Diversity Matters
At Puget Sound, as on all campuses, the conversation about diversity never stops. Our students and faculty come from varied ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, and we seek to create an environment where everyone can be comfortable, dialogue can be open, differences can be explored -- where people can truly know one another. The university has a longstanding annual tradition of sponsoring a Diversity Theme Year, each with a focus, such as "Turning the Mirror: Reflections of Inclusion and Exclusion." Through lectures, arts events, and varied programs and activities, the theme year program highlights issues of identity and cultural awareness, strengthens student affinity groups and coalitions, and heightens the visibility of many groups.
Making a Difference
Puget Sound students are committed to making a difference on campus and in the community. Freak Out (whose name derives from how its members feel about injustices in the world) spearheaded an education campaign that resulted in a switch to fair-trade coffee in all the university's dining facilities. Food Salvage makes unused food from the campus available to needy groups in Tacoma. Students volunteer to teach in and raise funds for the literacy initiative Kids Can Do! In all, three out of four students volunteer their time and skills to the community, one of the highest participation rates among U.S. colleges and universities.
Listed below are some of the student groups that have been active on campus in the past few years. Not all may be currently active. More information on active student groups may be found on the student government Web site.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Amnesty International
Asian Pacific American Student Union (APASU)
Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians and Allies for Diversity (B-GLAD)
Black Student Union (BSU)
Biology Club
Community for Hispanic Awareness (CHispA)
Campus Greens
Christian Science Organization
Club de Nuevo Mexico
Conspiracy of Hope
Democracy Matters
Forum for American-Israeli Relations (FAIR)
Film & Theatre Society
Food Salvage
Habitat for Humanity
Hui-O-Hawaii
International Club
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Japanese Animation Club (JAUSP)
Jewish Student Organization (JSO)
Justice Understanding Solidarity Tolerance (JUST)
KUPS-FM
Mixed Race Generation (MIRAGE)
Organic Gardening Club
Pagan Student Alliance
Praxis Imago (Digital Film Production)
Pre-Law Society
Repertory Dance Group
Republican Majority
Sisi Tupo Pamoja
Students for Peace and Justice
The Trail (Official Student Newsweekly)
United Methodists
University of Puget Sound Students for Fair Trade (UPSSFT)
Vagina Anti-Violence Alliance
Voices for Planned Parenthood (VOX)
Women's Voices
Young Democrats
