Bison Life is NDSU’s framework for co-curricular engagement, supporting holistic student development. Through purposeful experiences during their time at NDSU, students develop understanding of themselves and others, build collaborative relationships, grow their ability to respond to needs in their communities and become well-rounded individuals. Engaging in Bison Life empowers students to navigate their academic, professional and personal paths — preparing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Discover
Students expand their understanding of personal purpose and identity while gaining insight into others. They discover by leveraging campus resources, strengthening self-awareness and engaging with diverse perspectives.
Connect
Students learn to communicate clearly and build strong, collaborative relationships that enable them to work effectively toward common goals. They connect by enhancing their communication abilities, building supportive networks and applying teamwork skills.
Grow
Students acquire the competencies needed to assess and address community needs in pursuit of organizational and individual goals. They grow by enhancing critical-thinking abilities, demonstrating professionalism and developing leadership skills.
Thrive
Students develop into well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to their communities through intentional personal growth, career preparation and care for their own well-being and that of others. They thrive by applying well-being strategies, cultivating belonging and engaging in meaningful development opportunities.
See Bison Life in Action
Bison Life connects students to experiences that shape who they become — at NDSU and beyond.
Bison Life Showcase
Twelve departments contribute to student development by implementing the Bison Life curriculum in a variety of ways throughout campus. Their work results in many diverse opportunities for students to develop understanding of themselves and others, build collaborative relationships, grow their ability to respond to needs in their communities and become well-rounded individuals who care for themselves and others.
Serve with the Herd
Serve with the Herd is a community service day held each year during NDSU Homecoming, and is coordinated by the Volunteer Network in the Office of Student Engagement. Students contribute hundreds of volunteer hours to local nonprofits, gaining insight into community needs while building connections and making a lasting impact.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week prepares students for a positive transition and successful start to their NDSU journey. Students make connections, become aware of campus resources and begin to explore engagement and belonging in the NDSU community.
Hall Government
Hall Government, through the Department of Residence Life, provides leadership opportunities for students living on campus. Members represent student voices, address community needs and plan events that build connection and belonging. Along the way, they develop valuable skills in leadership, budgeting and advocacy.
Benefits of Bison Life
Bison Life uses a curricular approach to learning beyond the classroom, recognizing that learning happens across many experiences at NDSU. This approach creates a purposeful framework for out-of-class learning that complements students’ academic experiences, strengthens career readiness, and supports personal growth and community impact.