Outside of classes and homework, students expect to have things to do on campus and have campus clubs and organizations to get involved in.
It is rare that students come to college to just go to class and not participate in any extracurricular activities.
On Northwestern’s campus, students are offered a number of campus clubs and organizations to be a part of. Students also have the option of attending the events that these clubs and organizations host.
The number of students that attend campus events has increased sense last year, but there is still a large majority of students that are not participating in the things that are available for them.
Clubs and organizations on campus are trying to come up with new and creative ways to encourage students to get more involved.
There are a number of reasons why students should get involved in college, including they have the opportunity to meet new people, they have a better chance of succeeding at Northwestern and getting involved is a great way to build a resume for future job opportunities.
“By being involved on campus, I have met a ton of life-long friends and lots of people that will support me in life for years to come,” said Jacey Bales, student government association treasurer. “I have also gotten lots of experience working with people that will help me in the future.”
The Student Government Association is a campus organization that is formed around voicing the concerns and interests of the students on Northwestern’s campus. SGA sponsors a number of events on campus that are geared towards helping students get involved in campus activities.
“Events that SGA organizes allow students the opportunity to have fun in a positive environment,” said Kaylyn Hansen, director of student housing. “It is important for students to get involved so they can meet others and build relationships and connections with their peers. There are many skills, including social skills, organization, time management and school pride that can be attained through getting involved with activities and clubs and organizations.”
“We are a family here, and the more involved you are the more help and support you will receive,” Bales said.
Northwestern has a broad range of clubs and organizations to become a part of.
“There are approximately 60 clubs on campus,” Hansen said. “If you have an interest, there is probably a club that will fit those needs.”
With around 60 clubs and organizations to choose from, most students will be able to find an area that they are interested in. If students cannot find an area of interest, they are encouraged to create a club that they want to add to the campus.
The Student Government Association hosts a number of events throughout the course of the academic year to get students involved and to help promote other clubs and organizations.
“Students who join a club or organization express that they build life-long relationships with both students and faculty members that they may not have built if they were not involved,” Hansen said. “We all want to be a part of something. In a club or organization, you will find comradery in those around you who have the same goals that you do.”
“Put yourself out there,” Bales said. “The more students that get involved the more exciting and better the campus will be. All of our activities and organizations would be full, and we could do a ton more if we had more people involved in them.”
For more information on campus clubs and organizations, students can visit the A-Z Index on the Northwestern website. Students can also contact Kaylyn Hansen. Her email is klhansen@nwosu.edu, and her phone number is (580) 327-8418. Students can also stop by her office located on the first floor of the Fine Arts building Rm. 131.