So, you’re a student at Temple University.
By this point you’ve probably scheduled your classes, finalized your living arrangements and come to terms with the fact that summer is coming to a close.
Now what?
Although academics should be at the center of your undergraduate experience, there is much more to being a Temple Owl than what you learn in the classroom.
As students of Temple University, we have the opportunity to be involved in more than 300 clubs and organizations offered throughout campus. These organizations offer something for everyone, from community service to student government to Greek life and many things in between. If you have an interest that is not covered by one of the existing clubs at Temple, you have the option to create brand new organization at the university. With the help of 10 friends with your common interest, a faculty adviser and a written constitution for the organization you can be the founder of a club at Temple that focuses on something that you are passionate about.
Why join a club or organization at Temple?
Joining a club or organization at Temple University gives you the opportunity to become involved on campus and within the surrounding community. Many of the organizations on campus host events and do work in the community that allows its members to become well-rounded individuals.
Being involved on campus can also help you gain communication and leadership skills that many employers are looking for post-graduation. By joining a group and interacting with others to ensure that it is run smoothly, you are learning how to be an effective member of any organization.
On top of the awesome professional skills you can learn, getting involved at Temple helps you meet people that you might not have run into otherwise, people that you can form life long relationships with.
So how do you get involved?
Getting involved in an organization at college can seem scary at first, whether you are an incoming freshman, a transfer student or an upperclassman just trying to meet new people. Lucky for you, Temple University is does an awesome job at showcasing its organizations to students who are interested; the perfect example being Temple Fest on August 19th.
Temple Fest, organized by Student Activities, provides Temple students with the opportunity to stroll down Liacouras Walk, which runs directly through the center of Temple University, and interact with many of Temple’s student-run organizations.
Many organizations set up tables or booths on Liacouras Walk with giveaways, flyers and other promotional items that give potential members what they need to know about the organization. Better yet, students who are members of the organizations are stationed at their table throughout Temple Fest to answer questions and make connections with potential members.
Temple Fest offers students the opportunity to interact with the organizations in a low-stress environment, with music, games and giveaways. Temple students can either dive right in and join several organizations or opt for a less aggressive route and simply receive emails until they are ready to get fully involved.
If you're still not convinced, take it from me. I remember being very nervous when I walked down Liacouras Walk for Temple Fest almost one year ago. I was scared that I wasn’t going to make friends in an organization where people already know each other, I didn't want to be the outcast. I was pleasantly surprised to meet people who were actually interested in me, and because of this warm welcome I am now a member of several student-run organizations that I cannot imagine my college experience without.
My best advice: Go to Temple Fest, put yourself out there and the organizations will reciprocate. You’ll be glad that you did!
