The SOAS is charged with the coordination of activities, projects, and programs of Student Organizations. It processes official recognition papers of all UP Mindanao student organizations and conducts a yearly assessment of their activities.

It is responsible for the planning, coordination, and/or implementation, as well as assistance to programs and activities of and for the students. This section is also tasked with facilitating the establishment and maintenance of friendly relations, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation by encouraging the formation of alliances among the different Student Organizations.

Orientation Program of Incoming Freshmen - The activity aims to provide incoming freshmen with information that would help them become familiar with the academic policies and various student support services that they need during their stay at the university.

Freshmen Opening Program - The University would like to make the freshmen students feel comfortable and important on the first day of their classes. Hence, holding a program for them and introducing administrators, faculty and staff are a few of the simple gestures of making the freshmen commune with the already existing U.P. in Mindanao Community.

Bonfire Program - Consequently, the university will have to provide this socialization activity which will enable the freshmen and transferees to establish rapport, and friendship and gel with their peers and the upperclassmen. This relationship is seen to forge future interaction and coordination among them throughout the school year.

Orientation and Recognition Rites of Student Organizations - Student organizations must apply for or renew their recognition every academic year. A recognition committee is formed, to assess the application/renewal documents submitted as well as evaluate the student activities conducted in the previous academic year. A program is held to orient the student leaders on the guidelines for conducting student activities and also to formalize the recognition of the student organizations by awarding certificates.

Leadership Training Program - This is a regular activity conducted for selected recognized student organization heads and/or representatives. The training aims to develop their individual leadership skills and provide a venue to form group cooperation.

Student Council Elections - To encourage democratic representation and the right of students to organize for self-government, student councils will be maintained in the university. A student can run for a seat in the University Student Council and College Student Council.

Student Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) - The Tribunal has jurisdiction over all cases involving non-adherence to the Rules and Regulations of Student Discipline. Erring students are tried by the tribunal and penalties are imposed on them. It keeps records of all student offenders. Information about student offenses is sent to the respective College Secretary, to the Office of the University Registrar, and to the parents of the students. The Tribunal aims to correct the misbehavior of the students and instill discipline in them.

The University provides numerous opportunities for the students to practice their skills/talents. The students can engage in any of the following activities:

A. Athletic Activities

To maintain physical fitness in the population, opportunities to engage in sports and other athletic activities are provided. Students who have the skill for sports are encouraged to join various sports activities (e.g. the DULA series) or try out for Varsity teams already set up in the University such as the Ladies’ Football Team. Varsity teams for soccer (males), basketball, and badminton are considered to be organized.

B. Cultural Activities

Students who have a talent in dance, theater, or singing are tapped as performers in various University-sponsored cultural activities. To date, several cultural clubs are taking shape on campus drawing talent from students. Likewise, the UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble has been actively taking part in University functions.

C. Journalism

The University values information and its dissemination. For that matter, all types of student publications are encouraged to be put up. The HIMATI is the official student publication. Its operations or financed by student contributions and its staffers are chosen from among students based on standard editorial criteria. College-based student papers are envisioned to be set up as the population grows.

D. Political activities

To encourage democratic representation and the right of students to organize themselves for self-government, student councils will be sustained in the University. The student can run for a seat in either his/her College Student Council or in the University Student Council. The college-based student council is responsible for organizing programs and activities as well as expressing the sentiments of the students of the College. The College Student Council coordinates with the University Student Council in order to realize broader goals and objectives.

Student organizations provide venues for leadership, camaraderie, and responsibility. In the University setup, activities done within these organizations validate inputs in the classroom and develop within students the independence, innovativeness, and initiative which have long been characteristics attached to the UP student.

These organizations are categorized into University-based (U-based) or College based (C-based). The former is a category of organizations whose members come from different colleges on the campus and engage in a variety of activities which cater to the needs of the General Studentry while the latter comprises a category of organizations whose students belong to just one college. College-based groups support college-based activities.

Both U-based and C-based organizations are accredited and monitored by the Student Organizations and Activities Section of the Office of Student Affairs. Undergraduate freshmen students or specifically barred from joining organizations as the initial year is considered to be an “adjustment phase” to be fully devoted to purely academic pursuits.

A. Academic Organizations

Academic organizations pertain to academic departments and subjects or fields of specialization. They extend support to student(s) in the particular field of study for which they are organized, which is usually under the aegis of a particular department or institute. Support includes tutorial services, informative seminars, and symposia designed to help students in the relevant field of study cope with the rigors of scholarship. These organizations may also engage in activities to raise funds to improve facilities in their department(s)/institution(s).

B. Civic Organizations

Civic organizations focus their attention on community service and development and engage in activities directed at a more extended orientation. They conduct in-house as well as extension activities which may include medical-dental missions, community organizing, and extension of help to social institutions, environmental protection, and the like.

C. Cultural Organization

These organizations tap into and develop the artistic ingenuity of students and faculty alike. They afford a chance for budding journalists, playwrights, theater persons, visual artists, and the like to showcase their creations and entice others in the university to do the same. Every now and then, the present work that seeks not only to entertain but also to convey relevant positions to social, political, economic, and cultural concerns.

D. Dormitory Hall Organization

An organization that is based in the residence hall in the campus.

E. Fraternities/Sororities

Fraternities and sororities have well-entrenched ideals and traditions and are highly cohesive groups. The scope of their activities covers both College and University-wide projects.

F. Sports Organizations

Organizations supporting engagement in particular sporting activities may be organized. Students who are interested in participating in these specific activities may join such organizations.

G. Religious Organizations

These organizations cater to a more spiritual orientation. Their activities, however, may range from purely religious gatherings to socio-political advocacy. Although the University is secular by nature, it encourages plurality in spirituality. As such religious organizations from various faiths and denominations are supported and recognized by it.

H. Varsitarian Organization

An organization of students from the same region or province.