vision: a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Our chapter strives to empower its members through professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs, all while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic and Latinx community. By collaborating with industry professionals, faculty, and alumni, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, ensuring our members are well-equipped for future success.
Speak2Swatties
Speak2Swatties (S2S) is Swarthmore College's mental health student organization. Our mission is to empower Swatties to achieve better self-awareness, prioritize their mental well-being in daily decision-making, and develop skills to support themselves and their relationships. Our club has developed partnerships with CAPS, Student Health and Wellness, the Inclusive Excellence Fellows, and other groups on campus, to develop several large mental health projects and resources. Today, we host our very own student-led mental health podcast on Spotify, organize skill-building and de-stressing events, welcome and share student-written blogs on our website, and strive to create a safe space to discuss mental health challenges via peer support groups on campus. S2S provides a variety of helpful resources on our website, swathealthyminds.wordpress.com, including books, messages of support, and insightful social media accounts.
Squash
Squash is Swarthmore's co-ed club squash team. We are a great balance between casual and competitive with no experience required to join. We practice twice a week at the state-of-the-art Arlen Specter U.S. Squash Center in Philly and participate in competitions against teams from across the U.S. in round robins and tournaments, including the CSA National Collegiate Club Team Championships. All of our weekend trips and tournaments are lots of fun and pre-paid! Follow along with the team on Instagram @swatsquash."
Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA)
Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA) is an organization dedicated to the cultivation of the culture, language, and historical identities of its members. We strive to maintain a vibrant Caribbean community. Our goals are to increase representation from Caribbean countries, infuse the greater Swarthmore community with a vibrant cultural impact, and create a safe, culturally rich space for all its members.
swatai
SwatAI Club aims to establish a welcoming community space for students who wish to explore the application, ethical implications, and social impacts of Artificial Intelligence. We offer two parallel programs designed to balance the accessibility and depth of our inquiry into AI. We invite guest speakers – pioneers, innovators and thoughtful thinkers – who share insights from their work on AI-related projects with the whole Swarthmore community. For those who are eager to dive deeper into AI’s technical side, our student team works alongside local grassroot organizations to explore the unique role and capabilities of AI in unlocking the full potential of solutions that address social issues or support community well-being. In doing so, we hope to foster the trading of ideas, knowledge, and hope in an era that is witnessing a grand technological reformation that will ultimately reshape everybody’s life.
Swarthmore Barbell Club
Swarthmore Barbell Club is a student-run organization dedicated to serve students at Swarthmore who are passionate about physical fitness and interested in learning about Powerlifting and Olympic lifting. We encourage collaboration, competition, leadership, and discipline through weightlifting. Each semester students have the opportunity to perform at local competitions and each week we bring in two coaches, who specialize in Powerlifting and Olympic lifting, to guide us in our training. We seek to help Swarthmore students foster their love for physical activity in a safe and productive environment with like-minded people. Whether students are beginners, intermediates, or advanced in weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, CrossFit, or Olympic lifting, Swarthmore Barbell Club will serve as a common ground for everyone interested in learning more about sports related to lifting.
Swarthmore Capoeira
Swarthmore Capoeira is a cultural, dance, and martial-arts organization that seeks to build a community of practitioners of the Afro-Brazilian martial art on campus.
Swarthmore Chabad
Swarthmore Chabad provides the Swarthmore College community with a Jewish home where all are welcome to explore and celebrate Jewish tradition and identity. We offer weekly Kosher Shabbat dinners at the Swarthmore Chabad house and also enable students to observe Jewish holidays throughout the year. During the week we host laid-back social and cultural events, such as barbeques and game nights, providing students with a Jewish community. In addition, we host Torah studies, facilitate volunteering, and other growth opportunities, both on campus and in the Chabad House. All students are welcome.
