College of the Desert clubs gathered for Spring Club Rush at the Indio and Palm Desert campuses Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.
The event gives students a chance each semester to explore clubs and meet members in person. Over two days, clubs promote themselves, highlight upcoming events and recruit new members, while students connect with groups spanning academic, social and other interests.
This semester, some of the participating clubs included Alas Con Futuro, which provides moral, financial, and educational support to all College of the Desert students and the undocumented community; the Asian Culture Club, which promotes, explores, and celebrates the diverse cultures of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities; and MESA (Math, Engineering, Science and Architecture), which supports COD students studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The events featured games, food and 12 additional clubs for students to explore.
Houston Mathews, an environmental engineering major, is co-president of the Chemistry Club. He encourages students to join the club and attend events, regardless of their chemistry background.
Mathews says the club is different because it includes hands-on activities such as making ice cream or slime while discussing the chemistry behind them. “You’re not just sitting there and listening to people ramble or watching someone do something,” he says.
The club’s mission is to provide opportunities for students and foster curiosity about chemistry through career development, peer support and activities. Students can find more information on the club’s Instagram account, @codchemclub.
Jedzy Gutierrez, an architecture major, is a member of CODAC Club, which stands for College of the Desert Architecture Club. Gutierrez initially joined looking for an engaging way to learn about architecture.
The club offers students interested in architecture, design or drafting opportunities to attend field trips and visit architectural sites while connecting with others. Gutierrez encourages students to join CODAC to gain a new perspective on the infrastructure around them.
Gutierrez said, “They should join it just to see exactly how important buildings are around us and actually how significant they are in the design process as well.”
By incorporating model building, floor plans, and design, the club allows students to apply their creativity to projects. To support the CODAC club, students, faculty, and staff can purchase from the club’s snack shack, “The Hotspot” by Applied Sciences.
American Civics is among the many clubs at College of the Desert and focuses on educating others about politics in the United States and around the world. Michelangelo Dziona, a political science major, started the club to become more involved in political news. The club attends political events, such as state Supreme Court cases, and holds discussions about policies and current events. Its mission is to host and encourage political conversations from diverse perspectives. For more information, students can visit @americancivics_cod on Instagram.
Spring Club Rush featured tables from clubs with a variety of interests. Whether it’s hands-on learning, educational field trips,or group discussions, joining a club can help students achieve career or personal goals.
To learn more about the active clubs at COD, visit www.collegeofthedesert.com.
