College life brings excitement and challenges, especially for students experiencing independence for the first time. While keeping up with academics is crucial, it’s equally important not to overlook extracurricular activities that enrich the college experience.
The Office of Student Life’s Senior Program Specialist, Danny Torres oversees the club charter application process, which is required for starting or renewing a student club. Any club-related activities at COD begin with the Office of Student Life.
For students looking to start a new club, Torres offers several helpful tips. He recommends first engaging with classmates on campus or in class. Asking professors for a few minutes to share club information during class is another effective way to reach potential members. Torres encourages students to design a flyer, which the Office of Student Life can help distribute. He also suggests using social media to spread the word and attract more interest.
“Some clubs serve as an opportunity to be active, either on or off campus,” said Torres. “There are clubs that actively organize events and activities, like going on hikes or participating in off-campus outings—things that students might not always have the chance to do once they start college.” Many students come from out of state or are attending college for the first time, and they may not have friends or family who are also continuing their education. Torres explained how clubs help create community and friendship for these students.
Many clubs relate to a specific focus of study and interests of the students, like the Mesa Club, which is directly related to the Mesa program. Many STEM majors who study science, math, and engineering join. Clubs like these serve as resources to students and not just are a fun club to be a part of, but also help them out educationally in those careers,” Torres said.
This year, there are many new and returning clubs on campus. Some include the Chemistry Club, Biology Club, and Future Educators Club. There’s also a Rotaract Club that focuses on volunteer work. If students are in the Edge Pledge program, Torres said that it is a good club to join because it’ll help them reach some of their required volunteer hours.
There is the International Club, a very popular and active club on campus, the Social Justice Club, and the SAGA club. SAGA stands for Sexuality and Gender Adversary Club. We’ve also received applications for some new clubs, but they haven’t been approved yet, like the Video Game Club, a Paranormal Activity Club, and a Dance Club. Torres believes this is going to be a fulfilling and active school year.
“I think there is a high interest of students this year wanting to be involved and engage in events on campus, said Torres.. Once those clubs are fully approved, students can find a list of student clubs and organizations on the web page go. The page will be updated once every club is approved.
For more information visit the the Office of Student Life or contact Danny Torres at [email protected].