Swarthmore Chinese Society
Swarthmore Chinese Society aims to connect Chinese students on campus and engage all students who are interested in learning about Chinese culture. We seek to build meaningful connections between members in the Chinese community at Swarthmore, Chinese alumni, and students interested in Chinese culture by hosting various social events centering on traditional Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year, Mid-autumn Festival, alumni career panels, and bringing cultural traditions to Swarthmore campus.
SwatCircus
SwatCircus takes weekly trips to the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts for hour-long workshops in a variety of circus skills, including static trapeze, silks, trampoline, pole, juggling, balance, and lyra. In addition, we take special trips to train in flying trapeze and pole fitness! We also host on-campus practice sessions where members and non-members can share, teach and practice skills such as juggling, tumbling, acrobatics, and other talents. All are welcome - no skill or previous experience required!
SWARTHMORE COLLEGE CHINESE JOURNAL
Swarthmore College Chinese Journal, known as 《索思》 in Chinese, is a bilingual journal dedicated the fostering of cultural and academic exchanges between Chinese and English speakers. The journal is student-founded and student-run, serving the Swarthmore College community and a broader readership. Our mission is to provide a platform for showcasing academic achievements, literary works, and artistic expressions of students. We encourage contributions from authors of diverse backgrounds to enrich our content and promote a deeper understanding and respect for multiculturalism. The journal is published semesterly, featuring articles in humanities, social sciences, interviews, and more.
Swarthmore Conservative STUDIES (ISI)
The Swarthmore Conservative Studies is a coalition of students interested in conservative thought at Swarthmore College. We aim to promote an understanding of conservative principles within the student body at the College and engage in debate and dialogue about their meaning, political implications, and social impact. We hold meetings and events, organize educational efforts, and host guest speakers. The Swarthmore Conservative Studies is officially partnered with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.
SwatCooks
Swatcooks aims to provide an inclusive space for those of all skill levels who are interested in expanding their culinary experiences. To facilitate our goal, we will provide the training, assistance and ingredients necessary for our members to thrive and grow. Our hope is to create a fun and relaxed environment for those interested in cooking in order to develop their craft.
SWARTHMORE DEUTSCH CLUB
Swarthmore Deutsch Club’s mission is to spread and introduce the German language and German culture through group activities that not only engage students, but also challenge them to develop a broader perspective on international issues (especially those related to German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). From a broader perspective, our mission is to develop Swarthmore students’ intercultural communication competence.
SWARTHMORE DISABILITY ASSOCIATION (SDA)
The Swarthmore Disability Association (SDA) is a club dedicated to fostering community, allyship, and campus wide awareness and accessibility centered around various disabled experiences. From providing supports in accessing accommodations and student services, encouraging physical and mental self care, sharing resources for navigating the various components of the medical system, addressing issues and ableism on campus, sharing personal advocacy projects, and discussing the numerous social emotional implications of lived disabled experiences, we hope to create a supportive and inclusive environment open for all. Whether you have a physical or sensory disability, mental health or neuro divergences, active medical disorders or conditions in remission, have disabled loved ones, work with disabled communities, or just want to be an ally and learn more. Meetings are held weekly on Sundays, 7-8:30pm in the Dining Center and Community Commons. Email sda@swarthmore.com with any questions!
SwatDoulas
SwatDoulas, or Swarthmore Doulas is a student-led organization dedicated to: 1) deepening our understanding of reproductive justice and childbirth from physiological, cultural, and political perspectives, 2) sharing this knowledge with students and the broader community through outreach and educational programming, and 3) organizing and completing accredited trainings to practice birthwork and doula services. We hold biweekly meetings to plan training events, reflect on our learning experiences, screen relevant films, organize community outreach initiatives, engage with required readings for doula certification, and support our members as they explore, begin, and thrive in professional doula work during their time at Swarthmore.
swarthmore gcc family group
We are a non-denominational Christian campus group that is a part of Grace Covenant Church. Whether you're looking for a church group to call home during your time at Swat or are interested in learning about a life of faith, come join us. We have weekly Bible studies, Friday night activities, and weekly Sunday service!
