YDS students enjoy a rich community life in both the school itself and the larger university. On the YDS campus, life outside the classroom is organized by the student-led Yale Divinity School Student Government (YDSG) and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), working with the Community Life Committee (CLC).

The YDSG leadership is elected each term. Through the YDSG, students have an active voice alongside faculty and administration in making decisions affecting the academic and community life of YDS. In addition, the YDSG, in conjunction with OSA and the CLC, addresses the needs of the community as they arise each year and offers funding to official YDS groups.

The CLC—a committee of students, faculty, and staff—oversees the work of student groups on campus. In addition, the CLC sponsors annual events such as Div Idol, a campy talent show in which groups of students perform in front of “celebrity,” judges made up of faculty and staff.

The student groups and activities all make community life at YDS rich in opportunities for learning, socializing, serving, and leadership. In addition, as members of the Yale University graduate and professional student population, YDS students are invited to participate in various student organizations and activities. YDS students enjoy the social life of the Gryphon, a graduate and professional student center located at 204 York Street near the central university campus. The Schwarzman Center at Yale University also fosters collaboration, wellness, and belonging at Yale through dining and the arts. Students are involved in leadership of graduate student activities and programs through the Graduate and Professional Student Senate. These venues for socializing and programming enable YDS students to meet and work alongside students from Yale’s other graduate and professional schools.