How to start a club at High Point University
The 2016-2017 Student Government Association Executive Members. Photo submitted.
By Megan Kinney// Staff Writer
Clubs at High Point University are an amazing way to get involved, make new friends and to express students’ passions. With around 100 clubs on campus, a question arises – how did people even start these clubs in the first place? Rachel Callaway, HPU senior and president of the Student Government Association, has the answer.
“It’s simple,” Callaway said. “It all starts with having an idea, one that no one has ever had before at HPU. Once you have that, reach out to people and find at least 15 students that share this same interest.” Also, Callaway said that an advisor is needed, ideally a faculty member. After that, all you have to do is write a constitution. All the information on how to write a constitution is on HPU’s website under SGA. Once finished, Student Life must approve the constitution.
“We want to make sure that your club will be strong for future years and we want the club to benefit the university in some way,” Callaway said.
SGA receives around five to 10 constitutions a week, so it might take a little time. Don’t be discouraged by this; just be patient.
Once it is approved, the next step is to get the word out. “Let people know what you want to do because there are people out there who are interested in the same things as you,” Callaway said. The club can also host a recruiting event to find students that are interested but may not be aware that you are starting a club. New clubs are popping up all the time. For example, Students for Life was formed just last year. There is a knitting club and a cooking club going through this process with SGA right now.
Alex Hostetler, founder of the Film Club, discussed his experience creating a club. He formed the Film Club in the fall of his freshman year. Hostetler started this club because there was nothing like it when he came to HPU. It took about a month to get the club rolling. When asked if the process was difficult, Hostetler responded, “not at all.” The process is the exact same for every club, no matter the kind – athletic, social, or otherwise.
Just like every club, the Film Club started with originally 15 members. Within only a year, the club had grown to over 100 members. Hostetler estimates that his club will reach 200 members this year, based on the success rate of the activities fair. Callaway and Hostetler both say that the best way to have your club known on campus is by word of mouth.
Anyone can form a club. When clubs are created, HPU unites to form a community of people who share similar interests.
“It can sometimes be a long process, so don’t give up,” Callaway said. “Follow through with people and if you want to get it done and create something at HPU; don’t put it to the side. If you are truly passionate about it, I promise you that you can make it happen.”