Leadership and Service Learning

The Cultural Centers at Rutgers support the needs of Rutgers’ campus communities by creating a welcoming and holistic learning environment for all members of the community, inclusive of all identities and allies. Through cultural, social, and educational programs, students have the opportunity to learn and explore their identities and those of others. Additionally, cultural centers partner with departments throughout the University to provide access to services that support student success. The cultural centers, known in a group as the Cultural Center Collaborative, include: the Asian American Cultural Center, Center for Latino Arts and Culture, Center for Social Justice and LGBTQ Communities, and Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

The Darien Civic Engagement Project is offered during the fall and spring semesters at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. During the fall semester, DCEP students support the RU Voting program's in-person voter registration and mobilization events. Students enrolled in the spring course support the RU Ready program, a civic education initiative providing high school and middle school students with the motivation and the civic, political, and expressive tools they need to address public problems in their community.

Enrolled students earn 1.5 credits for their enrollment in the program.

Douglass Residential College is where academic excellence meets personal empowerment. As part of Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Douglass offers the best of both worlds: access to a top-tier research university and the support of a close-knit community.

Home to 2,500 students from across Rutgers–New Brunswick, Douglass welcomes all undergraduate students, regardless of sex or gender identity. Students at Douglass pursue a wide range of majors and career paths, united by a shared commitment to purposeful learning and leadership.

Douglass enhances your college experience by adding a feminist lens to your education—encouraging you to examine inequality, center women’s lived experiences, and grow as a confident, inclusive leader.

The Douglass curriculum ensures that every student graduates with a strong résumé of academic, professional, and co-curricular achievements—preparing you to succeed in the job market, graduate school, and beyond.

Enroll at Douglass

Douglass Residential College provides DRC students with professional staff mentors. Mentors adopt a holistic approach, connecting students to relevant academic opportunities, resources for career development, and leadership possibilities. Students may wish to continue working with their assigned mentors throughout their years at Douglass, or find other mentors in areas closer to their majors.

Building knowledge, skills, and networks for political, government, and community engagement

The Eagleton Undergraduate Associates Program is an interdisciplinary certificate program for all Rutgers juniors interested in American politics and government. Associates spend parts of their last three semesters linking the study of politics to its real-world application, building knowledge, skills, and networks for political, government, and community engagement. Eagleton Undergraduate Associates earn nine credits through a series of three unique courses (one each semester). 

They participate in program sessions, and an experiential trip to the State House, in addition to completing a public service internship in American Politics, government, policy, or advocacy. They learn about political power and decision-making while honing their leadership and professional skills.

First-Year Interest Group Seminars (FIGS) are offered by the Office of Career Exploration and Success. Register for one of these small, one-credit seminars, taught by experienced upper-class students. You will be introduced to university resources and a career field of your choice during the fall of your first semester at Rutgers.