Why students should have Clubs and Organizations Involvement

Opportunities to Meet People "Your studies should be very important to you, but in order to be a successful student, you need to balance academics with a social outlet. A great way to meet both needs is through student clubs and organizations. Student clubs and organizations will provide you with a wide variety of opportunities to become involved on campus and throughout the community. Being a part of a club or organization will provide you with new life experiences, valuable leadership skills and abilities, and opportunities to express creativity and talent. It is important that you find an organization that best fits your needs. So, please remember to get involved."

- By Cindy Clark

Resume Benefits "If you'd like to become involved in some extra-curricular activity while being a student, that is a good idea. Participation with your peers to accomplish goals, as well as for social interaction, is worthwhile now and prepares you for similar involvement with professional organizations once you graduate. Involvement also looks good on your resume. You must remember your priorities, however, and keep your studies first. Good time management and study habits are imperative. At least two hours of study out of class for every hour in class is a good guideline. Good lecture and textbook note-taking is essential. Ask questions in class, read as you go, and answer questions at the end of the chapters. A monthly calendar should include the highlighted dates of upcoming quizzes, tests, assignment deadlines, and the meetings of your organizations. Remember, most organizations require a certain QPA for active membership. You might consider a club that is related to your major as one of your selections."

- By Ron Sturga

Resources for Athletes "Many athletes find that they have some trouble adjusting to the work load that they get from their classes. Along with all of the tough homework, the time commitment for a sport is sometimes 40 hours a week. There are some resources, though, that can help. First, talk to your coach if you are experiencing difficulties. They'll be happy to help you, because they want to see you do well in the classroom, as well as on the field. Second, some of your upperclass teammates may have had some of the same classes that you're taking now. Talk to them and see what help they can give you. Finally, don't forget about the free tutoring in the library and Lawrence Towers. The students who provide the tutoring are very capable, and can often provide you with the help you need. Remember, if you don't have the grades, you can't play. Playing a sport for the university is a privilege, just like driving. If you keep getting speeding tickets, you get your license taken away. In the same way, too many F's will keep you on the bench."

- By Matt Walker

Balancing Studies and Extra-Curricular Activities "Striking the balance between studies and extra-curricular activities is difficult and should be done on a person to person basis. However, in this tip, I would like to emphasize the importance of student clubs and organizations. Beyond the phrase 'looks good on your resume'--which is true indeed--active participation in a student organization or club has other benefits. Nearly all major areas of study have a club. By participting in these clubs you have the chance to meet others with common interests and faculty who teach some of the major courses. Other organizations deal with issues not directly related to your field of study. Examples include service organizations related to specific hobbies, such as the Ski Club or Planetarium Club. Contact your campus Student Activities Office for more information. Have fun and GET INVOLVED."

- By David Hurd