If you're an incoming freshmen or transfer student wanting to find your home at Oklahoma State, here are our top 10 things to get involved in on campus.
1. SGA Senate.
The Student Government Association is a great way to get plugged in at OSU. Housing annual service projects to over 400 student organizations, SGA has two Campus Involvement Coordinators that will meet with you and work to help you find your best fit on campus. Whether that be in the Student Senate, Into the Streets, Sustainability Committee, etc., SGA is an amazing umbrella organization to start with. Applications and information can be found at sga.okstate.edu!
2. Into The Streets.
Into The Streets, Stillwater's largest community service project, is a great opportunity to get involved and serve elderly across Stillwater. Students have the opportunity to apply to serve on committees and the executive team once every semester. The meetings are laid back, and the people are genuine and fun. However, if being in a leadership role doesn't appeal to you, I still recommend volunteering. It's a great time with friends and the most grateful elderly.
3. Greek Life.
Greek is probably one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to get involved on campus. 80 percent of leadership roles across Oklahoma State are filled by Greek individuals. On top of these advantages, Greek is a great way to find a solid friend group and a diverse and accepting group of individuals. Oklahoma State's Greek community is incredibly unique with our strong support system in philanthropic and academic ventures. Joining a fraternity or sorority also opens doors as far as shows and extracurriculars. Follies, Spring Sing, and Varsity Revue remain three of the biggest things on Oklahoma States campus. Although fraternity and sorority life is not for everyone, if you enjoy people, social gatherings, philanthropy, and glitter or dressing up, you should give Greek a try.
4. Cowboython.
Cowboython is an annual Dance Marathon in benefit of the Children's Miracle Network. It is the largest philanthropic event on campus. FTK, or "For the Kids," is one of the biggest social spheres on our campus. Cowboython-ers work endlessly all year to raise a grand total that culminates in their main event in February. Cowboython participates in a friendly rivalry with that nasty school down south to try and raise more money FTK than Soonerthon. Cowboython is a great leadership opportunity and a good occupier of time throughout the school year.
5. Freshmen Representative Council.
FRC, for short, is comprised of the top 50 freshmen on campus and is housed under SGA. Freshman Reps are selected from an application and interview process at the beginning of the school year. FRCers serve the freshman student body by representing them to the Student Government Association and hosting philanthropic events once a semester. In addition, they hold a spring service project every year. The FRC is a great avenue to stepping up on campus and getting plugged in. Applications can be found at sga.okstate.edu!!!
6. Campus Ministries.
Oklahoma State hosts a diverse group of students and ideologies. Within the university, several clubs and ministries are hosted to reach out to like-minded or wandering students. Groups such as Baptist College Ministries, Catholic Student Ministries, and Buddhist Student Association are there to welcome new students and help them find a home. Several of these groups host weekly meetings or retreats to help students grow in their faith, build concrete relationships, and enjoy their time in a service or religious setting.
7. Intramurals.
Intramurals are a great way for high school heroes to continue their sporting fame into college. Or, if you're like me, you just want the lighthearted competition and obligated exercise. Oklahoma State offers an enormous amount of intramurals perfect for each individual. From basketball to racquetball to water battleship, the Colvin hosts numerous opportunities for you to make friends, get active, and have fun.
8. Special Interest Clubs.
From College Republicans to Gamers of OSU, there is a niche club for every interest on campus. Though I do not think I will be joining the Running Club anytime soon, I know that there is a place for everyone and their interests at OSU. Look here for a complete list of the 515 Clubs and Orgs.
9. Camp Cowboy.
If you're an incoming freshmen and think you're too cool to go to the extended freshmen orientation, you're wrong. This experience is extremely unique and treasured at Oklahoma State. Camp Cowboy runs you through all the traditions, songs, and everyday knowledge of an Oklahoma State cowboy. It is staffed by over one hundred students dedicated to serving and welcoming upcoming freshmen to this amazing university. The skits, games, dances, ropes course, and cowboy community will be the best welcome you've ever received. The only thing that could possibly be better than attending camp is working it as an upperclassmen. I heavily recommend you apply to be a counselor or wrangler and watch as it changes your life.
10. Homecoming and Tailgate SZN.
The best part of Oklahoma State is the amazing Cowboy Family and good 'ole Pokes Football! Preseason polls have us ranked as high as 7th in the nation, beating out the Sooners. The best times of your life will be spent outside of Boone Pickens stadium, tailgating for a Cowboy FB home win! Student led tailgates can be found just South of BPS, but don't be surprised when you see Cowboy Fans tailgating all over campus. Homecoming is often the climax of the great football season. Hundreds of thousands of alums and students gather in Stillwater to prepare for the great game. Residential halls, greek, and other organizations across campus gather together and do their part to represent America's Brightest Orange.