The beginning of the school year has finally arrived! It’s time to be faced with a million of opportunities to join one (or more!) of the many organizations offered at Clemson University. On Tuesday, August 21st, 2012 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the Tiger Prowl Organizations Fair will be taking place on Bowman field. After you’ve moved into your dorm and said your goodbyes to your family members, it’s time to see what this campus has to offer! This area will be covered with an overwhelming number of tables where each organization will try to convince you why you should join their organization. Looking to meet new people? Participate in community service? Develop your leadership skills? Get involved in a sport team? With more than 400 student organizations representing a wide range of interests, you’ll be sure to find an organization that will best enhance your college experience. For freshmen and transfer students, this may seem intimidating, but don’t stress – I’m here to help!
If you have no clue what type of organization you’re interested in now, that’s totally normal and fine! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with looking at all of your options and even joining a few different groups, then deciding which fit your schedule and interests. The organizations available at Clemson University can be divided into four general categories, all located in different locations on Bowman Field. Each subsection can be identified by a balloon tower. Check as many organizations out as possible! Just remember, there’s no right or wrong choice, it’s all up to you!
1. Advocacy, Religious, or Service (Orange Balloons)
Service: Whether you are looking to participate in community service projects weekly, monthly, or once a semester, various organizations exist that offer those opportunities. Alpha Phi Omega provides an entire semester-long calendar of service projects with local organizations whißrle uniting students with similar interests.
Advocacy: Similar to service organizations, advocacy organizations provide assistance to a particular cause through hands-on activities and/or spreading the message – both of which are effective! The Institute for Healthcare Improvement Open School Chapter is a great resource for any student interested in new developments in the area of healthcare. This is an out of the classroom opportunity to expand your education on the topic as well as your research and networking opportunities on campus and throughout the community. All majors are encouraged to participate!
Religious: Students all over campus differ in religious views, which is reflected by the spectrum of religion-based organizations. Each organization offers an open minded experience and a sense of community.
*Here you will also find a volunteer fair for individual local organizations that are looking to recruit volunteers!
2. Cultural and Professional Organizations (Purple Balloons)
Cultural: International students are not the only ones able to benefit from membershijp in a cultural organization. If you are thinking about studying abroad during your time at Clemson University, the Study Abroad Ambassadors are a great resource to utilize when choosing a program and place of study! If you have already gone abroad, this is your opportunity to encourage other students to have the chance to engage in the same experience you were once offered.
Professional: Organizations are not only able to provide a student an activity for their spare time outside of the classroom, they also can enhance a student’s resume professionally. These organizations allow for leadership development and provide many opportunities for students that enhance their college experience and real world preparedness. Phi Beta Lambda is a co-ed fraternity in association with the Future Business Leaders of America. Each week students meet for professional development activities, speakers, as well as an opportunity to compete locally, regionally, and nationally in business-based competition.
3. Recreational and Sports Organizations (Green Balloons)
Recreational Sports: Based on your desired level of time commitment in addition to your skill level and degree of interest, you will decide whether you’d like to play on a club team or participate recreationally. The available athletic organizations include commonly offered sports such as… in addition to more abstract sports such as… Intramural games are offered each semester allowing students to keep active with a small time commitment of approximately an hour a week.
Club Sports: Want a more rigorous practice and competition schedule? Join the club team! All teams operate differently – some hold tryouts, others allow everyone to practice while team members are selected to compete, and some teams even encourage beginner involvement! Visiting their table at the organizations fair will help answer the question of which type of organization this club sports team maintains.
4. Meet the Greeks (Red Balloons)
All social sororities and fraternities will be on Bowman Field to answer any questions you may have. This will give you an opportunity to become acquainted for the greek organizations we have to offer at Clemson University! For, more information on becoming involved in greek life, check out their website!