“You Belong Here”: Get Involved on Campus!

SHEPHERDSTOWN— Whether you are a new or returning student, Shepherd is hosting an event to help you find your place on campus. The Student Involvement Fair will be held on Sept. 8 at the West Campus Potomac Place Parking, or E-Lot. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., students are invited to meet representatives from various clubs and organizations.

Walking up to an organization is not a commitment to joining. Rather this event is meant to familiarize students with the options available to them. Every organization will have further information on how to join if students are interested.

As organizations come out of the strict COVID protocol of the last few semesters, they are looking to let students know about their events and opportunities. Rachel Meads, who works with student activities, says that the organizations “want to share information” with the students to help them explore everything that Shepherd has to offer. Not only are the organizations ready to share, Meads believes that the students are “hungry” for the interaction and belonging that comes from these opportunities.

The COVID protocol has limited several important aspects of the college experience. While the most obvious involves the classroom, Meads explains that the opportunities presented through the Involvement Fair encompass the second half of the college experience.

Clubs and organizations can give students a chance to expand beyond academics. Meads said that this event can help students who are “struggling, homesick, or looking for something outside the classroom.” A slight interest could expand into a career opportunity through the networking some of these organizations can provide.

Shepherd has already seen a resurgence in campus life since the start of the semester. The events during Welcome Week, such as the Shepherd Paint Night, had a large turnout. Participation in campus events and organizations helps to build a strong dynamic on the Shepherd Campus.

If you do not find an organization that fits your interests at the Involvement Fair, students have the ability to start their own organization at Shepherd. Anyone who wants to start an organization just needs five students who are willing to join. Meads emphasizes that her department is willing to support the groups as they work to get started.

Stop by the Involvement Fair to see what Shepherd has to offer for you!

 

 

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