Student Life and Leadership Opportunities

Academic Honor Societies

For information on the Honor Societies listed below, visit cod.presence.io/oganizations.

Alpha Beta Gamma

Alpha Beta Gamma is the International Business Honor Society of Community, Junior and Technical Colleges. College of DuPage is home to the Beta Iota chapter, chartered in 2006. The society recognizes and encourages students enrolled in business and business-related technology curricula and provides opportunities for leadership training, service, scholarship funds and the intellectual exchange of ideas. An invitation to join ABG reflects exceptional academic achievement.

Alpha Delta Nu

To promote scholarship and academic excellence in the profession of nursing, the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), has established the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society. The objective of the OADN shall be to recognize the academic excellence of students in the study of Associate Degree Nursing. The society shall encourage the pursuit of advanced degrees in the profession of nursing as well as continuing education as a life-long professional responsibility. Additionally, the society shall participate in the recruitment of qualified individuals into the profession of nursing.

Alpha Mu Gamma

Alpha Mu Gamma is the National Collegiate Foreign Language Honor Society of the United States. More than 300 charters have been granted to chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Chapters are found both in state and private universities, and in public and private two- and four-year colleges. Alpha Mu Gamma Honor Society recognizes students who have achieved an outstanding record in the study of world language or ELS if the student’s native language is not English.

Delta Psi Omega

Delta Psi Omega is the National Theatre Honors Society. Its purpose is to inspire interest in drama, theater and stage production. It gives students the chance to become involved with theater activities beyond the classroom.

Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society in Education, was founded in 1911 to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to teaching.

Lambda Epsilon Chi

The National Honor Society in Paralegal Studies, Lambda Epsilon Chi, recognizes significant achievement of students in College of DuPage’s Paralegal program, and recognizes members who broaden their academic experience beyond the classroom. An annual induction ceremony will be held to welcome new inductees.

Omega Lambda Nu

Omega Lambda Nu, is the National Honors Society for Radiologic and Imaging Services. Lambda Nu is committed to: fostering academic scholarship at the highest academic levels, promoting research and investigation in the radiologic and imaging sciences, and recognizing exemplary scholarship.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, is very active on the local, regional and international levels. Any student may participate in the activities of this organization; however to gain full membership in the society, students must have 12 cumulative hours with a 3.5 cumulative GPA. A one-time membership fee is required. The Phi Beta chapter at College of DuPage implements a full range of activities in the society’s hallmarks of leadership, scholarship, fellowship and service.

Psi Beta

Psi Beta is the National Honor Society in Psychology for community and junior colleges. The mission of Psi Beta is professional development of Psychology students through promotion and recognition of excellence in scholarship, leadership, research and community service.

SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society

SALUTE is the only national honor society in the nation recognizing and honoring the service and the scholastic achievements of this generation’s greatest veterans.

Tau Upsilon Alpha

Tau Upsilon Alpha Honor Society is the national Human Services Honor Society. The mission of Tau Upsilon Alpha is to honor academic excellence, foster lifelong learning, leadership development and promote excellence in service to humanity.

Fine and Applied Arts Performances and Exhibits

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) is a premiere arts education facility and Performing Arts venue in the region. The MAC presents more than 300 events annually and is home to the Fine and Applied Arts programs at College of DuPage. It has four performance spaces: the 800-seat Belushi Performance Hall, the 200-seat Playhouse Theatre, the 70-seat Studio Theatre, and the 1,200-seat outdoor Lakeside Pavilion. The MAC program also offers the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, Techcetera Gallery and Wings Gallery, and offers a comprehensive arts curriculum within the visual and performing arts.

The 165,000 square-foot facility houses state-of-the-art classrooms, studios, labs, performance and exhibition space that support study in Studio Art, Ceramics, Jewelry, Graphic Design, Mass Communication, Motion Picture/Television, Photography, Music, Theater and Dance. The MAC hosts a series of professional touring artists, and two professional companies in residence, the New Philharmonic Orchestra and the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, as well as student performance and exhibition events.

For information about MAC programming and opportunities to participate, call (630) 942-3008 or visit atthemac.org for performance information.

Cleve Carney Museum of Art

The Cleve Carney Art Gallery is a 3,000 square-foot art space dedicated to the exploration and exhibition of contemporary art by regional, national and international artists. The space annually hosts both faculty and student art shows. The gallery is free and open to the public throughout the academic year and hosts one large international exhibition that is ticketed in the summer.

Wings Gallery

The Wings Student Art Gallery provides a venue for College of DuPage art students to pursue cultural practices that reflect the ideas and concepts of contemporary art. Located in Room 2210 in the Student Services Center (SSC), the gallery is free and open to the public.

Techcetera Gallery

The Techcetera Student Gallery provides a venue for College of DuPage design and technology students to present creatively designed coursework not routinely presented as “art.” Located in Room 2211 in the Student Services Center (SSC), the gallery is free and open to the public.

