“Get involved” is one of the most promoted pieces of advice for college students, and the ASUI Get Involved Fair helped many students do just that.
Abi Stomberg | Argonaut
Katharine Wongmankitkan and Macklin Brown ask questions at the Chemisty Club’s booth at the Get Involved Fair Wednesday. The Get Involved Fair brought various clubs and organizations to the University of Idaho Commons Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and was a way for students to learn about opportunities on campus.
The fair, which took place earlier this week, had booths from a variety of student organizations set up outside the TLC for two days.
The purpose of the fair was to give students the opportunity to learn about and possibly join one of the more than 200 student-organized clubs on campus.
Denise Carl, student engagement coordinator, has organized the Get Involved Fair for the past four years.
“The purpose of the fair is to help support student organizations and get the word out about what they’re doing and who they are,” Carl said. “But more importantly, the purpose of the fair is to try and connect students with organizations on campus face to face. To help create community for them on campus.”
Senior Jessie Giguiere is the president of Environmental Club, a club she has been involved with for the past four years.
Despite the heat, Giguiere stood outside for hours talking to interested students because she said she believes it is important for clubs to get their names and purposes out to the student body.
“The fair is a really great way to get incoming freshman to know that there are some of these great clubs on campus. It’s really hard to be a student organization when you don’t have students. This is a great way to get those students,” Giguiere said.
There were 25 clubs present on the first day of the fair, and 30 on the second. The fair received a better turnout on the second day due to different breaks in student class schedules and more entertainment. A student-band, Folkestra, performed Wednesday at the fair.
Carl said it is important for students to get involved on campus.
“Having that sense of community and outlet beyond the academic world helps people feel more well-rounded and to have a place here at Idaho. Student organizations are a fabulous way to build leadership skills,” Carl said.
Students tend to be interested in clubs relating to their majors and career interests, so the clubs may help them get involved with the community and knowledge of their interests.
“The clubs are also affirming or may be un-affirming sometimes, of what your career paths should be, especially for professional organizations,” Carl said.
For those still interested in joining a club, the Student Involvement offices are located on the third floor of the Idaho Commons above Einstein’s Bagels. There will be a second Get Involved Fair sometime within the first six weeks of the spring semester.
Alexia Neal can be reached at [email protected]