Dozens of students crowded around various tables and booths outside the Nebraskan Student Union at the start of the semester. With over 20 organizations present for the Student Organization Fair on the main walkways, students had many options to connect.
UNK’s Sports and Recreation was posted outside for the entirety of the event, ready to not only add members to their organization but also help students feel welcome.
“Events like these are a great way for new students to get a foot in the door on campus,” said Alex Lee, Sports and Recreation Club president. “We hope this helps them realize they have a place to go and people to hang out with.”
UNK Sports and Recreation sees a lot of success from events like this. Lee, now a senior, spoke of a record-breaking experience after participating in a Student Organization Fair such as this in his previous years of undergraduate.
“During my freshman year, we decided to table in an event like this,” Lee said. “We registered nearly 30 students who all ended up showing up for the first meeting. It’s cool to know these types of things work, and we’re hoping for another record-breaking year since our numbers have been on the decline lately.”
Sports and Recreation wasn’t the only organization in attendance, though. Groups like Women are Problematic, Criminal Justice Club and Alpha Omicron Pi were also on the search for new members.
Alpha Omicron Pi has tabled at this event for years. Samantha Heeren, the director of continuous recruitment with Alpha Omicron Pi, said she loves the family feel of the UNK campus with the various groups she’s involved in. She was looking to showcase how her organization and others contribute to that feeling.
“This is a close-knit campus,” Heeren said.“This event allows us to showcase ways to join UNK communities to feel like you’re at a home away from home.”
Each table was unique, with displays representing their organizations. Many featured posters, candy and QR codes to make registration an easy process.
Not only are students getting the opportunity to make friends and memories through these organizations, but they also get help with future careers. Lee has used his role to get a foot in the door in the sports world after he graduates.
“It’s a great feeling knowing that I used this organization for fun and creating friendships, but it also worked for me with a future after I graduate,” Lee said.
With this diverse group of organizations all in one place, students have the option to choose what interests them and how they can get involved. Students are free to join as many organizations as they’d like.
Heeren said she appreciates the ability to talk with other organizations and potentially join ones she may be interested in.
“It’s cool to see the other organizations that show up to these events, and I get to see how many of my friends I’ve made through AO Pi that are also involved in so many other things,” Heeren said.
Although the event has passed, students can still sign up for campus organizations throughout the school year to get involved. Student Government will host another Student Organization Fair at the beginning of February for those who missed the fall fair and want to browse the over 150 organizations on campus.
Photos by Maryann Kassner / Antelope Staff