Dance

College Dance offers dance performances and classes each semester showcasing the work of imaginative student choreographers as well as faculty and guest choreographers. Fall Dance Fusion showcases a variety of dance styles and the Spring Dance Concert features choreography by dance faculty and selected student choreographers.

Theater

The Theater program presents five theatrical productions and one musical each summer, and provides students with the opportunity to study acting, directing, history and all elements of theater production. Students participate in fully staged and designed theatrical productions in fall, spring and summer terms. Productions are supported with the high technical and production values that a professional art center can offer with a costume and scenic designer in residence to support these productions. Auditions are held at the beginning of each academic term and are open to students and community members.

College Music

The Music program provides students with the opportunity to study music appreciation, music theory and history, world music, and digital recording/editing. Students may participate in a variety of music ensembles and participate in individualized or group study in voice and instruments. Student ensembles perform in the professional spaces and are supported by high technical production and sound standards that a professional performing arts center can offer. Select ensembles require an audition to participate.

• Chamber Singers is a 25- to 30-singer ensemble performing madrigals, world and a cappella music from five centuries.
• Concert Choir is a 50- to 70-singer choir performing mixed repertoire.
• DuPage Chorale performs choral masterworks, featuring soloists with instrumental accompaniment, and is open to all students and community members.
• Chamber Orchestra performs classical repertoire and is open to all students.
• DuPage Community Concert Band performs a wide range of band repertoire and is open to all students and community members.
• Percussion Ensemble studies and performs repertoire written specifically for percussion instruments as well as transcriptions adaptable to percussion.
• DuPage Community Jazz Ensemble is a 20-plus-piece big band dedicated to performing original music and jazz classics and is open to all students and community members.
• Small Group Jazz Ensemble is an instrumental ensemble, performing top-shelf material from the first century of jazz history.
• Guitar Ensemble is a large guitar ensemble performing 20th century American music.

Athletics

College of DuPage participates in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) within Region 4, which consists of 34 like institutions throughout the Chicagoland and Wisconsin areas. College of DuPage has one of the most successful community college athletic programs in the nation, winning numerous national, district and regional championships in various sports.  In the past four years, the College of DuPage has won an impressive 10 National Championships, two Daktronics Cup (Best Non-Scholarship Institution), and in 2022-2023 won the NACDA Learfield Directors Cup awarded to the best junior college athletic department in the country.

Intercollegiate sports for men include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse and track and field. College of DuPage has women’s teams in basketball, cross-country, soccer, softball, tennis, lacrosse, track and field and volleyball.  The College of DuPage also has a Esports team that competes in a variety of games.

Students who zipped around the district to temporary classrooms when the College opened in 1967 reminded someone of roadrunners; hence, the chaparral, a type of roadrunner, became the school mascot. The College colors are forest green and silver.

Recreation

Physical Fitness classes, activities including swimming and a full fitness center are also offered to provide students, faculty and staff the opportunity to participate in a variety recreational sports activities. For more information call the Chaparral Fitness at (630) 942-2633, or visit gochapsgo.com.

Forensics Team

The Forensics team at College of DuPage is one of the most competitive speech and debate teams in Illinois. As many as 30 students participate in the program, which includes readers’ theater, public address, debate, oral interpretation and acting. Teams compete in tournaments against other community colleges and universities throughout the state and nation. The Forensics teams has won numerous national championships and has ranked in the top 10 in the nation each of the past 20 years. Beginners as well as seasoned performers are welcome. For more information, call (630) 942-2175 or email abelnk@cod.edu.

Leadership Programs

Living Leadership Program

The Living Leadership Program is a free program focused on developing students into active leaders. Living Leadership students build personal portfolios while developing the skills necessary to lead others. Students participate in workshops, retreats and clubs, and give back to the community through service. Students can join any time and are encouraged to visit the Living Leadership website for the most current program information: cod.edu/LivingLeadership.

Orientation Leader Program

The Orientation Leader (OL) Program is a combination of a scholarship and leadership development opportunity. OL’s serve as role models as well as sources of support and information for new first-time students with the goal of making the transition to COD easier and exciting. An Orientation Leader has the opportunity to earn a scholarship, make new friends, as well as gain and develop leadership skills. Trainings are designed to provide OL's with important skills for NSO and life. OL’s are trained in leadership development, team building, creating lasting connections, diversity/inclusiveness, identifying strengths, mental health awareness, and small group communication. Visit the Orientation Leader page at cod.edu/ol for more information or to link to the application. You can also visit our page on ChapLife at chaplife.cod.edu.

