One of the ways in which Gustavus tries to get students to become involved around campus is through the Involvement Fair, a campus wide event where all campus and student organizations are given a chance to table, or advocate for their group. One of the ways in which Gustavus tries to get students to become involved around campus is through the Involvement Fair, a campus wide event where all campus and student organizations are given a chance to table, or advocate for their group.
Campus leaders eagerly lined the Eckman Mall at 4 p.m. on September 13, ready to talk to Gusties about opportunities on campus.
Many organizations were present, among them were numerous sororities and fraternities, Christian Orgs, the Campus Activities Board, Learn to Live, Rock Climbing Club, Arb Scouts, The Root, and many more.
“The best thing about the Involvement Fair is seeing all the Gusties come and want to get involved,” Mar Jasicki, Proclaim leader, said.
While the involvement fair takes place twice a year, the fall semester’s is the most popular due to numerous opportunities for new and returning students, which can be especially important for First-years in particular.
While student organizations often promote their activities and events through posters and other media around campus, the Involvement Fair is the main way many groups recruit new members.
Some groups across campus used different strategies to gain attention for their booth. Rachel Lund, Secretary of the Gustavus Martial Arts Club shared that their use of a video, posters, and a guessing game for students to play when they stopped by the booth, encouraging student engagement.
The Gustavus Martial Arts Club will be working to promote their organization year-round with new opportunities for members.
“In addition to weekly Karate, Kung Fu, and Soo Bahk Do classes, we will be changing the way our joint classes run. After a warm-up we will split off into groups so club members can explore different martial arts that they may be interested in. We will also be offering a weekly, half-hour strength and conditioning class,” Lund said.
“The best thing about the Involvement Fair is seeing all the Gusties come and want to get involved.” “The best thing about the Involvement Fair is seeing all the Gusties come and want to get involved.” – Mar Jasicki
While some organizations used visual promotion at the involvement fair, other groups used intentional conversation to reach out to new students.
Kristen Matthews, President and Co-coordinator of Gustavus Youth Outreach, the longest standing Gustavus Christian organization, shared how leaders planned to share their organization with new students.
“We plan on recruiting members by telling them about our organization and being intentional in conversation,” Matthews said.
Gustavus Youth Outreach will also be hosting a new member retreat in October for any students who are interested in joining the organization.
Though groups used a wide variety of strategies, from offering free goodies or gear, to using free food or candy to entice students to stop by, the end goal for many was the the same; to recruit students to be part of an organization that aims to help them grow personally, impact Gustavus’ campus, or the St. Peter community as a whole.
Students from all backgrounds took part in the event for many reasons; to receive free prizes, learn about activities around campus, talk to new people, and more.
However, the most common goal of students who came to the Involvement Fair was as the name entails; campus involvement. Students left the fair with information on various clubs, and a buzz of excitement for what those may bring in the future.