We are here to provide you with meaningful experiential learning opportunities that complement your academic endeavors, engage you in leadership outside the classroom and empower you to serve in the community. Our office, in collaboration with other student services, works to facilitate the exchange of ideas, promote campus traditions and shape the Christopher Newport experience.
Finding Community
We encourage students to get involved, whether through participation in one of our 200+ student organizations, an on-campus job, attendance at events, research with faculty or internships and volunteer opportunities in the community. Below, you’ll find several involvement opportunities offered by our team. We can help you connect with people and opportunities that will help you get involved in a meaningful and fun way. If you are not sure where to begin or need additional support, please reach out to us at osi@cnu.edu and we’re happy to meet with you!
Captains Connect
Captains Connect is the online hub for all clubs and organizations, and has pages for many of our campus offices and university resources. Each RSO has a dedicated raft on Captains Connect for their organization, which is maintained by a Co-Leader and/or Curator. Useful information for RSOs, including the RSO Manual, can be found on the Clubs and Orgs page of Captains Connect, under Student Org Resources.
Programming
We offer a wide variety of events throughout each academic year. Some of our staple events are listed below, but you can always check out the Student Programming Calendar to see current events.
DSU Takeovers are themed events that occasionally happen on Saturday nights. There are multiple different activities around the David Student Union for students to take part in. The activities change depending on what the theme is for the takeover.
Fireside Lounge is a pop-up style event that happens throughout the semester as weather permits. There are several fire pits and chairs set up for students to bring their friends and hang out. There are often snacks, drinks, and/or other items available for students who come by.
Intercultural programming creates opportunities for students to explore, celebrate, and learn about diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives. Events, such as Holiday Harmony, collaborations with culture and identity-based student organizations, and educational initiatives, are made possible to foster connection and belonging across the CNU community. Our goal is to help students build cultural awareness while creating spaces where all students feel valued and engaged.
Involvement Fairs happen during the first weekend of each semester and are an opportunity for students to come by and see what student organizations are available to join in person. For student organizations, it is a great opportunity to recruit new members.