Swarthmore Fencing Club
The Swarthmore College Fencing Team serves to promote and teach the sport of modern competitive fencing. Team members attend any or all of four weekly practices, as well as home tournaments and alumni scrimmages. Members have the opportunity to attend competitions against other colleges and universities and participate in regional and national fencing conferences. The Club hosts several team bonding events throughout the year, including the Non-Denominational Gift Exchange in the Fall and the Fencing Banquet and Bonfire in the Spring. Fostering a welcoming, playful, and focused environment to train and compete, our motto is "competitive fun".
SWARTHMORE HEALTH HUMANITIES (SHH)
Swarthmore Health Humanities (SHH) is a club chapter of the global organization, Students for Health Humanities, which aims to humanize healthcare. We bring awareness and delve into the role of the humanities and social sciences—like art, language, ethics, history, and cultural studies—in health, healing, and illness by studying others’ creative works and forming spaces to create our own. Every fall, we produce a new issue of our publication, Heart, which displays student and faculty art and writing around health and illness. Every spring, SHH hosts a health humanities exhibition with student and faculty works, performances, and food, in collaboration with DeSales University’s Physician Assistant (PA) program. Biweekly, throughout the academic year, SHH officers take turns hosting talks and discussions on health humanities issues of their choice, including pregnancy in prison, food deserts, Traditional Chinese Medicine, medical symbolism, and more.
Swarthmore Health Society (SHS)
The Swarthmore Health Society (SHS) is a club dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse community of pre-health students at Swarthmore College. Our primary goal is to provide support and guidance to students as they pursue their paths in healthcare. Through mentorship programs, workshops, guest speakers etc. we connect students with valuable resources to broaden their perspective on medicine and how they can choose future opportunities that best align with their interests.
SWATTIES FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS (SIR)
Swatties for Immigrant Rights (SIR) is an advocacy group that aims to bring together students affected by issues surrounding undocumented immigration. This space will allow undocumented students on Swarthmore’s campus to feel safe and supported, and allies who have personal connections with undocumented immigration can come in solidarity. We want to increase visibility and raise awareness of these issues with the greater Swarthmore community. We aim to empower our members as we come together and share our stories with people who care about these issues.
Swarthmore Indigenous Student Association (SISA)
Swarthmore Indigenous Student Association establishes a community for Indigenous Peoples at the College to connect with the wider student body while also honoring specific cultural, historic, and identity. Through discussions, lecturers, dinners, and community bonding events, SISA aims to enrich the Indigenous culture while also bridging it with and sharing it with the entirety of Swarthmore students.
Swarthmore International Relations Club
The Swarthmore International Relations Club aims to facilitate foreign policy and global affairs engagement at Swarthmore through discussion and debate. Hosting events such as lectures, debates, and group discussions, we create space for Swatties to grapple with the biggest issues in international affairs. We seek to connect people interested in global affairs, to foster community discussion on campus, and encourage student scholarship in global affairs.
Swarthmore Judo
The Swarthmore Judo Club is a group dedicated to teaching and practicing the Japanese art of Judo, a combat martial art / Olympic sport. Judo, 柔道, meaning “the gentle way,” is about using balance and technique to subdue the opponent with no striking, kicking, or weapons of any sort. Whether you are looking to compete, learn self-defense, or are looking for a good workout, all are welcome!
swarthmore k-pop club
At Swarthmore K-Pop Club, we strive to create a space where K-Pop fans can connect, share their interests, and enjoy music together! We encourage cultural exploration through the study and celebration of K-pop, its history, and its impact on global pop music culture.
Swarthmore Magic the Gathering Club
A club that facilitates students getting together to play MTG and occasionally hosts events such as drafts. We primarily play EDH but are open to any format people are interested in and try to organize drafts at least once per semester. This club is open to all students regardless of experience level.
