{"id":152,"date":"2017-11-09T21:05:18","date_gmt":"2017-11-09T21:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/blueprint\/chapter\/47-campus-and-student-life\/"},"modified":"2024-03-31T18:19:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T18:19:08","slug":"47-campus-and-student-life","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.hccfl.edu\/blueprint\/chapter\/47-campus-and-student-life\/","title":{"raw":"Chapter 4: Campus and Student Life","rendered":"Chapter 4: Campus and Student Life"},"content":{"raw":"Whether your campus is small, tall, grande<\/em>, or venti<\/em>, you are probably amazed by\u00a0the array of institutionally supported student activities available for your enrichment and enjoyment. Perhaps your biggest challenge is deciding how much extra time you have after studying and which added activities yield\u00a0the greatest reward.\r\n\r\nRegardless of where your institution fits on the spectrum of size, or how many activities, clubs, and organizations your institution offers, it\u2019s very important for you to be able to explore co-curricular interests\u2014for learning, enjoyment, and personal satisfaction. Student life should always be satisfying and rewarding to students, as well as to alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. Together, these groups are an institution\u2019s lifeblood.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Organized Groups on Campus<\/h3>\r\n

Student Organizations<\/h4>\r\nColleges have an abundance of student organizations. Some examples you may be familiar with are the Hillel Student Organization for enriching the lives of Jewish students, the Chess Club, and Model United Nations. Larger institutions may have hundreds of such organizations. Here is a lengthy and exciting list of student organizations at the University of Maryland Baltimore County<\/a>.\r\n\r\nGenerally, an organization is created and run by current students, and it\u2019s sponsored by an executive officer, dean, or director of a major academic or operational unit. An organization must also have a mission that\u2019s consistent with the mission of the college and sponsor. It might also collect dues from members, but in many cases, membership is free.\r\n\r\nTo link up with a student organization, you may not need to do much more than take stock of your interests. What do you love to do? In a later section, you\u2019ll find a list of ways to learn about student organizations at your institution. If you find that your college doesn\u2019t have an organization that speaks to your particular\u00a0interests, you might consider starting one.\r\n

Fraternities and Sororities<\/h4>\r\nFraternities and sororities are social organizations at colleges and universities. The terms \u201cGreek letter organization\u201d (\u201cGLO\u201d) and \u201cGreek life\u201d are often used to describe fraternities and sororities. Generally, you obtain membership while you are an undergraduate, but your membership continues for life. Most Greek organizations have five shared elements: secrecy, single-sex membership, rushing and pledging to select new members, occupancy in a shared residence, and identification with Greek letters. Fraternities and sororities also engage in philanthropic activities, and they often host parties and other events that may be popular across campus.\r\n

Diversity and Multiculturalism<\/h4>\r\nDiversity and multiculturalism are indeed critical pursuits not just on college campuses but in communities, businesses, and organizations around the world. If you are interested in expanding and promoting awareness of this issues on campus and further afield, you can seek opportunities at your college\u00a0for starters. You will likely find informal gatherings, presentations, campus-wide events, individual students and classes focused on creating diverse, multicultural, and inclusive communities. As an example, here is a list of student clubs at Goucher College<\/a>.\r\n

Civic Engagement and Leadership<\/h4>\r\nMost colleges have many opportunities for you to learn about and prepare for civic engagement and leadership on campus and in the wider community. What is civic engagement? It\u2019s your involvement in protecting and promoting a diverse and democratic society\u2014and clearly, leadership is an important part of this. Student organizations and activities related to these pursuits may be student government associations, leadership courses and retreats, social change projects, service opportunities, social innovation initiatives, and\u00a0many others.\r\n

Service and Volunteerism<\/h4>\r\nIf you are like many new college students, you probably already have experience volunteering. It may have been part of your high school requirements. Or perhaps you engaged in volunteering as part of a\u00a0faith organization or as part of a community fundraising effort. Any of your volunteering can continue in college, too, as your institution will have many special and meaningful ways to stay involved, work on\u00a0social problems, and contribute to a better world. Service and volunteer efforts may include philanthropy, activism, social entrepreneurship, advocacy, and direct service.\r\n

Student Activities<\/h4>\r\nOn any college campus, satellite center, or\u00a0virtual space, students may be involved in activities around the clock on any given day. These activities may include student organization activities as well as special presentations, meetings, performing arts events, sporting events, intramurals, recreational activities, local community activities, holiday events, commemorative events, and\u00a0so on.\r\n\r\nYou are heartily encouraged to pursue any interests that enhance your education and enrich your student experience. Your participation can expand your horizons, deepen your interests, and connect you with new people.\r\n

Resources for Learning About Campus Organizations<\/h4>\r\nIt can seem\u00a0overwhelming to learn about all the activities, events, clubs, organizations, athletics, performing arts, etc. on campus. Sometimes you may need to dig a little, too. The following resources are a good place to start:\r\n