Student organizations are a cornerstone of the college experience. Not only does campus involvement help students grow as future professionals, but also as citizens.
Student organizations often help students form social groups, create connections to the college community and provide valuable experience for a resume – just to name a few benefits.
UI has devoted a large amount of resources to getting students involved and enhancing the student experience. The Department of Student Involvement is not just dedicated to finding the right activities for students, but also the right level of involvement, so students aren’t overloaded or disconnected to campus life.
The university also utilizes OrgSync, a website that lists many of the student organizations on campus, along with descriptions and contact information. Approximately 350 campuses nationwide currently use the program.
With the majority of student organizations classified as professional and academic/honorary, UI provides many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. These organizations offer students the chance to explore a future career path and allow them to network with other like-minded students on campus.
UI offers campus-wide volunteer events and 15 Alternative Service Break trips, along with spiritual and religious groups students can be apart of. These opportunities offer students the chance to grow as people into interesting and successful adults — because college is much more than preparing for a career, it’s about growing as an individual.
Student organizations range in diversity from the Anime Club to the Society of Women Engineers. And if a club does not exist, there is a clear path through ASUI to become recognized by UI and receive club funding for events.
In the end, it is up to students to take advantage of these resources. Nobody will force you to take part, but those who do are the ones who come out on the other side socially, academically and culturally enriched.
–RT