From soap-carving to promoting diversity, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers more than 450 student organizations for students to join.
There are many benefits to joining a student organization, according to the Student Organizations office.
"They provide students with the opportunity to meet new people, explore personal interests, network and make connections with the university community," said Kirk Fellhoelter, a graduate student of community and regional planning, in an email interview.
Studies have shown that students who are involved on campus are more likely to be satisfied with their collegiate experience and more likely to graduate from college, he said.
To become a Recognized Student Organization, a club needs at least five students and a faculty/staff adviser, Fellhoelter said. The organization also must submit an approved constitution to the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska.
"The organizations at UNL are varied, and this variety reflects the diversity of UNL's student body," he said.
The university offers several types of clubs that promote diversity for both international students and traditionally underrepresented populations of the student body, Fellhoelter said.
Other RSOs allow students to explore their area of study.
"These groups give their members the opportunity to network with established professionals while learning more about their field," Fellhoelter said. "A student's membership in an organization and the connections he or she makes can give the student an advantage when looking for jobs and internships."
For some students, these organizations give them a chance to meet others with similar hobbies.
"College is about learning, but students also need time to explore their interests outside of the classroom," he said. "By doing this, students can create a healthy balance in their collegiate experience."
This past year, ASUN has started holding a Student Organization Representative Council once a semester. Former ASUN President Justin Solomon started the council to get student organizations together and talk about issues on which they could collaborate, as well as create dialogue between RSOs and ASUN.
Current ASUN President Lane Carr, a senior political science and history major, encouraged incoming students to join a student organization.
"I would definitely say, just get involved," he said. "It definitely doesn't have to be ASUN. It's critical for students to find something they are passionate about."
Students can learn more about specific student organizations at the Welcome Festival on Aug. 21 and the RSO Fair on Sept. 27. They can also stop by the Student Organizations office, which will be open during New Student Enrollment and during the school year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Fellhoelter said.
kimbuckley@dailynebraskan.com
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