Identity & Culture Clubs

  • Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) at the University of Virginia

    Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) is a CIO dedicated to nurturing the spiritual growth of students at the University of Virginia while embracing diverse cultural perspectives. We wholeheartedly encourage various forms of worship, praise, and Bible analysis to deepen our connection with the Lord. Our commitment to cultural exploration is exemplified through a range of engaging activities, including potluck dinners, worship and praise gatherings, thought-provoking discussions, and numerous other events.At PENSA, we are a vibrant, multicultural fellowship where we share meals, share laughter, and most importantly, share love.

  • Persian Cultural Society

    The Persian Cultural Society (PCS) is an active student-run organization dedicated to expanding the horizons of Persian customs, poetry, language, and hospitality. We wish to engage the community around us in productive dialogues and show the true, beautiful colors of a vibrant culture. Our organization is an outlet for all members of the Persian community to meet others from different backgrounds and to create a lasting impact in the perspectives of our peers. Events we host are a medium for all members to express their artistic, comedic, poetic, and recreational interests. We furthermore seek to promote the events pertaining to notable Persians around us and to publicize their  achievements. 

  • Polish Student Association at the University of Virginia

    The Polish Student Association (PSA) is an independent organization governed by undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Virginia. It welcomes native Poles, students of Polish descent, and those interested in the culture of Poland. Even though we are a fairly young organization, officially formed in February of 2019, we have big ambitions to make Polish culture and history more visible at the UVA. We hope to build strong relationships with UVA students and faculty around a shared love for Poland by engaging them in the activities with the goal of spreading knowledge of Poland.

  • Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society

    The mission of Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society (PLUMAS) is to engage the Latinx community, its supporters at UVa, and the surrounding area by providing a safe, proactive space for students to vocalize and discuss substantive social justice issues affecting the Latinx community both on Grounds, the Greater Charlottesville Community, the United States and Latin America. PLUMAS seeks to create civic engagement and awareness of social and political issues through education, advocacy, and direct action. We recognize the diversity within the movement as our membership comprises of individuals from various nationalities, ethnicities, and genders. As such, membership in PLUMAS is not limited to members who are of Latinx ancestry. We welcome any individual no matter their creed, religion, race, sexual orientation, individual identity, and experience level. All offices shall be held by currently enrolled students.

  • qMD

    UVA School of Medicine's LGBTQ student organization 

  • Queer Student Union

    QSU organizes its activities at the University around three central pillars. By educating ourselves and others about queer identity, we are cultivating an empathetic community that understands and respects us. By building community through social activities and special events, we are bringing LGBTQ students together for friendship and solidarity. And by pursuing activism on behalf of UVA’s queer community, we are helping to ensure that we have a united voice with which to work toward a more accepting University. From meetings to social events to advocacy projects, everything we do falls under one of these three categories. QSU values and protects the privacy of its members. No photos or information about anyone involved in QSU will be shared without explicit consent.

  • QuestBridge Scholars Chapter at the University of Virginia

    The University of Virginia QSN Chapter provides a welcoming and supportive community for its members. QuestBridge Scholars can engage in chapter activities, apply for leadership positions, and participate in opportunities offered nationwide through QuestBridge, including access to QuestBridge Alumni Association resources.Founded in 2010, the UVA QSN Chapter seeks to create an environment in which Scholars feel welcomed and can connect with peers from similar backgrounds. Thanks to a close relationship with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the offices of several deans, in past years, many Scholars have found work opportunities all over the university.Dedicated to building a strong community and support network, the UVA QSN Chapter has hosted various events throughout the year such as the Welcome Back Event, Carter Mountain Sunset Series, Fall Fest, etc. In 2018, the UVA QSN Chapter was awarded the Spirit Award for National Quest Day — an honor that only one QSN Chapter receives each year for their display of creativity and pride in their QuestBridge Scholar identity.In addition to group activities, there are always opportunities for underclassmen to get involved in chapter leadership and initiatives. Each year, newly appointed chapter leaders and their Executive Board members work together to plan new programming to ensure chapter members feel welcomed and engaged.

  • Remix A Cappella

    Remix is the University of Virginia’s one and only hip-hop and R&B A Capella Group. Our purpose is for our members to experience a cappella at a collegiate level and to promote a diverse sound on Grounds. We strive to serve the UVA and greater Charlottesville communities, collaborate with other UVA organizations, and have fun.

  • Rise Together

    Rise Together (RT) is a University of Virginia (UVA) student-led nonprofit organization that strives to lessen barriers Albemarle and Charlottesville college-bound, first-generation middle school and high school students face to postsecondary attainment by equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in college. By training teams of UVA student facilitators (UVA facilitators) to serve as mentors and tutors, we promote measurable and lasting positive change for both mentees and mentors. Since our inception, we have provided enriching volunteer and community engagement opportunities that have empowered nearly 600 UVA students to become change agents within the Charlottesville community. We recognize that our own university community has the potential – and manpower – necessary to make a significant impact on those beyond our borders, thus we are constantly reminded of how important our relationships with our diverse low-income, first-generation students are.

  • Runway at UVA

    We go beyond the catwalk, using fashion as a powerful tool for creativity, self-expression, and community. Through fashion shows, design workshops, model trainnings, and themed events, we challenge students to see the world as their runway, one that extends far beyond the stage and into everyday life.At Runway, we believe clothing is more than fabric; it’s a statement, a story, an act of resistance. What can you say through fashion that leaves a mark on your daily life? We take inspiration from our experiences, both the beautiful and the challenging, and transform them into art.We are committed to empowerment, visibility, and representation. Through our performances and events, we carve out space for narratives that are often overlooked, turning identity into artistry.If you’re looking for a place to create, express, and redefine fashion on your own terms, Runway at UVA is for you.