|
The importance of being a club
Editor's Note: This is the first
in an occasional series about USU clubs. Up next: Longboarders.
JOIN, PLEASSSSE:
A boa slithers around the shoulders of a USU student
interested in forming a club of animal lovers. /
Photo by Heather Routh
By Sam Broadbent
September 6, 2007 | "One is the loneliest number that
you will ever do," said Danny Hutton, lead singer of
Three Dog Night.
To prevent students from being "one," Utah
State University provides clubs.
"We are all looking for fun with people with our same
interests," said Sonny Bryant, vice president of Campus
Diversity and Organizations. "Clubs make that possible."
In addition to just having fun, Bryant emphasized
that clubs at USU are a key factor in student involvement.
Clubs help increase student retention.
"It's an easy way to get involved and it forces you
to talk to people," said USU student Mitch Onkes, giving
his reason for joining clubs.
According to the USU Student Organization Manual,
providied by the Council of Student Clubs and Organizations,
"Participation is the key to success. Going to
college is more than attending classes, reading books
and taking tests. Learning should be a part of every
aspect of your college experience."
Of his own experience with clubs, Bryant said, "They
helped make the university my university."
At the end of last year USU had 215 clubs, the largest
club being The Hurd with 730 members. Athletic Vice
President Megan Darrington said the club was started
to better support USU athletics. Currently, The Hurd
has 930 members.
"It's a club for everyone," continued Darrington."It's
a good way to get the student body united in Aggie pride.
In the future I want to see most of the student body
in The Hurd."
Bryant said he would like students to use these clubs
as an opportunity to experience being in leadership
positions. "Leadership in a club motivated me to do
better in school," said Bryant.
The USU Student Organization Manual also states, "Utah
State University recognizes that student organizations
not only enhance campus life but also provide an opportunity
for students to fulfill a variety of interests and leadership
skills."
Bryant said any student could form a club if a few
requirements are met: The club must have at least six
members who attend all Council of Student Clubs and
Organizations meetings. The club must have a constitution,
a mission statement, and allow any student to join.
To start a club, contact Sonny Bryant in the ASUSU
offices on the third floor of the Taggart Student Center
or go to http://www.usu.edu/asusu/clubs/
and click the link beneath Create Your Own Club.
"If you are not sure how to start a club come see me
an I will walk you through the whole process," said
Bryant.
Bryant wants the clubs from last year to know they
must re-registar for the new school year.
JJ
JJ
|
