American Red Cross Club: Members of this group hold at least one blood drive per semester. They also seek to increase awareness and appreciation of Red Cross efforts. Their goal this year is to expand to more general objectives of the Red Cross.

Amnesty International: Amnesty International’s mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of various rights. These rights include physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights. Amnesty International at Wells participates in Urgent Actions each month. As part of these monthly events, Amnesty International tables to make people aware of human rights abuses as well as get people’s support for the release of prisoners of conscience. They sponsor speakers and events to foster awareness and education of human rights abuses and of the work that Amnesty International does with the support of campuses all over. Simply compiling Wells’ students signatures makes a huge impact when combined with other signatures. The Wells chapter of Amnesty International attends the Amnesty General Meeting (AGM) and occasionally the Northeastern Amnesty General Meeting (NAGM).

Appointed: This community vocal group performs on and off campus, sometimes in collaboration with other musicians and guests. They draw from the rich tradition of gospel music, ranging from classics to new music.

Bell Ringer: Bellringers ring daily to announce dinner and many special occasions. All students may try out for Bellringers at the beginning of each semester (under the watchful eye of the upperclass ringers).

Campus Greens: The Wells Greens were founded in the spring of 2001 by a group of students who were inspired by the Nader/LaDuke campaign and had a concern for environmental activism and education. The Wells Greens consist of several students who meet weekly during the school year to organize activities and discuss environmental issues. To keep students abreast of national and global environmental campaigns through periodic movie nights and guest speakers, the Wells Greens have focused their own activism on issues within the Wells community.

Over the years the Wells Greens have made a considerable effort to reduce paper consumption on campus, implementing a system to collect one-sided paper for the computer lab printers, as well as compiling a list of professors who are willing to accept academic work on one-sided paper. Through meetings and discussions, the Wells Greens have encouraged our administration to be more environmentally conscious and responsible. For this academic year, the Wells Greens will continue work on a campaign to set up a system for composting the large amounts of food waste from the Dining Hall. Greens have already started to collect information and form networks with other colleges for this cause. Wells Greens’ mission is to raise environmental awareness among Wells students and faculty, focusing specifically on the importance of recycling and reducing needless consumption.

Cardinal: The purpose of the Cardinal is to provide a retrospective look at life on the Wells campus throughout the year. Their mission is to include all students in the yearbook. Cardinal is comprised of staff members dedicated to their work. Through pictorial essays and coverage of many events on campus, the yearbook is able to give its audience both a review of the past year as well as a more complete picture of life at Wells. They have big goals for the book this year and are excited to share their changes with the Wells community.

Chamber Singers: This is a group of 12 to 16 especially talented students selected from Choir who perform on campus and on tour.

Concert Choir: Interested students with singing ability may try out for the Choir in the fall and spring. The Choir performs on campus, and for the past 15 years has performed in a Christmas concert in New York City. Click here for more details.

Chronicle: The Chronicle is the Wells College literary magazine. This student-run and student-submitted publication includes poetry, short stories, essays, artwork, and photography. Their mission is to be the creative outlet for all writers and artists wishing to see their work in print. Those on the staff gain the experience of reading and critiquing work of their peers. Staff members also learn about layout and other components of making a quality literary journal. The club holds open-mic nights at least once a semester, presenting an opportunity for the Wells community to express themselves and their original pieces. The Chronicle is published yearly toward the end of the spring semester and is available, free of cost, to students, faculty, and staff.

College Republicans: The College Republicans are dedicated to supporting the Republican Party platforms and to upholding the integrity of Republicans on the Wells campus. They aim to share their views and educate the student population in a positive, non-forceful manner. Their goals are to foster a general interest in the Republican Party by working with other campus organizations and to encourage awareness and support for different political viewpoints. Members gain self-confidence, poise, and determination to find their voices in the political realm at Wells. 

The College Republicans sponsor movie nights and debates throughout the semester in which participation from the entire community is encouraged. They also cement close ties with Republican groups in local colleges such as Cornell University, Ithaca College, Syracuse University, and SUNY Cortland. The Wells College Republicans are a part of the Central Region of the New York State College Republican National Committee. 

Collegiate: Collegiate is the student government at Wells. It provides an opportunity for all students to become involved in their community while working together to improve the collegiate experience at Wells. They work to “ensure a community of freedom and respect for the academic and personal lives” of the entire student body. Collegiate is run by a cabinet of six elected student officers who are dedicated to listening to the student body’s joys and concerns while turning their thoughts into actions. They also allocate student funds to ensure Wells meets its student needs while creating fun opportunities for the entire student body. All students are members of Collegiate and are welcome at Representative Council meetings each Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the Sommer Center.

