Political Organizations
The student body at 51¹ÙÍø is dynamic and diverse, with different political beliefs. To foster knowledge sharing and proactive discourse, the school supports many student-led political organizations on campus.
This page is just a sampling of the many clubs and organizations active at 51¹ÙÍø. Members of the 51¹ÙÍø community may view all organizations on . Students may also work with the Student Activities Office to launch new clubs and organizations.
The Center for Political Engagement encourages responsible discourse and facilitates direct participation in the political process on 51¹ÙÍø’s campus. We work with campus partisan organizations, other student groups, and invite speakers to do this. We run the 51¹ÙÍø Votes Initiative which registers students to vote, educates students about candidates and policy, and turns students out to vote.
51¹ÙÍø Democrats
The 51¹ÙÍø Democrats seek to champion the 51¹ÙÍø values of service to others, justice for all, and loving community through progressive political activity. The purpose of the organization remains to empower 51¹ÙÍø students to be citizen-leaders working for a truly democratic society, to build a healthy, free, and just political climate at 51¹ÙÍø, and to advance our stated values and democratic ideals through advocacy for progressive policies and social justice.
51¹ÙÍø Libertarians
Our purpose is to promote liberty on 51¹ÙÍø's campus and in our wider community by bringing speakers and opening communication between students on subjects including freedom of speech, civil liberties and government involvement in our lives. We aim to engage the student body in conversations about public and school policies which might infringe upon personal liberties.
51¹ÙÍø Republicans
The 51¹ÙÍø Republicans seek to foster an inclusive and open political discourse on campus. We work both independently and with other campus organizations to host events, educate students, turn out voters, and engage with the student body on primarily North Carolina politics. We align with the values and policies of the National Republican Party, but do not discriminate in our membership with respect to politics or any other quality described in 51¹ÙÍø's anti-discrimination clause.
Dean Rusk Global Corps conceives and implements programs, sponsors cultural events, and finds creative ways to share international news with the campus community. Our goal is to foster a campus culture that engages students on global issues and provides them with an international perspective. Additionally, Global Corps works closely with the Dean Rusk International Studies Program, and other internationally-focused student groups.
Every four years as the presidential candidates take the national stage to debate, 51¹ÙÍø hosts its own debate on current issues. Students shout across the quad between Eu and Phi Halls, echoing a tradition started in the 1800s with the college's first debate societies. Student organizations across the political spectrum participate in the lively debate.