Student Life

The beat of the Platinum Sound Marching Band. The roar of Homecoming. Chilling on the yard. That feeling of home, of family. This is what it’s like to be a Shaw Bear.

We Work Hard, We Play Hard

Organized by the Student Government Association, SpringFest is a week of fun and friends. Rope-jumping, cotton candy, carnival games—plus contests (who can rap on that beat!) and the annual Hip-Hop Awards. Who’d want to miss that?

Greek Life

Shaw U’s fraternities and sororities help make our community strong. If you’re accepted into one of these organizations, you’ll have opportunities to develop your leadership skills, contribute to campus life, and even put on the step show at Homecoming.

Council Of Fraternal Organizations

Student Government Association

Want to use your voice to represent your fellow students? Get involved with the Student Government Association and you’ll grow as a leader and help build unity on campus. SGA members work directly with the University administration to make a difference.

Student Government & Leadership

Clubs and Organizations

Whether you want to meet up for professional networking or gather with folks who share your interests, you’ll find a club here. Shaw has more than 30 student-run organizations. And if you can’t find the club you want, you can start your own.

Marching Band

The Platinum Sound is the heartbeat of Shaw. The marching band sets the rhythm, while the Diamond Sensation dance team and the Essence of Pearls flag girls add true Shaw spirit.

The Shaw U Chorus

The voices of the chorus carry the sound of Shaw. You’ll hear these voices accompanying the Platinum Sound at events around campus. Join the chorus, and you’ll be standing on the shoulders of a giant: Alumna Gladys Knight sang with the Shaw U chorus.

Spiritual Life

You’ll find plenty of opportunities to at Shaw to enhance your spiritual life. The Chapel is a cornerstone of Shaw U, a place you can always find guidance. You’ll also gather for CASES – Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment Seminars. Each semester there are four CASES events where the University comes together and hears from community and Church leaders.

Cultural & Spiritual Enrichment Seminars (CASES)

Go, Bears! Inside Shaw Athletics

Football, volleyball, basketball…. Whether you’re on the court or in the field, marching in the band, or cheering in the stands, you’re on the Shaw U team.

Visit the Bears Website

The Roar of Homecoming

We really come together for Homecoming—and we get loud and proud. The week kicks off with the coronation of Miss and Mr. Shaw U and the whole Royal Court, and the good times keep coming. You can join the talent show, go to the Ultimate Greek Yard Party, or attend a Midnight Breakfast.

Living on Campus

Four residence halls at Shaw — two for males and two for females — house all of the university’s freshmen and sophomores, along with many upperclassmen who choose to live on campus. Your dorm offers a comfortable space to make your own, and it’s easy to build community and friendship with neighbors. Each hall has a Resident Advisor who makes sure everyone works together to make a peaceful, safe, and active place to live and study.
Check out the dorms

What’s Cooking?

Home is where the food is, and there are plenty of choices at Shaw U. Like your food with a personal flare? ShowDown challenges you to build your perfect burger. Passport is your ticket to a global culinary experience. Alt Vegan Kitchen serves vegans and vegetarians with delicious and healthy options. And you’ll also find a juice bar, a salad studio, and a pasta bar, plus an authentic pizza place, and TurnTable for homestyle cuisine that pays homage to hip hop.
See what’s on the menu

Staying Well, Staying Safe

The university has solid resources for health and safety, including the Shaw U police and the health center. If you get stressed out or need a little extra help staying balanced, the university’s Counseling Center offers confidential individual services, as well as support groups. The trained staff will work with you one on one to come up with a plan to help you handle any challenges you may face.

Campus Safety
Health & Wellness

Life in Raleigh

A small HBCU in the middle of a big city that’s bursting with energy and possibility—from the buzz at the Dreamville Music Festival to exciting work opportunities.

Welcome to Raleigh