Klimenty Ponyatovsky and Clinton Reynolds/Contributing Writers
On Sept. 12 at the Wolfe Center ballroom, every major club gathered together for members to mingle and discuss their individual activities in their representative organizations. The 1950s theme presented classic swing music and festive décor that made you feel like you were in the latter part of “Back to the Future.” Many circles were formed consisting of the Student Organization Council, the Student Government Association, the Theater and Film Club, the International Japan Association, and many other clubs. Inside the ballroom, it was the get-together of the ages. Looking from a larger perspective however, it seemed like an isolated part of the campus, untouched by those who have yet to learn anything about clubs.
For as long as Biscayne Bay Campus existed, it was always the underdog of the two campuses in its extracurricular activities, and according to recent studies, it may be because of student disinterest. Out of about 50 students surveyed, over half did not have any involvement in any form of club activity and had no clue on how to start one, despite its surprisingly easy process. Some students have even reported that they would like to make clubs that already exist. Many of the students are unaware of the many experiences and benefits that being in a club would provide them.
Student clubs are far more beneficial on a college level than on a high school level. They give students opportunities to work within their majors in addition to their personal interests, as well as providing an excellent networking experience. Extracurricular clubs not only benefit the students, but also their learning environment, as the clubs also have an effect on BBC itself.
As Tariq Darwish, president of the theater and film club put it, “Most people refer to this campus as the ‘chill campus’ or the ‘free food campus,’ but in reality, it’s a lot more hands-on than Modesto. Here, thanks to its smaller size, there is more of a chance to build longer lasting relationships and stronger friendships, which can be forged with more clubs to join, which is why clubs are even more beneficial here than there.”
The recent degradation of club popularity might also be from underwhelming marketing. “It depends on how you promote the club. One of the biggest problems is that they don’t do their research. Now that you’re in FIU, you have to do research and see how to make yourself a club. Some of them are under-marketed, so it’s more difficult to find out about them,” said Richard Azimov, peer career coach.
In an attempt to drum up student interest in clubs for this fall, the Student Organization council has not only launched the usual fall semester club fair, but also a club mixer. “We’re always having different events to start and join clubs,” said Micheal Aquino, president of the SOC. “Today we’re having our mixer, 1950s style, to mix and mingle clubs and collaborate with each other and with different councils and departments as well.”
One of the prime reasons for the SOC’s existence is to facilitate the ease of student run clubs and organizations. The process of forming a club is relatively simple; all a student would need is a constitution, five founding members, a staff/faculty advisor and an Orgsync account for the club. Once this is completed, a club application form becomes available at the SOC office for the newly founded club. This club will then join the host of others here at BBC and help to enrich the University.
Additionally, clubs can also benefit students academically. Joining or creating a club can absolutely help with one’s major. Students are able to find out more information, meet fascinating and professional people and host amazing events regarding their major. In essence, put into practice what they learned in the classroom,” said Aquino.
When asked in what other ways clubs at BBC can help students, Aquino added, “Besides the learning experience, the SOC has an amazing internship opportunity in which students get to learn how to manage a council and shadow a member of the SOC Executive Board. Students are also able to create lifelong friendships and relationships with people who have the same interests as them. Students are able to enhance their leadership abilities by becoming part of an e-board and have an amazing time with their members, whether it’s in academics, religious, cultural, or social organizations.”
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