Six Classes of Online Student Associations
In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, student clubs and organizations across various universities are adapting to the virtual environment, providing opportunities for leadership, connection, and skill development.
The University of Michigan's engineering school, for instance, maintains relationships with over a dozen engineering groups. Similarly, traditional higher ed institutions like the University of Southern California are making strides in adapting student groups to this new reality.
Student clubs and organizations offer focuses on service, academics, and career development. For example, the Financial Management Association and the American Psychological Association offer college students the chance to connect with real industry professionals. Academic clubs and honor societies, such as Golden Key and Delta Mu Delta, have chapters around the globe.
Benjamin Starr, Coordinator for Student Organizations at the University of Kentucky, stated that student organizations continue to be important during the transition. In fact, some universities are using online community portals to coordinate access to student clubs, organizations, and activities online. Century College provides resources and support to help student leaders recruit new members, hold effective meetings, and plan group activities online.
Joining a student club or organization can provide opportunities to meet new people, discover scholarships, and make a difference in the community. Social/hobby groups offer opportunities for students to connect outside of class through organizations that include book clubs, gaming groups, and writing clubs.
Starting a new student organization can provide opportunities for students to engage and connect with one another. For instance, Alpha Phi Omega, a service organization associated with more than 300 U.S. college campuses, is currently connecting chapters with virtual service ideas.
Some academic clubs and honor societies require a minimum GPA for membership. However, these organizations allow students to connect with others who share similar majors or interests in other subjects. For military students and veterans, Student Veterans of America helps make progress toward career goals.
Universities are also offering resources to help student leaders navigate this new virtual landscape. American University's virtual tool kit for student clubs includes leadership development classes and a monthly podcast dedicated to student leadership issues.
Despite the challenges, student clubs and organizations play a vital role in fostering connections and honing workplace skills among students. Pasadena City College, for example, hosted a virtual club rush to help students learn more about its clubs and organizations.
As we continue to navigate this new normal, student clubs and organizations remain a beacon of connection and opportunity in the virtual world.
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