Fall Club Fair Invaded Student Center
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An uproar filled the usually quiet student center where two students dressed up in cow and pig costume jumped around, disco lights illuminated the space on the overcast day and fog machines created an eerie glow. The ASUCC Student Leadership Team hosted the quarterly club fair Oct. 15.
Students at tables handed out prizes and candy to anyone who would stop by and learn about campus clubs and organization in an effort to help students find a way to bond and become a part of the UCC community.
Some students expressed concerns that college clubs might be a waste of time, geeky, and not beneficial. What those students do not know is that clubs are beneficial, to the students and community.
There are many benefits to being in a club. One benefit is that active club memberships make resumes look more appealing. Students who were involved clubs or community service are more likely to get job opportunities, according to Colorado University and several other colleges.
“Clubs are a great way to get together with others that have the same interests and goals. They promote communication skills and are a way to be productive,” Destiny Lichtscheidl, a UCC student majoring in dental hygiene said.
One way to develop communication skills is to join the Debate Club. The debate club helps students with speech and communication skills, with an emphasis on being comfortable while speaking. The club meets Fridays from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. in Snyder 18.
Enhancing skills is not the only reason to join a club. According to James Gugel, a student at the club fair, “Clubs give students access to peer networking so that they can prosper scholastically.” Engineering students can network by joining the Engineering Club. This club helps students connect with other engineers and work on homework, projects, or anything they might need help with on their path to success. They meet on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in Jackson 15.
Students also have networking opportunities through other interest clubs as well. Drama Club meets on Tuesdays at 12:25 p.m. in Whipple Centerstage. Drama Club looks for opportunities for students to see live performances and take acting classes outside of Douglas County. The Veterans Club meets Friday at 12 p.m. in the Veterans Center. The purpose of the club is to provide a support system for active military and veterans.
“Clubs are a good opportunity for students to get outside of the classroom and just have fun,” Joan Sifford, community relations employee said.
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The Environmental Sustainability club, which is relatively new, focuses on working outside in the UCC garden and making UCC more environmentally friendly. This club helps those who want to make an environmental difference on campus. The community garden is located above the Tech Center. Members also volunteer in the community, including a regular clean up project at the Wolley Center. They meet on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. in the Biology room.
There was also a Geology Club formed after approval by the student board Oct. 13.
“Student environments are incomplete without getting involved in a club,” Jessica Vogel, an ASUCC senator said.
Several of the clubs are certified through national organizations. The National Student Nursing Association (NSNA) helps nursing students with mentoring, volunteering, and scholarship opportunities. They meet Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Wayne Crooch. Phi Theta Kappa is the campus honor society that is invitation only. The club provides leadership opportunities and scholarships for students. Letters are sent out at the beginning of every term. They meet Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in Lockwood 2.
“I think the [clubs] are a great way to meet new people and are a great opportunity,” Breanna Barchenger, another student on campus, said.
Students who are interested in starting their own club can pick up paperwork from the ASUCC office, which is adjacent to the cafeteria. Students are required to fill out a 30 signature petition, adviser agreement, establish regular meeting times and submit a constitution or bylaws, according to ASUCC activities officer, Haley Stammen.
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