The University offers diverse opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities and encourages the development of student-interest groups and activities. The University Commons and Student Activities Office coordinates all campus activities and organizational programs, maintains a complete schedule of activities, and is responsible for general management of the University Commons.

Ambassadors
The UWF Student Ambassadors serve as the official hosts and hostesses of UWF. They are student leaders volunteering their time for special campus and community activities. Ambassadors are selected by the University President and are asked to assist with dignitary visits, campus tours, recruiting trips, alumni programs, annual fund activities, and other similar events. The Ambassadors are supported by the UWF National Alumni Association and Office of Alumni Relations.

African-American History Month
African-American History Month is celebrated throughout the month of February to highlight achievements and contributions of African-Americans. The University community celebrates African-American history with a variety of programs such as educational and historical lectures, performing artists, plays, and oratorical contests. All programs are open to the public.

Campus Activity Board
The Campus Activity Board presents a variety of entertainment, cultural, recreational, and educational events for the University community. The funded programs organized by the students include performing arts, film series, contemporary music and comedy, special events, and leadership training. Programs are open to UWF students, University personnel, and the Pensacola community.

Clubs and Organizations
Involvement in extracurricular activities is a vital part of student life at The University of West Florida. The University officially registers over 100 student organizations in six categories: special interests, academic interests, professional societies, religious organizations, Greek life (fraternities and sororities), and honor societies. These clubs and organizations extend learning from the classroom into real-life situations as students learn to plan events, develop budgets, promote activities, and manage other people through delegation.

The University Commons and Student Activities Office maintains the official roster of all registered student organizations.

Forensics Team - Speech and Debate
The University's Forensics Team has a strong history of success. The team travels to colleges and universities across the southeast United States and competes in public speaking, debate, and interpretation events. Students do not need any past experience but those with an interest in mock trial or theatre are encouraged to join. The team competes four to six times a semester and travels to national tournaments.

Homecoming
Homecoming (ArgoFest) is an exciting fall tradition for students at UWF. In addition to celebrating the University's outstanding athletic program, ArgoFest offers a wide range of activities and events from outdoor recreation to theme movie nights, from country western dancing to karaoke. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for school spirit activities. To learn more about Homecoming, contact Student Activities.

Intercollegiate Athletics
The intercollegiate athletic program comprises competitive teams in twelve sports. UWF fields men's teams in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and tennis; and women's teams in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. The Argonauts held the 2001 NCAA Division II National Championship in men's golf.

The Argonauts compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Gulf South Conference. Championship playoff opportunities are provided in each sport. Each team plays a full schedule of competition with schools throughout the southeastern United States, and many institutions from the midwestern and eastern sections of the country visit UWF in the spring.

The University sports facilities include a field house (3,000 capacity), twelve lighted tennis courts, a lighted baseball park (1,500 capacity), two lighted softball fields (800 capacity), and a lighted track which encircles the varsity soccer field (800 capacity).

Mentors
University Mentors work as peer advisors to incoming lower-division students during orientation and throughout the fall semester. They help new students get acquainted with the University, provide a support base that eases adjustment, augment information provided by advisors, and refer students to appropriate University services.

Music Activities
Music at the University of West Florida is housed in the $9 million Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, which includes classrooms, practice studios, a multipurpose rehearsal hall, and a music performance hall. The Department sponsors an annual chamber music series which brings an array of internationally known artists and ensembles to the campus. Student musical groups include the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, University Singers, Show Choir, Gospel Choir, and the UWF Opera Workshop. All concerts sponsored by the Department are free to UWF students.

Recreation and Sports Services
The Department of Recreation and Sports Services provides leisure activities for students, faculty, and staff. There are six programs: aquatics, fitness-wellness, intramural sports, informal recreation, sports clubs, and outdoor adventure.

The purpose of intramural sports is to provide a comprehensive and diverse program of both competitive and recreational experiences. The program is designed to meet the needs and interests of currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff members. More than 40 activities are offered featuring team sports, individual/dual sports, meets, and special events.

The sports club program provides specialized sports instruction and extramural competition. Established clubs include Badminton, Cheerleading, Dance, Fencing, Sailing, Scuba, Men's and Women's Soccer, Sports Officials Association, Swim, Men's and Women's Volleyball, Rugby, Outdoor Adventure, Jiu-Jitsu, Table Tennis, Distance Training, Fitness Club, Water-ski and Wake-board, Surf, Shotokan, Karate, and Ultimate Frisbee.

The Outdoor Adventure Club provides outdoor trip experiences and training to members of the university campus community. Activities include rock climbing, canoeing, backpacking, rafting, and other more nontraditional human-powered outdoor sports. No experience is necessary and all events are open to beginners.

The University pool is an Olympic-size, heated natatorium complete with a whirlpool and dry sauna. A hydraulic lift and an Easy Ladder facilitate use by physically challenged individuals. Swim lessons and advanced courses in Lifeguard Training and Water Safety Instructor are offered throughout the year.

The Fitness Center, located at the south end of the Field House, offers the perfect environment for personal training and fitness assessment for individuals at all fitness levels. There are a number of programs offered throughout the year that are available for participation. These programs include: fitness challenge, ArgoFit Incentive Program, group exercise classes, Fitness Week, and personal training. Equipment includes treadmills, lifecycles, stairmasters, free weights, cybex equipment, ellipticals, and cardio theater.

The informal recreation program allows access to and checkout of sports and recreational equipment. Upon presentation of a valid Nautilus Card, students, faculty, and staff may use the Field House, sailing and outdoor facilities and equipment.

Residence Hall Association
The Residence Hall Association, better known as RHA, is an organization designed to promote a favorable environment for study, relaxation, and community living for the students living on campus in the residence halls and Village apartments. All students residing on campus are members of RHA. Students are selected from each hall/apartment to represent their peers and plan activities for the residents. The elected Executive Board officers are charged with seeking out the ideas, concerns, and needs of the residents on campus. RHA also sponsors social gatherings, sports competitions, barbecues, trips, and cultural and educational programs for all residents.

Student Government Association
Student government associations at the main campus, extension campus, and centers are elected by the student body. The purposes of the student government associations are: to allow students to participate in the decision-making processes of the University, to consider and make recommendations on all phases of student life, to serve as the principal forum for discussion of matters of broad concern to students, and to make decisions regarding the distribution of activity and service fees.

Student Publication
The Voyager is the official University student newspaper. Serving as a principal medium for dissemination of news, information, and opinions, the newspaper is distributed at no cost to students, faculty, and staff.

Theatre
All students are eligible and encouraged to participate in a varied season of full-scale productions given by the University Theatre for the entertainment and cultural advancement of the student body and neighboring communities. University students are given many opportunities for artistic growth and expression in all phases of stage production. The theatre program includes performances at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage and Studio Theatres.