Swarthmore Pan-Asian Association (SPAA)
The Swarthmore Pan-Asian Association (SPAA) serves as an umbrella organization to uplift and support the voices of the Pan-Asian community. It is our goal to celebrate the diversity of Pan-Asian cultures and uphold the values of the various Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) related ethnic affinity groups (ex: Deshi, Kizuna, SCS) via our collaborational, physical, and financial support. We hope to not only act as a promotional unit for these groups but also make our collective presence known on campus through all-school events. It is our intention to foster an inclusive, chartered organization in which Pan-Asian students might find community, leadership opportunities, unity, and safety in a group associated with all affinity groups and Pan-Asian identities on campus.
Swarthmore Physics Club
Welcome to the Swarthmore Physics Club/Society of Physics Students (SPS)! We're for anyone who's curious about the universe, whether you're majoring in physics or just have a passing interest. We believe that building community and STEM accessibility outside of the physics classroom is just as important as learning physics. Study breaks? Observatory nights? Panelists and teach-ins highlighting diversity within STEM and Physics? Yes, we do all of them (and more!), and all are welcome! We are connected to the national society of physics students organization which rewarded us the 2022-23 “Outstanding SPS chapter award”. All our members can also get free membership to the national society of physics students organization.
Swarthmore Pre-Law Society (SPLS)
Provides resources for pre-law students and the greater Swarthmore College community regarding the law school application process. SPLS hosts monthly speaker and networking events, plans law school information sessions, and provides LSAT prep resources for all students interested in pursuing a legal career.
Swarthmore Project for Eastern European Relations (SPEER)
SPEER 's goal is to celebrate and share the cultures of Eastern European and Eurasian post-Soviet countries, and is both for those with heritage from those regions, but also those simply interested in learning.
Swarthmore College Computer Society (SCCS)
The Swarthmore College Computer Society, or SCCS for short, is a volunteer group offering computing services, tools, toys, and information to the Swarthmore College community. SCCS staff learn extremely practical system administration and software development skill—the stuff you can't learn in a CS lecture. We've been around since 1991 and continue to have fun building and maintaining a variety of useful software tools.
Swarthmore Robotics Club
Swarthmore Robotics Club is a group of students who are interested in exploring robotics at Swarthmore. The community is quite small so there is flexibility in the projects we undertake and each member's opinion is very important.
Swarthmore Shell Eco-Marathon Team
The Swarthmore Shell Eco-Marathon Team is focused on designing, building, and refining a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to compete in the Shell Eco-marathon. Members gain hands-on experience in engineering areas such as hydrogen systems, electrical design, aerodynamics, and vehicle mechanics. The club emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, providing opportunities for students to contribute to cutting-edge renewable energy projects while developing technical and problem-solving skills.
SWAT THAI
Swat Thai is Swarthmore’s Thai Culture Club and is a space for all students, regardless of Thai heritage, to learn about and engage with different facets of Thai culture including food, language, and the arts. Anyone is welcome to join!
Swarthmore Quizbowl
Swarthmore College Quizbowl holds weekly practices, trivia nights, and facilitates trips to intercollegiate quizbowl tournaments.
Swat Sangha
Swarthmore Sangha (the Sanskrit word for community) centers group meditation and discussion of Buddhist teachings and practices to incorporate them into our daily lives. Everyone is welcomed, regardless of prior experience with Buddhism and meditation.
Swarthmore Southeast Asian Student Association
SEASA is an organization at Swarthmore that provides a space for students to experience Southeast Asian culture and community. SEASA hosts social, cultural, and educational events, such as Southeast Asian movie screenings, cultural discussions, celebrations, ethnic food events, and conferences. General members are invited to participate in the weekly open board meetings to contribute ideas, provide feedback, and get to know other SEASA members.
