Olivia Beilein
Special to The Leader
For students returning to Fredonia after a much needed winter break the new semester can be a fresh start for many. Aside from new classes, there is the opportunity to look into new interests or discover people who share the same ones.
Activities night which happens in both the spring and fall semesters is a chance to do just that.
The semesterly gathering hosts over 170 of Fredonia’s recognized clubs and is open to not only students but also the Fredonia community. For new students or someone who has never been to activities the night before, the atmosphere can be intimidating.
Some could suggest that it is almost like a competition among the clubs to attract new members, and see who can stand out the most. Those clubs that stood out the most had a lot to do with not only the members present but also how they brand themselves.
As someone looking to join a club, many prospective students say what draws them in is how the club uses their creativity in their table presentation. This can be based on if they hand out candy, have balloons attached to the table, a colorful poster, or are giving away free items.
Aside from table decorations and free items, the enthusiasm of a group is also very important. If current club members are just standing there waiting for those who are bold and interested to approach them it is less likely they will have much success. Whereas having someone reach out to you as you walk by could be what pushes a prospective student to sign up and feel encouraged.
Some of the largest organizations on campus are Fredonia’s Greek life. Among these groups there are three sororities, three fraternities, and one co-ed fraternity. All of these greek groups attend activities night in hopes people will sign up for what they refer to as “rush” week, which is the following week after activities night. What is important to note is that signing up at activities night does not guarantee you a spot in the group but rather an opportunity to be accepted after going through their decision process.
To many who wish to join a club on campus having instant acceptance can be the deciding factor on whether or not they join.
Clubs such as the Philosophical Society encourage anyone who wants to “answer life’s biggest questions.” to join says eboard member Noah Teijeira. Teijeira who has been in the club now for two semesters also mentions how they have been revamping the club in hopes to find people who are willing to learn and better educate themselves on “hot topics”. Having opportunities like activities night is a chance for this newly rebooted club to get their shared interest of philosophy out their for those who may be interested as well.
Fredonia is popularly known for being a sought after music school, but for those who wish to keep their musical interest a hobby joining a music oriented club may be something perfect for them. The Percussion Guild on campus has been around since the early 90s and explores the different kinds of percussion instruments. Mclain Hinkler is a 2nd year percussion major who encourages anyone to join. Having a wide variety of students in the club who share a love for music through percussion is the main goal exclaims Hinkler. They hold master classes and clinics quite often on campus for anyone interested.
Besides social clubs there are also many academic clubs that can be helpful as students go onto their future careers after graduating from Fredonia. Attracting people with dum dum suckers the Public Relations Student Society of America also known as PRSSA is a great opportunity for Public relations majors to gain reputable experience. It is also encouraged for anyone else in any major to join because in almost any career someone does, there is some form of Public Relations says sophomore member Melena DeBoe. Katie Lenda who is the PR chair for PRSSA’s eboard works hard to promote the club, and runs all their social media accounts. Lenda also throughout the week leading up to activities night went to a few communication classes to encourage new members and answer any questions prior to the first general body meeting.
Having over 170 recognized clubs on the Fredonia campus there is almost always something suited for anyone’s interests. Activities night may only happen once a semester but it is also important for anyone interested in a club to know that they can join also anytime throughout the year. Clubs are a great opportunity to expand one’s knowledge, interests, and friend groups on campus.