Getting Started & Getting Involved
Where to begin? What groups are worth getting involved with? Word of mouth is the best way to learn about membership and activities. Put out some feelers – talk to other students. Get their take on the most active, popular, and interesting clubs. Attend events these clubs host and see what makes them tick – you just might click.
The next step is to visit the student activities office. The folks there can get you started in a variety of ways. Ask for a list of the organizations that are currently active or visit the college website. They might also give you a form to fill out, in which you describe your interests. You can find out about meeting times, and then you can either contact the club’s advisor or a student representative. You can even attend a weekly meeting.
Keep in mind that most organizations – honor societies and Greek groups excepted – are open to all students. So if you’re interested in joining the Black Student Union, it doesn’t matter if you’re Japanese or Romanian! Joining a club can expand your horizons; you just may find yourself a member of both the Knitting Consortium and the Padded Sword Fighting Club!
Whether you’re already involved in a registered club or are trying to start a new one, the SA office will guide you in setting it up. You’ll learn about eligibility for funds, how to organize your executive board (or E-board), comply with financial and organizational rules, maintain representation on the student senate, keeping meeting minutes, managing your budget, and much more.
Speaking of budgets, registered clubs begin each year with a budget issued from student activity funds. You’ll find that your group may launch their own creative fundraising efforts to expand their opportunities, finance trips, or raise money for worthy causes.