SwaTango
Swarthmore's Argentine Tango Club is dedicated to teaching and fostering community through the medium of the incredibly fun and historic dance form of Argentine Tango. We have weekly group lessons and social dance opportunities on and off campus.
SWARTHMORE TAIWANESE ASSOCIATION
Swarthmore Taiwanese Association is dedicated to creating a space to promote Taiwanese culture, identity, and significant current events. Through weekly meetings and a variety of events, we hope to build community through Taiwanese culture. We prioritize collaboration with other clubs and students from local institutions to run cultural and community events. In the past, events have included a mooncake-making event, a Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration, a Lunar New Year Festival, a Taiwanese speaker series (one about the 2024 Taiwanese Presidential Election and one honoring late Taiwanese composer, Tyzen Hsiao), Gay Marriage Legalization in Taiwan Event, and Swarthmore’s first ever Night Market Festival.
Swarthmore Tennis Club
The Tennis Club is a sports organization that supports non-varsity tennis players and anyone who is interested in playing tennis at Swarthmore College. The Tennis Club operates on the principles of offering everyone a fair opportunity to play tennis regardless of their background and skill level. Furthermore, the Tennis Club seeks to bridge the gap between the existing exclusivity of the tennis environment at Swarthmore College and make recreational tennis more accessible. Additionally, the Tennis Club works to offer non-varsity players the opportunities to play tennis on a competitive level.
swarthmore urbanists
Swarthmore Urbanists provide an inclusive community for students interested in the development and management of urban environments. We strive to be a bridge between Swarthmore College and its surrounding urban areas. Our mission is to create spaces and opportunities at Swarthmore College for "urbanists" to find fellowship and share knowledge. We will organize events to educate students about urban environments, emphasizing experiential learning in the Greater Philadelphia area. We tackle challenges through an interdisciplinary lens, incorporating insights from design and architecture, economics, and environmental science, with the ultimate aim of achieving social sustainability.
SWATVOTES
SwatVotes is committed to fostering non-partisan voter education, registration, and mobilization on the campus. Their mission centers on enhancing civic engagement by amplifying voter registration efforts, advocating for Election Day as a holiday, and championing activities that bolster the fundamental right to vote. By promoting inclusivity and awareness, they strive to cultivate a culture of civic responsibility and activism, ensuring that every vote counts.
Swing Club
Swarthmore Swing holds weekly social dances and lessons in Lindy Hop and West Coast swing dance! Our lessons are taught by professional instructors from Philadelphia. Everyone is welcome to join. No experience or partner needed.
The first page
The First Page is a Tri-Co creative writing club open to all students at Swarthmore, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford, regardless of experience level or preferred genre. We connect peer readers, hold writing workshops, and attend readings and open mics. We meet weekly with the goal of providing a welcoming, comfortable community for writers on campus.
The Orpheus Review
The Orpheus Review is Swarthmore’s first solely music-centered publication, dedicated to covering significant musical acts and developments local and worldwide, through online album and song reviews, feature pieces, artist interviews, and thematically-curated playlists. Orpheus strives to be a space for any and all students to discuss and write about music, aiming to bring much-needed music journalism. It is through this desire to connect people through music that Orpheus also invests itself in fostering a music community on Swarthmore's campus through in-person events, such as a student showcase concert every semester in collaboration with the War3house 3, student musician social mixers, karaoke nights, and listening parties.
The Phoenix
The Phoenix is Swarthmore College’s student run, independent newspaper that serves Swarthmore College and the surrounding areas. We publish student work in our News, Opinions, Arts, Sports and Campus Journal sections. Occasionally, we feature guest essays and op-eds from non-campus community members.
Trans at Swat
Trans at Swat aims to build a stronger trans community at Swarthmore College. The group works to promote access to resources and also create a sense of community and belonging. At its core, TaS is a space to support trans students.
