The middle of the semester is here, and most organizations and clubs on campus are pulling in the last portion of their members, however; it is not too late to join. UNH is making great efforts to allow students to see what sort of organizations there are on campus. With flyers, dorm themes, the annual university day picnic and jukebox nights, it is hard for any student who lives on campus to get away from the idea of joining a club.
"There are a number of ways people can get involved", says Jessica Smestad, coordinator of student organizations services and leadership.
With more than 200 plus organizations and clubs on the UNH campus, it is not hard for a student to find something that interests them. However, if there is an interest that cannot be met by the clubs and organizations already in process, students can create a new one.
"In the past, students had to wait until the formal recognition period to start a new student organization, says Smestad, "but now if a student can't find an organization that they are interested in, they can start one anytime, they just need to come meet with me first and go over all the responsibilities of being a student organization."
Aside from the conventions and flyers that can be found around UNH, students can access the student organization services website to search for any organization or clubs that may be of interest.
"Some organizations have different policies, but most clubs would be open to getting new members", says Smestad. "It's just a matter of contacting that club and saying, 'are you still recruiting? Are you still looking for more people to attend your events and become members?'"
Many people find that joining a club or organization is not only a good way to spend some free time, but it is also a very good resource for anyone that needs the extra help or accreditation for later on in life.
"I wanted to get involved and meet different people. Leadership was an important factor too", says Lauren Quinn, a sophomore business administration major who is part of both Students Interested in Growth, Networking, and Leadership (SIGNAL) and Hall Council. "I'm a business major so I know that SIGNAL will help me down the road because it teaches things they normally don't teach in class [like interviews, internships, business etiquette] and as for hall council, I wanted to have fun in my hall and get a say in what goes on and make sure everyone's money is going to good use."
Even if it seems that it is too late to join a club that is already in progress, it is possible to join a club the following semester. "I was planning on joining the diversity club but that didn't happen, so I will probably wait till next semester, so I am not a member the minute I have to go home", says Lauren Hassey, a sophomore history major. "Plus I think there will be more people signing up in the beginning of the semester."
According to Smestad, a study showed that a student who participates in a club or organization in college has a higher percentage of graduation.
"It's a good way to meet people and socialize and it opens the door for leadership opportunities which companies are looking for," says Quinn.
Surveys have shown that college students on average have about 44 hours a week of free time, this free time can be used to join clubs and organizations. "It's been important because it made me realize what I can do in my spare time. It's helped me with my time management skills and it's preparing me for the real world and showing me that I am capable of making ethical decisions," says Quinn.
Even though these 44 hours can be used for a job, errands and other responsibilities, most clubs don't take up all 44 hours.
"Absolutely get involved", says Smestad, "it really helps with finding a bond with the university and finding a home away from home within the university and making a connection."
Be the first to comment on this article!