Involvement Fair Showcases Academic, Student Organizations, Volunteer Opportunities on MC Campus
As president of the Multicultural Student Association at Mississippi College, Aaliyah Newsome continually seeks ways to get students involved in her organization.
The senior biology-medical sciences major from Jackson understands that awareness is a major factor in recruiting, so she takes every opportunity to spread the news about her organization’s goals.
The Student Involvement Fair at MC is designed to help campus organizations like Newsome’s attract the student body’s attention.
“I find the Student Involvement Fair to be a great resource for us to reach out to more students that aren’t as involved,” Newsome said. “This event is great for students to see the many cultures represented on campus while also creating a community.”
Sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement at MC, the annual event showcases all of the special interest and academic organizations involving students at MC, and volunteer opportunities in the Division of Student Experience. This semester’s fair took place Jan. 19 in the Alumni Hall gymnasium.
Jonathan Nutt, assistant dean of students, said the affair attracts both new and returning students at MC.
“Student involvement fairs are some of the best ways for students to learn about the ways to connect with campus life at MC,” Nutt said. “New students are introduced to the many involvement opportunities in one place. It’s a ‘one-stop’ place for finding out about all of the many opportunities offered by MC organizations and departments.
“Organizations have the opportunity to set up tables, spread awareness, and build their membership.”
The first Student Involvement Fair Newsome attended made a distinct impression on the future MSA leader.
“It was a sunny day on the Quad full of laughter with strangers,” she said. “It was also the day that I knew I made the right decision in coming to MC, because those strangers became my best friends.
“What I liked most about this event is the combination of all the organizations at one time. It shows that we have more to offer as a campus.”
Nutt said new students appreciate the opportunity to interact with representatives of all student organizations in one setting.
“I think it can be challenging for students to understand how they can get involved,” he said. “The Student Involvement Fair provides all the information in one spot.
“The Office of Student Engagement’s goal is to have more organizations represented than ever.”
The MSA promotes diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism on the Clinton campus, but it wasn’t the only organization Newsome promoted at this year’s event. She also represented the Jackson Free Clinic Health Ambassadors, which encourage students to improve the health of Mississippi through service to the community in a medical context consistent with the mission of the Jackson Free Clinic, and Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for transfer students to MC that offers opportunities for leadership and service development, an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals, and stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.
“These are all organizations that are important to me, and I want to show students that there are ways to be involved as a transfer/commuter student,” she said. “The fair allows students to mingle with members of the organizations while also getting information on how to join and participate in events hosted by them.
“I encourage students to participate in the fair because it is an opportunity to meet new people and find ways to get involved on campus.”
For more information about student organizations at MC, visit www.mc.edu/students/policies/student-organizations.
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