Activities office encourages students to become involved on campus

“Are you shy? Are you a transfer or commuter student? A veteran? Interested in volunteerism, mentoring or club sports?”

These are some of the questions posed to students in “The Ultimate Guide,” a magazine-like publication for students new to the Storrs campus. The piece was developed by the Department of Student Activities.

“We wanted a piece that would cover more than just clubs and organizations,” says Christine Wilson, director of student activities, “something that would inspire students to become involved in campus activities.

“We’ve found that for many students, it takes some bravery to join in and start taking part in campus life,” Wilson adds.

“A small percentage of students will jump right in, but most students need more than that. They’re too shy to even ask another student to go someplace with them. They need a little push.”

The booklet includes information boxes with headings such as, “Are you an artsy type?” “Are you in recovery?” “Are you an international student?” The accompanying text offers information about how to become involved.

“Imagine trying to jump right into campus activities as a freshman and you’ve just gotten back from Iraq,” Wilson says. “We let those students know they can meet similar people in the Veterans’ Student Organization.”

Lee Williams, dean of students says, “A quality student life experience on any campus is built on the back of a successful student activities program. But it has to be one that reaches into all corners of campus and brings students out of their rooms and their books and into the commons of the campus. There are many different paths to that commons, and this magazine provides multiple maps.”

There are some 400 student organizations on campus, ranging from a cappella groups and sport clubs to economics and linguistics clubs.

Wilson says many students who become involved on campus were apprehensive at first.

“They say a friend or roommate dragged them someplace, or their CA talked them into going somewhere,” Wilson says. “We address their apprehension in the book.”

One way that was handled was to profile six students who are involved in different campus activities, and talk specifically about how they got there.

“We wanted new students to hear it from real people,” Wilson says.

The guide also includes information on fraternity and sorority life, cultural centers, major events, fun places on campus, and religious organizations.