More than 50 student organizations participated in the Spring 2019 Get Involved Fair Wednesday in the Idaho Commons — giving University of Idaho students the chance to learn about student involvement opportunities.
The biannual event allows groups, including clubs and departments — such as the Center for Volunteerism and Social Action — to showcase their activities and recruit new members, said Lynsie Clott, assistant director of leadership and student organizations for the Department of Student Involvement. She said it gives students the chance to find a group they might be passionate about.
Newly created clubs, such as the Women in Science Society, were able to use the event as an opportunity to get their name out.
Students formed the club, which provides a community for women in science who support each other, at the start of the school year in August 2018, so the group is still trying to build awareness about the club’s existence, said Romana Hyde, events coordinator for the club.
“The Get Involved Fair has been a great opportunity because we are so new,” said Kendall Gray, scheduling coordinator. “You can walk around, and we can tell you about our club, and you can know when our meetings are and meet us and see if you would like to join.”
By having the fair early in the semester, it gives students the opportunity to connect with clubs and build a community, Clott said.
One of the most important aspects of getting involved is its enhancement of the college experience, Clott said. She said it gives students a chance to develop their academic and leadership skills.
“It supplements everything that you’re learning and doing in the classroom and gives you an opportunity to practice and expand your skills,” she said. “We know that it increases retention rates. We know that it increases students’ GPA when they’re involved outside of the classroom.”
Although they may have already found their niche on campus, Clott said getting involved is important for upperclassmen as well. She said club experience can help prepare anyone, but especially somebody who is about to graduate, for how to work with a variety of people and teach them to hone organizational leadership skills.
“You’re going to find that connection,” Clott said. “You’re going to figure out who you are. You’re going to figure out how to work with other people who have very different personalities from you … and connect with other students who are interested in the same things that you’re interested in.”
If students did not find a club of interest or were unable to attend the Get Involved Fair, Clott said they should visit the Department of Student Involvement or check out VandalSync online.
“If you want to get involved, we will absolutely get you involved,” she said.
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University of Idaho students talk at the Get Involved Fair, Wednesday.
Alex Brizee | Argonaut
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