Community Court: Community Court is an organization composed of three members each from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes, as well as two faculty members. The court provides the opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to address violations directly amongst a board of their peers rather than leaving these issues strictly in the hands of the administration.

Community Service and Activism Board: Community Service Board (CSAB) is a student-run organization that encourages student involvement and promotes volunteerism and service in the community. By doing so, CSAB promotes cooperation among students and fosters a sense of empowerment among its members.

To achieve their goals, members of the CSAB, in conjunction with various organizations in and outside our community, develop, organize, coordinate, and promote community service activities. An example of their work is the bi-annual Community Service Days.

The CSAB provides opportunities to participate in other service activities and events. They also encourage sharing personal reflections on student volunteerism. 

Dance Collective: Dance Collective believes that dance brings the mind and body into harmony and celebrates the human spirit. This is an organization with a desire to integrate both dancers and students into the Wells experience of being engaged and active women. Their main focus is to educate women at Wells about various dance styles and techniques such as ballet, jazz, modern, toning, movement, exploration, and many more. They would like all students to enjoy dance as a way of conditioning the body and as a medium in which to enhance creative thinking.

Early Music Ensemble: This group offers students a unique opportunity to learn and perform music written prior to 1750.

Henry’s VIII: Henry’s VIII is the oldest student-organized a cappella group at Wells College. Henry’s VIII was started in the 1940s and named after Henry Wells, the founder of the college. The group started as a double quartet and has since evolved to an ensemble consisting of between 10 and 12 members. Henry’s VIII shows include on and off campus performances, participation in “Take Back the Night,” and various a cappella concerts. They have several albums to their credit. If you’re lucky, you might hear them perform many popular songs, including: “Angel,” by Sarah McLachlan; “Beautiful,” by Joy Drop; “Build Me Up Buttercup,” by the Foundations; California Dreamin’,” by Mamas and the Papas; “Goodbye Earl,” by the Dixie Chicks; “Gulf War Song,” by Moxy Fruvous; “I Must Go,” by Late Tuesday; “Natural Woman,” by Aretha Franklin; “Tempted,” by Squeeze; and “Your Body is a Wonderland,” by John Mayer.

Henry’s VIII is more than happy to sing for an event, for fun, or perhaps to woo a loved one – just ask and they’d be happy to oblige. 

Japanese Club: The mission of the Japanese Club is to educate the student body about Japanese culture. The group of dedicated individuals welcomes all members of the Wells community to enjoy these traditions with them, granted permission is bestowed. Links with other clubs can easily be forged, such as Amnesty International or Student Diversity Committee, to fasten themselves as a functioning part of campus life. To enjoy the full extent of their discoveries, they do not allow discrimination in their attitudes nor in the club itself. They devote themselves to the admission of all. 

Kastalia: Kastalia is a group of creative minds working in a theatrical medium. They read, write, and discuss plays, work on their entirely student-directed productions, attend theatre in other communities, and collaborate with the Dance Collective for performances. Kastalia is one of the oldest groups on campus. Kastalia is for anyone interested in acting, directing, designing, playwriting, stage managing, performing, or assisting with performance. 

Model UN: The Model United Nations Club (MUN) serves as a forum for dialogue on international peace and security, economic and social progress, and the maintenance of fundamental human rights. In this spirit, MUN emphasizes the need for constructive and open discussion among all participants in order to negotiate the challenges in international relations. Skills one learns by participating include but are not limited to: the ability to compromise, consensus-build, professionalism, and public speaking. In preparing for a MUN conference, participants gain a better understanding and a greater appreciation for the importance of the United Nations globally.

The Onyx: The student newspaper which is written, edited, and published by Wells students and the advisor.

Orchestra: Orchestra is an instrumental group made up of students and faculty which performs a varied selection of music at various campus events.

Outdoor Club: Outdoor Club is brand new so nothing is set in stone yet, but it’s for anyone who wants to go hiking, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, or just exploring! 

Phoenix Literary Society: Sponsors discussions with visiting writers and poets, encourages publication of student writers' works, and offers a yearly prize for the best piece published by a Phoenix member.

P.O.W.E.R.: P.O.W.E.R. (Praising Our Work, Ethnicity, and Race) is a multicultural group on campus. Their mission statement is to provide the multicultural women on campus support and an extra voice, while addressing issues that affect them; to act as a resource for and link between the administration, faculty, and awareness and promote harmony in and around the local communities. P.O.W.E.R. has a continuing commitment to praising the work, ethnicity, and race of the members of the Wells community. P.O.W.E.R. organizes programs and celebrations, International Sampling, and Multicultural Awareness Week. 

