Involvement opportunities represented at fair
By Elise Coby
Staff Writer
On Jan. 17, High Point University hosted the annual Winter Activities Fair at the John and Marsha Slane Student Center gym. Over 35 tables represented different clubs and organizations in association with HPU’s faculty and student-led programs. HPU has nearly 100 unique clubs and organizations which allow students from all over campus to become involved in student life.
Representatives of intramural sports, religious clubs, campus activity groups, Greek life and many more were present at the event. Each table displayed colorful flyers, posters, food and assortments of information to draw students in for potential recruitment.
“CAT has a table at the activities fair in the fall and spring,” said Taylor Caplan, an HPU junior and representative of Campus Activities Team. “We try to make our table have a colorful and fun appeal to attract people.” CAT is a student-run organization responsible for the planning and activities on campus each semester.
Many students, already familiar with the activity fair, return for the fall and winter fairs to encourage others to join their clubs.
“Every year, many students come to the intra- mural stand looking for new schedules and activities to become involved in,” said Austin Wilson, the coordinator of recreation services.
“Intramural sports at HPU offer competitive and noncompetitive programs for male, female and coed teams in sports such as soccer, volleyball, softball, flag football and many more.”
The activity fair also offers the opportunity for clubs that recently reformed to reintroduce themselves to students and offer unique opportunities through a wide range of activities and jobs such as community service, educational programs, hobbies, religious services, sports and more.
“We just got the club back and running,” said Olivia Waterman, an HPU junior and representative of HPU’s ECO Team. “We are trying to get new members to join and to spread awareness about recycling and the environment.
The ECO team has a goal of edu- cating the HPU community about improving environmental factors such as recycling, composting and reusing materials.”
“We came to the activity fair last fall,” said Ragad Alsaid, an HPU junior and repre-entative of the Global Student Association, a group that aims to promote diversity and cultural learning across campus through activities and conferences.
“The club primarily exchange students, and we are always trying to recruit.” “We are always looking for anyone interested in doing service,” said Juliana Valencia, an HPU senior and representative of Alpha Phi Omega, the largest national co-ed service fraternity found- ed on the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service.
HPU senior and representative of HPU’s theatre and dance group, Patrick Boaz, said, “Every year, we have many freshmen come to our table, but it is really a mixed bag of people looking to join us.”
Freshman Jayne Eaves shared her experience at HPU’s activity fair. “Going to the fair gave me a sense of community and adrenaline,” said Eaves. “I felt super invited and welcomed. I was handed flyers and gifts from many stands without having to officially join or feel obligated to sign my name. It was truly a fun experience.”
This year’s activity fair at HPU was a success thanks to all the clubs and organizations that showed up to display what they can offer the students. The activity fair provides students with organizations to become involved in, but it also implements a community aspect to campus life.
This allows students to make new connections, gain exposure to arising academic and personal hobbies and become a part of something they enjoy with other students of all ages.