WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Student clubs, organizations garner student success

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By Julius Williams

Although there are over 70 clubs and organizations on campus with varied interests, keeping those clubs active is sometimes a challenging process.

“It’s an ebb and flow,” said Mindy Kinnaman, manager of Student Life and Leadership Development. “Students graduate or matriculate to four year universities. If the leadership of a club leaves the college, and there’s no one to replace them, then the club has to start over.”

“Setting the foundation for a club the first year is important,” Kinnaman said. “Some clubs go below the 10 member threshold and become inactive. Many students have full course loads, jobs and other obligations that make it difficult to participate.”

The sizes of organizations can range from a handful of students to much larger groups. Though membership can vary from semester to semester, there are many dedicated students and faculty members who make extraordinary efforts to make sure that the college has plenty of extracurricular offerings.

Michael Duah, a graphic design major from Kansas, is a member of the college’s Inter-Club Council, which helps to train and advise student leaders on fundraising, recruiting and leadership skill training.

Duah also works at the Center for Student Involvement and is a member of the student chapter of AIGA, the American Institute of Graphic Designers. AIGA offers students a chance to socialize with other student designers and has a connection to the local design community in the metro area.

“I interviewed a local designer from the AIGA website and found out that they needed an intern,” said Duah. “Clubs can be a way to make connections with people that can be business contacts in the future.”

Participation in clubs and organizations can offer students an opportunity to make business contacts, help their communities and perform better academically. Multiple studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between student involvement and student success.

This is particularly true for first year students, international or home-schooled students who may feel overwhelmed or isolated on campus. Clubs can provide support for students who may have trouble adjusting, introducing them to on-campus resources and offer opportunities for personal growth development.

Pam Vassar, assistant dean, Student Life, is one of the administrators charged with keeping students engaged and successful. Her office handles all of the administrative duties for student life, including clubs and organizations, campus media and the student lounge.

“We take seriously the opportunity to get students involved,” Vassar said. “Research will show you the more a student is engaged, the higher their level of success is at that institution.”

Visit the Center for Student Involvement in SC 106 or their web page on the college’s website to browse student clubs and organizations. Students can also use social networking and connect on Facebook (Center for Student Involvement) or Twitter (@CSIatJCCC).

The college is also sponsoring a Clubs and Orgs Day from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 5 in the COM plaza.

Contact Julius Williams, staff reporter, at jwilli78@stumail.jccc.edu.

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