Getting involved on your college campus – how and why? 

Attending college is a brave, but challenging leap of faith for many students. Once you have your class schedule, textbooks, housing and food situations sorted out, you may think you have everything covered. Homework and studying will take up a good chunk of your time, sure. But how do you have all of the fun people say you will when you go to college? 

When you applied to the school of your choice, the social life and on campus culture were certainly part of your decision. You see tons of pictures and videos of events and club meetings that look like fun, but how can you be part of it all? Here, I’ll cover why you should, and how you can get involved in your campus community.

Why should I get involved on campus? I’m busy enough with school as is! 

 Don’t get me wrong – college is no walk in the park when it comes to time commitment to your studies, but without exploring all there is to do at your college, you may find yourself missing out. Here are a few reasons you should get involved : 

1. 1. 1. Make new friends: Perhaps the simplest reason to get involved on campus is to meet like-minded people! Joining a student organization can help connect you with (future!) lifelong friends. 
      2. Discover new and old passions: If you enjoyed extracurriculars in high school or in your community, college campuses are hubs for exploring hobbies like athletics, music, art and more. At UW-Green Bay, it is also super easy to start your own organization if you don’t find what you’re looking for in the more than 100 other student orgs. 
      3. Network and build your resume: When you go to college, you go to make a better life for yourself. For most, that means building a career with your degree as a springboard to set you ahead of the rest. But you don’t have to wait until graduation to get started on building out your resume and career experience. Joining clubs that are major or career affiliated can help you connect with others in your field, from peers to local professionals. Many academic and career centered organizations can help you network for future internships and jobs, and help you prepare to be career ready, while looking impressive on your resume.
      4. Make an impact: Universities require a lot of work from a lot of people to remain open and operable. By participating in groups that work to make campus better, you can add to this force! Groups like student government, composting organizations, or volunteer groups enhance your resume and can help you make an impact in your local community and campus. Many national and international organizations have branch groups that operate on college campuses, like the Pinky Swear PACK at UW-Green Bay, which is a smaller chapter of the national organization, the Pinky Swear Foundation. (I have attended several meetings – I love this org!) 
      5. Self-care: We have all heard the old proverb, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” College is a huge undertaking, and while there are certainly resources to help you on your journey, it’s important to take time for yourself as well. Joining or participating with organizations not only offer you some well-deserved fun and de-stressing but also gives you something to look forward to! Relax and chat with others at crochet club, attend an event with an interesting and entertaining guest speaker, or go to a club organized outing. Adding some fun in your schedule is a great way to take care of yourself and refresh your mind so you can excel in your courses.  

Ok, so you’re convinced on why you should join a group on campus to get more involved. What’s left is the ‘how.’ Once you decide on joining a student organization, all that’s left to do is pick what interests you (this was the toughest part for me with so many options!) and get started! 

 I’m ready to join a student org – how do I do it? 

1. 1. 1.  Recruitment/interest fair events: One of the best ways to see all of your options and get your foot in the door with an organization is to attend a recruitment event. At UW-Green Bay we have OrgSmorg. Once a semester, student orgs set up booths to show what their organization is all about! The leaders of the org will typically give you a short elevator pitch of why the org is fun, what they do and why you should join it, and offer contact information forms so you can get involved. Many interest fair events work similarly, and they are a great way to meet people and see what groups resonate with you! OrgSmorg is one of my favorite events to attend each semester, and the excited energy is infectious!
      2. Reach out directly: Recruitment events are great, but what if you can’t make it? Or what if you decide later in the semester that you’re interested in an org? The best way to find out more about joining an org is to reach out directly! Your college likely has a directory with org contact information, or the organization itself might have a social media presence. Organization leaders will be more than happy that you’re taking interest and can answer any questions you may have. Many orgs will take new members at any time, or you can prepare yourself to join next semester.
      3. Attend events: Some organizations, like Good Times Programming (GTP) at UW-Green Bay often host events open to the entire university community and do this with the collaboration of a university department. These groups are usually full of outgoing people who would love to tell you more about the group they participate in. Next time you see a poster for an event hosted by the group, attend! Ask group members for more details about the group, and how you can get involved.  

Put your best foot forward for your future and get involved at UW-Green Bay today! 

Maddie is a third-year student studying marketing and graphic design. She grew up in Green Bay and has been working in her role as Social Media Assistant for the Marketing and University Communications office since fall of 2023. After graduation, Maddie hopes to pursue a career in digital marketing to make a positive impact in her community.