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Finding Your Community: How Student Organizations Enrich Campus Life at Texas Wesleyan

Starting college is an exciting and novel experience for many students, but for some, being away from home for the first time can be jarring. You may not know many people on campus, and you might be looking for ways to branch out, meet new people and stay busy.

Student organizations are the lifeblood of many college campuses, offering safe spaces for students to pursue their interests, build new friendships and take on active roles within their college communities.

If you aren't already involved in college student clubs and organizations, now is a great time to explore all that your campus has to offer — or even consider starting a club of your own!

The Benefits of Getting Involved on Campus

College community involvement can benefit students in a number of ways, from helping them build meaningful relationships to boosting mental health and even preparing them for future leadership roles.

Building Meaningful Friendships and Networks

Many students attending college are finding themselves away from home, possibly for the first time. Being active in campus events and activities can be a great way to meet other students who share similar interests, which could lead to long-term friendships. From a professional standpoint, student engagement on campus could also help students start building robust professional networks.

Boosting Mental Health and Sense of Belonging

Being part of student organizations can be a great way to find your niche on campus, which can create a sense of belonging, especially for students who may not have known many people when they first started school. Involvement in student clubs can also be beneficial to student mental health, with one study finding that "student involvement has a significant, positive link with end-of-fourth-year psychological well-being."

Developing Leadership and Communication Skills

Another key benefit of being involved in campus organizations and activities is the opportunity to build essential leadership and communication skills.

Many student clubs and organizations rely on members to take initiative in recruiting new members, organizing special events and fulfilling the organization's mission. This requires students to step out of their comfort zones, developing their leadership skills while learning how to effectively communicate and work with others. Of course, these skills can be extremely valuable in a future career.

Enhancing Your Resume With Co-Curricular Involvement

Last but certainly not least, having campus involvement experiences on your resume could help you stand out when it comes time to start applying for jobs or even internships in your field. Demonstrating initiative and teamwork to potential employers can set you apart from other candidates, as these are crucial skills for success within any organization.

Types of Student Organizations at Texas Wesleyan

From recreational athletics to spiritual clubs and student government, you'll find involvement opportunities to suit just about every interest at Texas Wesleyan University.

Academic and Professional Clubs

Looking for an organization or professional club that aligns with your major or program of study? Check out any number of academic and professional clubs here at Texas Wesleyan University, including:

Service and Volunteer Groups

Looking to add some volunteer experience to your resume while being part of the campus community? You'll find a wide range of service and volunteer groups on campus where you can make a difference while building new friendships and gaining valuable skills. Some options to consider include:

Recreational, Hobby, Social and Career Interest Clubs

Recreational and hobby clubs are a great way to meet like-minded students who share your interests while having some fun outside the classroom. Check out these and other options for yourself:

Leadership and Personal Growth Opportunities

In addition to social and networking benefits, involvement in clubs and organizations can also give students plenty of college leadership opportunities that can prepare them for future careers.

Taking on Club Leadership Roles

Many clubs and organizations rely on student leaders to keep things running smoothly, with common positions including President and Vice President. If a club you're in has an opening, consider stepping up to the plate and putting your own leadership skills to work.

Organizing Campus Events and Initiatives

Club and organizational leaders are often the ones responsible for organizing campus events and taking on other initiatives, such as holding food drives or recruiting new members. Coordinating these events allows club leaders to gain valuable experience in communicating with others, collaborating as a team and practicing time management.

Collaborating Across Student Groups and Departments

It is not uncommon for student clubs to collaborate with other organizations or departments on campus, especially when trying to achieve a shared goal or working on a common interest. These interdisciplinary collaboration skills can prove especially valuable in the workplace, as graduates need to be prepared to work with others from different backgrounds and experiences.

How to Get Involved at Texas Wesleyan

Not sure how to get involved in college? We recommend checking out our Student Life page or getting in touch with the Division of Student Affairs for help in finding the organization that's right for you.

Finding the Right Club for You

You can find a full list of campus clubs and organizations on the RamSpace website. By clicking on an individual club, you can learn more about it, exploring such details as club organizers, contact information, meeting times and more. As you explore your options, take some time to consider your own interests and what you're hoping to get out of the experience.

Attending Involvement Fairs and Info Sessions

Throughout the academic year, student involvement fairs and similar events are held on campus. These events can be an excellent way to learn more about different student clubs and organizations in person. You might even decide to join a club on the spot! At the very least, these events give you the chance to see what's out there, meet some other students and ask questions about the club(s) you're thinking about joining.

Starting Your Own Student Organization

If you can't find an organization or club that meets your needs, you always have the option of starting a student organization. Simply visit the Student Activities and Orientation Office for more guidance, or get started by visiting RamSpace and clicking on the "Register an Organization" button.

Before you do this, take the time to read through the school's Procedures, Policies and Forms section — as well as the Student Organization Handbook — to get a better feel for what you'll need to start an organization on campus. To start a group, you must recruit at least four currently enrolled students (excluding yourself) and secure a full-time faculty or staff member to be your group's sponsor and advisor.

Real Student Experiences

Being involved in clubs and organizations on the TXWES campus is a great way to pursue your interests, meet new people and gain valuable skills that you could carry with you for the rest of your life. See for yourself the positive impact student involvement can have by reading about some stories of real students and their experiences below.

Quotes or Mini Spotlights From Current Members

The Student Government Association (SGA) held its annual elections, with several new campus leaders being elected to make a positive difference in the campus environment. Daylan Harris and Jeline Rivera were elected as President and Vice President, respectively, and look forward to the continued collaboration between the SGA and other parts of campus.

In other news, student Star Fletcher-Shoels has made campus news in a student spotlight piece, highlighting the positive impact that student involvement can have on the college experience. As President of the Black Student Association and member of the award-winning TXWES Cheer Team, she explains how her involvement has helped her sharpen her time management skills. Of her experience, she shares the following words of wisdom:

“College is what you make it. Don't just sit in your room; venture out because things aren't going to find you. Have fun, you're in college!”

Success Stories of Campus Involvement Leading to Career Opportunities

In many cases, the skills acquired as part of a campus organization carry into graduates' careers, sparking success that inspires future generations of Rams. Consider, for instance, how our school's own David Cox (class of 1994) and Shay Gipson (class of 2005) have gone on to serve their communities as Goodwill leaders. Cox explains in a campus news article how he "developed his sense of wanting to serve his community as a Texas Wesleyan University student with the Baptist Student Union and volunteer opportunities." These experiences led to him working solely in nonprofits since his graduation.

Meanwhile, Gipson explains how being involved in the TXWES community helped her forge her own path. She says, "I made up my mind here, deciding I wanted to live a life dedicated to serving others. Goodwill and Texas Wesleyan afforded me that opportunity."

Find Your Place at Texas Wesleyan University

Academic organizations and other student clubs offer an excellent opportunity for those interested in building friendships in college while being active in the community. At Texas Wesleyan University, we take a lot of pride in the wide range of clubs and student organizations here on campus. No matter your interests, you can find a place to belong and make the most of your time here.

Get in touch to learn more about student life at Texas Wesleyan University today! If you're still exploring enrollment options, check out our available majors and programs, or get started with your application for admission.

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