Eager freshmen and upperclassmen gathered on the Murry and Leonie Guggenheim Memorial Library Lawn on Friday, Sept. 11 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for Monmouth’s annual Involvement fair. Over 100 clubs and organizations were present for the event.
The goal of the Involvement Fair is to introduce students to the idea of a well-rounded college experience, focusing on both academics and extra-curricular activities. The University is encouraging students to participate in the Monmouth tradition of being a leader on, as well as off campus. The event is particularly crucial for fraternity and sorority members who will be foregoing new member recruitment within the coming weeks.
Some of the organizations in attendance included The Outdoors Club, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Club Field Hockey, Student Activities Board (SAB), Student Government Association (SGA), as well as Chapters of Greek Life. A variety of giveaways such as t-shirts, flash drives, cups, and school supplies were distributed by each of the clubs and organizations. Chapters of Greek Life displayed the letters of their chapter and played slideshows with photos of their events through out the year.
“Each organizations’ tables looked awesome. I could tell that everyone wanted to ensure the new students felt comfortable and welcome at their new home on campus,” mentioned Jessica Stern, a senior sociology major and sister of Alpha Sigma Tau.
Being involved on campus not only boosts students’ resumes, it also gives students an opportunity to meet new people with similar interests on campus. The Involvement Fair provides freshmen, commuter students, and upper classmen another outlet to meet more people and enhance their college experience beyond their assigned dorm rooms and classes.
“As a commuter, it’s difficult to learn about all the clubs and groups Monmouth has to offer outside of my major. The Involvement Fair was a great way to get a glimpse of everything that happens on campus when I am not there for class,” mentioned junior communication major, Colby Shea.
A challenge to the Involvement Fair this year was the inclement weather in the days leading up to the event. Rain occurring both Wednesday and Thursday before the fair caused the library lawn to be damp, which limited activities clubs and organizations had planned. However, this did not discourage on campus clubs and organizations from recruiting new members. By the time of the event, skies were cleared.
As an incentive to bring more traffic to the Involvement Fair, live music by Blue Hawk Records and food trucks were also at the event. Students were given vouchers for one free meal provided by Gourmet Dining and one free cupcake from Cupcakes 2 Go Go.
Megan McGowan, the Associate Director of Student Activities and Student Center Operations showed her support for each of the organizations on campus and lent a helping hand as the event progressed. “It was great to see not only how many clubs came out but [how many] students as well to show their support for our campus organizations and to take the first step to get involved on campus and make their experience something to remember,” McGowan said after the event concluded.
With the involvement fair coming to a close, clubs and organizations are being encouraged to attend the admissions office open house.
PHOTO COURTESY of Alpha Sigma Tau