Programming Board: The Programming Board is a Collegiate committee which is responsible for planning, organizing, and working at social events on and off campus, including Disco Doge, SemiFormal, Mainly 80's, and Spring Weekend. Students are encouraged to talk with a member of the Programming Board about ideas and suggestions for social activities or volunteer to serve on one of the Programming Board subcommittees. For more information, contact the Student Activities Office.

Q & A: Queers and Allies: The purpose of Q & A. is to assist the entire Wells community to ensure the inclusion of every lesbian, bisexual, queer, questioning, transgendered and allied persons and to eliminate homophobia and heterosexism at Wells College by providing direct service, referral, programming, outreach, support and education.

Sex-Collective: The Sex-Collective embraces a dynamic vision of sexuality, forming and transforming as we move through our lives. Sex-Collective is a proactive club dedicated to promoting messages of positive sexuality and body image on campus. The organization also provides a safe space for students to discuss sex and sexuality. Sex-Collective distributes safer-sex supplies on campus and sponsors safer-sex workshops. The groups holds it’s Erotic Ball annually in the fall semester.

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C): The Wells S.A.A.C. serves as a voice for student athletes. It is comprised of representatives from each intercollegiate team, administrators, and coaches.

Student Diversity Committee: The Student Diversity Committee shall support all students by advocating the diversity of race, ethnicity, sexuality and spirituality. The goal shall be achieved through hosting and promoting activities that celebrate diversity; working in conjunction with the President's Diversity Committee to bring forth areas of weakness concerning diversity; facilitate discussion geared toward resolving issues; and educating the Wells Community toward an open-minded and respectful environment.

Symposium Club: This club organizes the annual Symposium of Activism, which brings speakers and presenters to campus for a day long event. Their goal is to add fuel to activism on campus on all issues. They want to change the world!

Wells College Democrats: The Wells College Democrats aim to promote political participation and engage students in the political process. As a chapter of the College Democrats of Amarica (CDA) they are the official student outreach arm of the Democratic Party. They work hard to mobilize student voters and to provide volunteer opportunities for their members and interested students with Democratic campaigns at all levels of government.

This year they will be taking part in the first ever Regional Conference to establish connections with other chapters at nearby colleges and universities as well as working to strengthen their relationships with the state and local Democratic parties. They hope to host a variety of events on campus, including speakers, movie nights, a possible debate with the College Republicans, and a social event. 

Wells College History Society: The Wells College History Society is a group of students that fosters interest in the history of all subject areas. The purpose of the group is to bring a wide variety of disciplines together to celebrate everyone's history. This group sponsors guest speakers, field trips, movie nights, and other activities that promote history on campus..

Wells International Students Association (WISA): The main purpose of the Wells International Students Association (WISA) is to serve as a forum for the international students at Wells. The club also serves to protect the rights and interests of the international students on campus, who are often unfamiliar with the American culture and social environment. WISA ensures that students from abroad feel welcome at Wells, and receive adequate attention from both the student body and the administration. Educating international students about the American culture is also an important mission of the club. 

WISA is open to American students interested in learning about cultures around the world and developing friendships with international students. WISA provides a wonderful culture through fun activities throughout the year. The organization also collaborates with other clubs on campus. Yearly activities include food samplings, fashion shows in collaboration with P.O.W.E.R., and various cultural activities which involve speakers and lecturers outside of the Wells community. WISA also aims to organize a field trip each year to a major American city. 


Whirligigs: A singing group that offers another opportunity for Wells women to vocalize. They specialize in all kinds of music. This music includes but is not limited to current hits and old favorites. They arrange their own music.

Women in Lifelong Learning (W.I.L.L.): Though Women in Lifelong Learning (W.I.L.L.) is the designation Wells gives to its women of non-traditional age, W.I.L.L. is much more than its designation. W.I.L.L. women form a cohesive group which provides mutual support, works to define the needs and goals of its members, and to see that those needs and goals are met. In addition, W.I.L.L. works to create within the campus community an awareness of the uniqueness of the needs of its members and the challenges its members face, and to provide social interaction with the rest of the student body.

Any woman who is of non-traditional age (24+), or who has dependents, a spouse, or has served full time in the military, is a member of W.I.L.L. Any woman designated a W.I.L.L. student is invited to become an active participant in the W.I.L.L. organization.

Women's Resource Center: The Women's Resource Center takes campus-wide responsibility for creating awareness around health, diversity, reproductive rights, and current events concerning women. Their purpose is to affirm and empower women on a communal and national level.