THE TRI-CO LAW REVIEW
The Tri-Co Law Review is a student publication that seeks to critically analyze the ways in which laws, rules, codes, and constructed realities influence our world, societies, and lives. Founded in 2016, originally as the Haverford Law Review, we are open to all students within the Tri-College Consortium: Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore Colleges. The Law Review provides students with an avenue for exploring fields outside of their regimented curricular work, including but not limited to sociological examinations of the American criminal justice system; discussions of legal codes in the global political sphere; understandings of grammatical rules and their influence on language; the psychological underpinnings that impact social beings; discussions of historical legal codes, such as Hammurabi's Code, or the rules and regulations of ancient religious communities, etc. You do not have to be a Pre-Law student to join.
The Review
The Review is Swarthmore's literary and culture magazine, publishing weekly online and quarterly in-print. Spanning seven sections, the Review is a home for your perspectives and creativity no matter what you have in mind.
The Earthworms (Men's Ultimate Frisbee)
The Earthworms are Swarthmore's Open Ultimate Frisbee team participating in USAU's Division 3 competition. We have regular practices and travel to several tournaments a semester and are committed to building an inclusive environment. No prior experience necessary!
Vertigo-go
Vertigo-go is Swarthmore’s best and only improvisational comedy group. We put on six improv shows every year and host events where students can try their hand at improv games. We seek to make the Swarthmore community laugh.
Voices
Voices, founded in the fall of 2017, is a daily, student-run news and media publication that witnesses, teaches, and listens to the multiple truths of Swarthmore.
Women and Gender-nonconforming Economics Students (WAGES)
Women and Gender-nonconforming Economics Students (WAGES) aims to foster community among members of underrepresented genders in economics at Swarthmore. We host social events and study halls, as well as the occasional off-campus trip (including to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank) and a monthly series of small-group lunches, each with a different professor in the economics department. We aim to uplift the work of women and gender-nonconforming economists and encourage students of underrepresented genders to consider classes, a major, and/or a career in economics. To stay up to date with WAGES happenings, follow us on Instagram at @swat_wages.
Women’s Ultimate Frisbee (Warmothers)
The Warmothers are Swarthmore’s Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, open to all skill levels and anyone who feels that the women’s division is the best fit for them. We can be found every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday on Cunningham field, teaching new players and honing our skills. The Warmothers have an active social scene and we travel to participate in tournaments. Follow along with the team on Instagram and Twitter.
Women+ in Computer Science (W+ICS)
Provide a safe, welcoming community to all female-identifying individuals interested in or pursuing Computer Science; provide a space for learning, asking questions and getting academic encouragement; provide professional tools and opportunities to succeed in CS beyond Swarthmore.
WSRN
For more than 75 years, Swarthmore’s radio station has been licensed by the FCC to broadcast on the airwaves. Since its inception, WSRN's DJs have hosted a variety of shows including interviews, concerts, and scheduled music programs. A lot has changed since the station was first established but it has been able to adapt to and expand on what came before. Disc jockeys now have the ability to play music by simply plugging in their phone or laptop, in addition to the hundreds of CDs and vinyl records that are available in the station’s extensive library. Students can also record their shows, thereby continuing to preserve the rich history of WSRN. During the pandemic, the station shutdown and WSRN faded from the collective memory of Swarthmore students. Our goal, this year and going forward, is to make our presence known on campus and continue giving students the opportunity to learn about and experience this essential part of the college’s history. The station aims to keep the art of college radio alive by adapting to new technology and always aiming to shed light on the creativity of Swarthmore students.
Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA)
YDSA is the student section of the Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organization in the country and a chapter organization. Swarthmore YDSA promotes activism and socialist learning within the interested student body of the college.
180 Degrees Consulting
The Swarthmore branch of 180 Degrees Consulting aims to serve organizations ranging internationally to within the Swarthmore borough. Our voluntary services employ not-for-profits with solutions or guidance to a wide array of complex problems, while providing club members with hands-on client consulting experience.
