Student Government hosted the semesterly Student Organization Fair outside the Nebraskan Student Union, where students visited organizations’ tables to meet leaders and explore opportunities.
The event aimed to connect students with various groups on campus to enhance their involvement and experience.
“Our goal is to reach out to freshmen and new students on campus to show them everything UNK offers and help them find their place here,” said Emma Nolan, student government’s chief of staff. “The event truly highlights how we are a tight-knit community.”
The fair occurs every semester, with the fall fair held outdoors and the spring fair inside NSU. This fall, the fair happened outside the NSU, relocating from the usual campus greens by the fountain due to a recent pipe burst.
Despite the change, the new location attracted heavy foot traffic, with many students exploring opportunities at various tables.
To participate in the event, organizations must be recognized student organizations by the University. Each group is responsible for registering for the event, ensuring representatives are present at their table and decorating their section to effectively showcase their organization’s activities and contributions to the community. This allows each organization to highlight its unique role and engage with students. To do this, tables featured prizes, activities, music and free merchandise to draw in those looking to get involved.
“We used candy to attract interest and wore our club shirts,” said Clare Coniglio, Sport and Recreation Club president. “We set up photos and fun pop-up activities, allowing people to walk by and check things out.”
Approximately 50 organizations participated in the event, continuing the strong turnout for fall and spring organization fairs in recent years.
Students tabling at the event highlighted how involvement on campus has contributed to their personal growth and skill development. They emphasized the value of these experiences in enhancing their resumes and making a positive impression on future employers.
“Especially in the field of recreation and sport, success depends on both who you know and what you know,” Coniglio said. “If I hadn’t joined SPREC, I wouldn’t have secured my internship or met my best friend. Making connections is key to advancing in your career.”
Tables encourage joining campus organizations to open doors to valuable connections and career opportunities.
“Joining an organization on campus opens doors to networking and meeting people across UNK, which provides opportunities to build both your resume and personal experiences, all while preparing you for your future career,” said Olivia Lawless, president of Future Business Leaders of America.
Students responded to the advice by signing up for email information lists at the tables.
“I’m getting involved in more clubs to reach out and meet new people,” said Skylar Moe, junior exercise science major. “I think it’ll help me expand beyond my current friend group and get more involved overall.”
Leaders of student organizations recognize the importance of these events for growing their organizations. They encourage students to contact organizations they are interested in and see what can benefit them.
“As student leaders, the most important thing we can do is communicate what will truly benefit all students,” Lawless said. “We need to create niche value that contributes to their specific needs and goals, shaping our organization to serve and support everyone.”
