Staff Writer- Amelia Dewberry
The start of a new semester brings more opportunities for Gusties to get involved on campus. The Spring Involvement Fair will be held on Tuesday, January 20th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage, St. Peter, and 3 Crowns rooms of Campus Center.
Like the Fall Involvement Fair, the event will feature over 80 student organizations and clubs actively recruiting new members. In addition, other Gustavus departments and offices, as well as St. Peter businesses and organizations, will be promoting more opportunities for students. The fair is the largest, easiest way for students to learn about all the ways they can engage in the Gustavus and St. Peter communities.
At each organization’s table, students can learn more about what each group does, how to get involved, and sign up to receive more information. The involvement fair is noncommittal and instead allows students to engage with club representatives, ask questions, and explore different activities.
“Being involved on campus enhances student engagement by providing hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to develop leadership and real world skill sets,” Student Engagement Coordinator Kadyn Triebenbach said.
“It is a great opportunity for students to meet people of similar interests and build a strong sense of community through intellectual, multicultural, social, and recreational programs.”
The Involvement Fair is held again in the spring “to give students multiple opportunities throughout the year to find connections and build community in the Gustavus campus community,” Triebenbach explained.
For many First-year students who have settled into the groove of college life, the new semester is a renewed chance to further engage in campus life by joining new organizations. Upperclassmen will also find the event a valuable opportunity to broaden their social circles and explore new interests. “Joining an activity or a club is a great way to switch things up for the new semester. It’s so rewarding to try a new thing and meet new people,” Junior Chloe Knuteson, a Habitat for Humanity leader, expressed.
Additionally, some clubs’ events, commitment level, and membership opportunities may have changed since the Fall Involvement Fair. “There are clubs that have different meeting times this semester . . . you might have a different schedule and more free time, and it’s definitely worth trying a new thing,” Junior Laura Sunnarborg said. The Spring Involvement Fair is an excellent time to find updated information from each organization.
Sunnarborg is an executive board member of the Student Senate, Gustavus Empowered Leaders, and Political Science Club. “When you go up to a table of something you’re potentially interested in, don’t be afraid to ask questions of the people there that they might not know the answers to,” she advised. “Ask them to give you the pitch… and then if you have more questions past that, go ahead and ask. I invite you and challenge you to ask a question past the initial pitch.”
Knuteson echoed this, saying, “Everyone at the involvement fair wants to talk to new people and is there to help you. It would make their day to answer any questions you have and get the chance to promote their club!”
Sunnarborg emphasizes to students that it is not too late to get involved. “It’s a great opportunity to find out about what other clubs on campus are doing.” Student organizations always welcome new members to try out attending one meeting or simply get added to the email alias.
The Spring Involvement Fair is designed for curiosity and exploration of new opportunities, not pressured commitment. All are invited and encouraged to attend on Tuesday, January 20th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Banquet Rooms.