To new students, walking on a campus overflowing with new people and places can be extremely overwhelming. Students might feel a sense of isolation within a new school; however, one of the best ways to become immersed in the culture of Ohio University is through involvement.
Getting involved in campus clubs, especially as an incoming student, gives students a platform to meet new people and find new interests. The Center of Student Engagement and Leadership, located on campus, is one of the many resources that helps students find ways to get involved.
Katelyn Moscouver, assistant director of student leadership, shared CSEL’s mission.
“The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership empowers students to find where they belong at OHIO through campus-wide programming,” Moscouver said. “... by connecting with student organizations through BobcatConnect or an Involvement Fair, and by offering accessible leadership development programming led by professional staff and peers.”
CSEL connects students to campus life in and outside of the classroom through supporting student-led organizations and leadership opportunities.
Many campus-wide events are offered throughout the year for those looking to be involved. One of the biggest and most accessible events is the College Involvement Fair located on College Green the Sunday before fall classes begin; this year’s fair is August 23. For those looking to explore before getting on campus, students can log onto Bobcat Connect to see all the active student organizations on campus.
Getting involved on campus not only allows students to explore social opportunities, it also helps academically and professionally.
“Students who get involved are more likely to graduate, have access to more leadership roles and opportunities,” Moscouver said. “Students can engage more deeply with their areas of interest whether these are related to their academic pursuits or not.”
Additionally, Moscouver also shares that one of the best ways to get involved is to just reach out and try new things. The Involvement Calculator 10 Question Quiz is a start to finding clubs that pique students’ interests.
Involvement looks different for every student, and many campus resources are available to help students find where they belong.
Tuti Perdomo, assistant director for programming at CSEL, highlights the importance of students getting involved on campus.
“I think the more connected a student is, the more successful they'll be at Ohio,” Perdomo said. “If they can build friendships and strengthen their connections to people, they strengthen their connection to campus. They can find people who enjoy the same kinds of things that they like to do, so it's basically just a way for them to feel more supported, engaged in their campus life.”
Perdomo emphasizes how student involvement goes beyond joining organizations: it helps students meet new people and create meaningful relationships connected through campus. By taking the step to research or attend a club meeting, students can find a world of people who share the same interests.
“We host two different kinds of events,” Perdomo said. “Just giving different ways that they can engage … Throughout the year, we try to vary all the things we offer, don’t be nervous to attend.”
CSEL offers events year-round, and information is mainly posted in Baker University Center. Student involvement continues to be an important part of campus life, and finding a group to connect with enriches the college life through meeting people of similar interests.