Student Academic Publications

The Prairie Light Review

The Prairie Light Review is the liberal arts magazine for College of DuPage. It publishes original poetry, prose, graphic narratives, music lyrics, photography and art from students, staff and community members from District 502. To work on the magazine, students enroll in English 2210, a two-credit hour class, where they evaluate submissions, work on layout and handle publicity. For additional information, contact the Prairie Light Review office at (630) 942-2733 or visit cod.edu/plr.

ESSAI

Michel de Montaigne, the great 16th-century French philosopher and writer, created a new literary genre called “essays” to demonstrate his attempts or trials in his writing exercises. The award-winning ESSAI reflects Montaigne’s seminal design and annually publishes some of the best academic “trials” and “attempts” of College of DuPage students’ writing endeavors across the curriculum and at all levels of learning. A professor selects and nominates a paper to the editors of ESSAI for consideration for publication. Each journal’s volume includes a variety of written assignments and exemplifies the special talent, fresh scholarship and intellectual sophistication of College of DuPage students.

Courier Student Newspaper

A perennial award-winner for content and design, the Courier student newspaper can be found on racks throughout campus, via a weekly email newsletter, on social media, podcasts, and at www.codcourier.org. Editors, reporters, designers, podcasters and video/photojournalists work in paid positions to produce a weekly publication during the fall and spring semesters. The Courier is also available online during the summer semester. Freelance opportunities are available for aspiring writers, designers, videographers, photographers, cartoonists and podcasters. For more information, contact editor@cod.edu

Student Clubs

College of DuPage has vast selection of student clubs that provide opportunities for students to interact through a connection with academic programs, topical interest sharing, leisure-time activities and social interaction. Practicing leadership, business and organizational skills outside of the classroom enhances students’ life and career goals. For a list and description of student clubs and organizations, visit chaplife.cod.edu.

Chaparral Life

Chaparral Life at chaplife.cod.edu is how the Office of Student Life can help you make your college experience one of a kind. Get involved in one of our various student clubs, learn about leadership development on campus, discover the services we provide, and keep track of all the outstanding events on campus. It’s your student life, so come see the possibilities and get ready for an experience you won’t forget.

Fuel Pantry

The Fuel Pantry provides free food and personal care items to all currently enrolled (full or part time) COD students with a self-identified need. We're located at the main Glen Ellyn campus, but open to students from any of the COD campuses. We believe access to food is essential to academic success, so we work hard to address food insecurity at COD. Simply register at the pantry (SRC 1000) on your first visit and then you are welcome to shop once a week. The Fuel Pantry is here to help students "make ends meet!"

Student Leadership Council

The Student Leadership Council represents the student body to the administration and provides a place for students to become involved in the college community. The Student Leadership Council provides students an opportunity to offer input and voice opinions, as well as work on service projects and campus-wide initiatives. Students may also serve on college committees, such as Dining Services, Bookstore, Traffic Appeals and others. Interested students are encouraged to contact the Student Leadership Council office in the Student Services Center (SSC), or call (630) 942-2718.

Chaparral Activities Board (CAB)

Chaparral Activities Board (CAB) is the College’s student programming board. Chaparral Activities Board represents activities and events that students would like to see on campus. They provide entertainment, events and social opportunities. CAB creates community on campus and provides students with the opportunity to connect with each other. Students can serve as members of the CAB Leadership Team and learn more about planning/managing events, negotiating contracts, contracting artists, creating marketing, managing marketing on social media platforms, and working as a team. Interested students are encouraged to contact the Chaparral Activities Board in the Student Services Center (SSC), or call (630) 942-2243. You can also find more information on ChapLife at  chaplife.cod.edu.

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

ROTC is a college elective for College of DuPage students that provides unrivaled leadership training for success in any career field. ROTC is the process by which a college student with an interest in military service can be provided with the skills, education and training required to serve as an officer in the United States military.

Army ROTC

Students that complete the AROTC program through College of DuPage have the ability to transfer to a partner university, where they can complete their baccalaureate degree, as well as the last two years of their AROTC training. Upon successful completion of their studies, students may earn a college degree as well as a commission in the United States Army, National Guard, or United States Army Reserve. AROTC cadets complete full-time coursework at College of DuPage and receive military training at Wheaton College, home of the Rolling Thunder Battalion. Upon transfer, students may select one of the many options available to them to continue their major and AROTC studies.

Air Force ROTC

Students that complete the AFROTC program through College of DuPage have the ability to transfer to a partner university, where they can complete their baccalaureate degree, as well as the last two years of their AFROTC training. Upon successful completion of their studies, students may earn a college degree as well as a commission in the United States Air Force, Air National Guard, or United States Air Force Reserve. AFROTC cadets complete full-time coursework at College of DuPage and receive military training at University of Chicago, home of Detachment 195. Upon transfer, students may select one of the many options available to them to continue their major and AFROTC studies.

For more information, contact the Veterans Services Office at veterans@cod.edu or (630) 942-3814.