With approximately 250 on-campus clubs and organizations and about 140 of them active, students have an extracurricular buffet to choose from that supports any personal taste.
But Princess Matt, 21, an elementary and secondary education student, said she waited a semester before getting involved when she was a freshman.
“I just wanted to check everything out first,” said the junior from Orlando.
Sandra Inge, the associate director of student activities, said the university offers a large pool of opportunities that students should jump into.
“Joining organizations and clubs enhances the college experience because it encourages students to make new friends, share ideas and work with other people,” Inge said.
Matt said her tendency to talk to strangers led to her membership in the Baptist Collegiate Ministries by her second semester.
“I went once to [the BCM] and I really enjoyed it,” she said.
Matt said joining the BCM helped her grow and be comfortable as a student.
“Once I found stability in one group I was able to branch out and do other things,” she said.
Inge said city and state organizations are good outlets because they allow students to connect with others from their hometown.
She said the Michigan Club is an active club that provide hometown unity.
“They rent buses to go home, go to the classic as a group, host activities and do things as a unit,” Inge said.
Michigan Club Advisor Karen Quarles-Lewis said the members even take the incoming students under their wings.
“We know the new Michigan students before they come,” said the former Detroit schoolteacher.
Inge said two major benefits of student involvement are the community service and business opportunities it provides.
“Some organizations go weekly to local nursing homes, schools, give to shelters and needy families,” she said. “When agencies call schools, they check with student organizations. Companies look for well-rounded individuals.”
There are other groups that specialize in their own missions for campus improvement, such as the Honors Student Council Advisory Board.
Malcolm Glover, the director of projects and special events, said the council consists of honors students who are “laying the framework” for becoming an honors college by working in the community, tutoring high school and FAMU students and discussing campus and world issues.
“We are concentrating on getting the word out through newsletters and lobbying,” Glover said.
Students interested in joining a campus organization can get information at the Student Activities Office in the H. Manning Efferson Building.
Contact russell nichols at nichols_russell@hotmail.com.