In Fall 2026, JCU will be enriched by 22 student-run clubs and organizations, led by over 100 students volunteering as club leaders to further each club’s mission. Currently, JCU student life is complemented by a mixture of academic societies, cultural clubs, and interest-based organizations, including advocacy and service groups.
Three clubs were reactivated over the summer after a dormant period. These are the Asian Culture Club, which represents and promotes different cultures across the Asian continent while providing a platform to discuss the Asian diaspora experience. The Business Society is a student‑led hub for professional growth designed to enhance students’ knowledge and confidence in the business world. Lastly, the Economics and Finance Society promotes topics related to economics and finance including financial markets, macroeconomic and microeconomic trends, public policy, and global economic developments.
All clubs endeavor to create an inclusive environment and welcome students from all academic backgrounds. All students, regardless of their enrollment status or year of study, are encouraged to participate in club activities.
Katarina Kierkegaard
Welcome aperitivo and President Maioni's toast
On September 2, the Student Engagement Office hosted a traditional get-together to welcome all club leaders back to campus. JCU President Dr. Antonia Maioni opened the event with a warm welcome for student leaders. She shared her own experience with student leadership and thanked JCU’s club leaders, especially for their contributions to the inclusive and multifaceted environment at JCU. President Maioni raised a toast to the new academic year, before giving the floor to Katarina Kierkegaard, President of Student Government.
“Clubs are the beating heart of this university,” Kierkegaard said in their speech. “They are not just activities on a timetable; they are the spaces where friendships form, ideas flow, and communities come alive.”
"Leading With Purpose" with career coach Ebonie Rayford
While the student leaders learned the ropes of their roles over the summer through various online training sessions, on Friday, September 4, over 80 club leaders participated in a special leadership training held at the Tiber Cafe. The workshop, titled “Leading With Purpose,” was facilitated by guest speaker Ebonie Rayford, MEd, and designed in collaboration with the Student Engagement Office to address the needs of JCU’s club leaders and strengthen their soft skills.
Rayford is a certified career coach and higher education professional with more than 20 years of experience in student development, leadership training, career readiness, and intercultural learning. She has worked across both the US and European higher education systems, designing and facilitating programs that support student leadership, confidence, communication, professional identity, and global readiness.
Student Life Fair at Guarini Campus
“The event with Ebonie Rayford was spectacular,” said Nate Ward, President of the Film Appreciation Club and Secretary of the Literature and Creative Writing Club. “The feedback I have received from my board members, as well as many other club leaders, was excellent. It solved many of our problems, and it was fun, interactive, and, best of all, it gave us an opportunity to interact closely with our boards about personalities, scenarios, and strategies.”
Fall 2026 Student Life Fair
The general student body had the chance to interact with all clubs and organizations (as well as other student programs) during JCU’s Fall Student Life Fair on September 17. Over 340 students participated in the event, turning the Lemon Tree Courtyard into a vibrant forum for connections. Collectively, clubs receivedmore than 1,700 sign-ups.
Club events are officially underway. As of week 4 of the semester, clubs have already organized around 70 initiatives, with over 150 events and meetings planned for this term. Current students can stay up to date with all club initiatives on the JCU Rome app.
