From pre-professional programs and service-based organizations to the truly unique (hair braiding club, anyone?), it’s no surprise that Aggies from all walks of life can find their niche within one of more than 1,300 student groups on campus.
As the Department of Student Activities celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, explore how these myriad organizations foster a collective sense of student engagement and community in Aggieland, starting with notable moments from the department’s history below.
![]()
1974: The department is established to help support the evolving needs of students, including leadership development and service opportunities.1 of 7
![]()
1982: The Big Event kicks off. Today, it is the largest one-day, student-run service project in the nation, with more than 130 Big Events replicated by other universities and organizations worldwide.1 of 7
![]()
1985: Greek letter organizations are recognized. More than 20,000 Aggies have participated in Greek Life since its inception.1 of 7
![]()
1992: Named after Texas A&M’s legendary vice president for student affairs, the John J. Koldus Building opens to house student services, including the Department of Student Activities.1 of 7
![]()
2005: Class Councils, the organization responsible for Aggie traditions like Fish Fest, Pull Out Day, Elephant Walk and Ring Dance, is incorporated in the department.1 of 7
![]()
2013: The 12th Can opens. An on-campus, student-run food pantry, it served more than 3,800 clients in 2023.1 of 7
![]()
2022: The department reforms to five areas: Campus Engagement & Traditions, Student Organization Leadership & Development, Extended Orientation, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and Development & Events.1 of 7
![]()
2023: The department grows to more than 1,300 recognized student organizations.1 of 7
![]()
2024: The Department of Student Activities celebrates 50 years of enabling life-changing community experiences.1 of 7
Aggies seeking that perfect fit can find unique special interest groups like these:
Album of the Week
Tune in for top music recommendations
A&M Photography Club
A picture speaks a thousand words
Aggie Blacksmith Club
Metalworkers, unite!
Aggie Knitting, Crafting and More
Making the world warmer, one stitch at a time
Cupcakes for a Cause
Ready, set, bake!
Dance Arts Society
Get your groove on
Freudian Slip Improvisational Comedy Troupe
Laugh your socks off
Texas A&M Hair Braiding Club
Why settle for a ponytail?
Texas A&M Paranormal Society
Not for the faint of heart
The Mugdown
Satrical news at its finest
“The Department of Student Activities fosters opportunities that contribute to student retention rates, institutional affinity and career readiness and facilitates the traditions that make the Aggie experience second to none.”
The Department of Student Activities oversees 1,300+ student groups and has shaped the unique Aggie experience for 50 years by fostering friendships, personal growth and career networks.
Other notable facts about the department include:
- Fraternity & Sorority Life houses four umbrella organizations and 57 individual chapters that represent almost 6,000 students, making it the largest active student membership on campus. Other organizations with large memberships include the Student Government Association, the Corps of Cadets, the Sport Clubs Association, Fish Camp, the Residential Housing Association and Freshman Leadership Organizations.
- Students involved in co-curricular activities are 40% more likely to have a friend they can count on and twice as likely to have a mentor who supports them compared to those not involved. (2022-23 WISHES Survey)
- 92% of new undergaduates join student organizations seeking friendship or to engage in personal interests, while 68% join hoping to make professional connections. (Fall 2022 New Aggies Survey)
“Student activities play a significant role in Aggies’ overall college experience by helping students develop skills, create a balanced lifestyle, achieve personal growth and experience new things. I have been lucky to find an inclusive, diverse group of friends by participating in student activities.”
Give online to the Department of Student Activities below or learn how you can support the department with an endowment by contacting Reagan Chessher ’96, senior director of development, at the bottom of this page.
Send Message to Reagan
Thank you for submitting a contact form!
Contact form was unable to submit.