By EMMA BROSSMAN
Students walking into the Worner Campus Center on Sept. 3 and 4 were greeted by a crowd of campus organization leaders — the atmosphere humming with their excitement. The annual Colorado College Activities Fair, put on by Student Life, is one of the biggest events on the CC campus. Spread over two days, it highlights student involvement in campus clubs and groups. These organizations look to create spaces where students can build skills, pursue extracurricular academic interests, and give back to the community.
The appeal of student organizations is not limited to first years in the beginning of their college career: members of all four classes have the freedom to join at any time. For instance, Mia Altenau ’21 tabled for a political club of which she only became a member last week. “I probably spoke with 20 to 30 people that one night alone,” she said.
“It was interesting,because some people came right up and wanted to join, but others had questions like, ‘What do you guys do? How much commitment is involved?’” Altenau said. “A couple people asked us how to find the club for the polar opposite affiliation on campus, and some folks told us they thought of themselves as not really political.”
This year, both old and new clubs campaigned side by side. Many clubs, such as Freeriders Union of Colorado College, BreakOut, Investment Club, and more, have long histories with the school. However, many younger clubs have been able to coalesce in the past few years, such as Poker Club. There is room for new ideas to grow on campus and many ways to follow unique passions and interests. The activities fair is just one of the ways to view them in full force.
The CC website provides a list of all active student organizations, as well as the contact information required to get in touch with organization leaders. Colorado College states its desire to “work with student organizations for the vast majority of the programming” held throughout the academic year. The school helps to sponsor “late night programming, concerts, special events, cultural and social events, community service and civic engagement opportunities, lectures, and conferences,” providing resources for a range of student interests.
If students conceptualize a club that doesn’t exist yet, there are specific steps to take toward creating a new organization. Reading the student organization handbook is a great way to start, as well as reaching out to The Colorado College Student Government Association in order to get the process under way.
Throughout the coming year, the impact these clubs will have on the community through service hours, events, performances, and competitions will become apparent to everyone.