The University of Connecticut’s Department of Student Activities will hold its annual Fall Involvement Fair today between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Fairfield Way, featuring over 500 student organizations and over 30 university programs and departments.
According to UConntact, this event is UConn’s largest free event that is open to all students, faculty and staff.
According to Sarah Bernhardt, UConn’s Coordinator for Student Organization Support and Leadership, getting involved helps students find niche communities on campus with other students who share similar interests, therefore supporting their growth as students.
Data suggests that students who get involved on campus are more likely to graduate and the skills they gain from collegiate involvement, such as time management, will better equip them to find post-graduate employment, Bernhardt said.
“Getting involved helps students find a sense of belonging on campus, which, in turn, helps them better transition to campus and supports their retention as a student,” Bernhardt said in a written statement to The Daily Campus on Tuesday.
To make it easier for attendees to check out clubs that match their preferences and interests, the organizations will be grouped by their UConntact categories, such as club sports, Greek life, academic, and culture and community. There will be flags posted along Fairfield Way to display the category type or name of the organization, Bernhardt said.
QR codes posted around the fair will display a map and table list to help attendees find particular groups that interest them.
Bernhardt said UConn’s Department of Student Organization Support and Leadership estimates the fair will be visited by anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 attendees throughout the day.
“Our events continue to grow as our student population increases,” Bernhardt said. “We find that students are eager to get involved and engage with campus programs.”
Bernhardt said students should be aware that the fair may be overwhelming because of its size and the number of attendees. Considering this, she said students should take breaks when necessary and remember that it is okay to get involved later in the semester or year as well.
Students looking for someone to talk to regarding involvement they may contact the SOLID office at solid@uconn.edu or stop by room 307 in the Student Union to speak with an involvement ambassador.
Any students who require accommodations to participate in the program, may contact the Student Activities Office at (860)-486-8151 or email solid@uconn.edu.
“Getting involved can help you make friends, build your resume, expand your horizons, develop your leadership skills, and have fun all while doing something that interests you,” the Department of Student Activities wrote on its website.