Over 100 clubs, organizations, and Greek life chapters congregated on the Murry and Leonie Guggenheim Memorial Library lawn on Friday, Sept. 5 from 4 – 6 pm for the annual Involvement Fair.
The Involvement Fair is an event that pertains to not only freshman but also to upperclassmen and transfer students in order to “step out of their comfort zone and get involved in the various organizations the University has to offer,” as stated by Megan McGowan, Assistant Director of Student Activities and Student Center Operations.
Students gathered on the library lawn and approached numerous tables that belonged to different clubs. Amongst the clubs and organizations were The Outlook, Baseball Club, Chabad Club, and the Residence Hall Association (RHA).
When approaching tables, club members gave brief descriptions of their organization’s contribution to the University and what is expected of active members to prospective students.
Some of the clubs used marketing tactics to entice new members to their tables. Giveaways such as t-shirts, coffee travel mugs, and even candy was spread out on tables trying to lure students into a new experience. Additionally, social media was used by clubs in order to create an online presence.
Once students felt an interest in a club, they were asked to provide club presidents with their information on the sign-up sheet. By doing so, students opted into receiving e-mails stating where and when weekly meetings are held as well as insight into critical events that a specific organization will potentially be sponsoring in the future.
Erika Pisano, a freshman communication major, said, “I like how I can sign up for things I am interested in [at the Involvement Fair] and then later on choose which ones I actually go to.”
This year, the fair was on a Friday, which is different from previous years, according to McGowan. McGowan stated that having the fair on a Friday allowed for more flexibility. “Other schools usually have their involvement fair within the first week of classes. On Fridays, classes usually end early.” She also said that by having the fair earlier in the school year, it gave students an opportunity to get involved and make friends earlier,” she said.
Usually the Involvement Fair takes place on the third Wednesday of the school year, according to McGowan.
Megan Eustice, a junior health studies major, feels that changing the date to a Friday was an improvement to the Involvement Fair. “Usually the fair is going on when I am unable to make it, since I am a commuter. By having it on a Friday, and not too early, I was able to go to classes and then head over to get involved before going home,” she said.
Several other changes were made to the fair including the addition of food trucks and live entertainment Music Alliance provided the fair with music performed by its members. 99 Regrets, along with other bands, filled the library lawn with songs that “kept the fair upbeat,” as stated by Pisano.
Dozens of students commented on the immense turnout of the Involvement Fair. One enticement this year was the continuation of the S.H.A.D.O.W. Program.
The S.H.A.D.O.W. program is designated to get first years students to attend events around campus. S.H.A.D.O.W. represents six categories of events: service and leadership, hawk pride, academic resources, diversity, organizations and involvement, and wellness.
