There are many ways to get connected with your college, including working on campus, joining a club or attending a campus event. Remember that there is no one right way.
When considering getting involved on campus, it is important to think about a few key factors. Every student has different, goals, priorities and time constraints. Ask yourself these questions to help figure out what ways would be best for you to get involved on campus.
What are your interests and hobbies?
College is a good time to explore the things that interest you and explore new things. What you decide to get involved in doesn’t have to be directly related to your studies or future career path, but it often times can lead to it. If you are interested in horses and want to get involved with the W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center, for example, it’s okay if you’re not a student in the College of Agriculture. There are also cultural and hobby focused clubs and activities that may interest you.
What skills would you like to work on?
Employers are looking for candidates that stand out and a big part of that is based on what you can offer them. Developing leadership and communication skills are highly valued in today’s workforce. It’s a serious thing, but you can have fun making yourself better. Getting involved in a club, Greek organization or holding a job are all ways to develop important life skills, including time management and organization.
How much time are you able and willing to invest?
Print out a copy of your weekly class schedule and write in any other activities you are already committed to. Take a look at the left over space. Although you will have to make time to study and do class work, that doesn’t mean there won’t be some time left over. See where your empty blocks of time fall to help you decide what would be best to get involved in.
If you happen to be at school on a Tuesday or Thursday during the day, then consider going to a club meeting during U-hour. For those who don’t know, that’s Cal Poly Pomona speak for noon to 1 pm. on Tuesdays and Thursdays when no classes are scheduled. If you have enough free time, then you may be able to commit to a job or executive board position.
What are the requirements (if any)?
Not every volunteer position, job or other type of opportunity has an eligibility requirement, but some do, so it is always important to find out. For example, to be a Bronco Events and Activities Team volunteer you merely have to be a CPP student and fill out an ASI student leader application, which is available on the ASI website. Volunteers are accepted throughout the academic year.
However, if you are interested in joining a committee or applying for an ASI appointed student government leader position, note that there are some prerequisites. For both positions the student must have a 2.0 grade point average, attended two quarters at Cal Poly Pomona, taken at least 9 units and received credit for them, be in good standing with the Office of Judicial Affairs and not exceed the unit load maximum.
Where can I find more information about getting involved?
Hopefully you have some idea of what area of involvement is best for you or at least what to consider about getting involved. Now that you have your area of interest, who do you talk to about joining the club or getting the job you want? This might take a bit of exploring. The Office of Student Life and Cultural Centers website has information on clubs, cultural centers, Greek life and the Rose Float. If you are searching for a job, take a look at the ASI Human Resources page, Foundation Dining Services and BroncoConnection.
Club or job fairs are one way to get an idea of what opportunities are available. It can be hard to figure out how to navigate a club fair as a freshman or transfer student, but you will have another chance during BroncoFusion. If you’re looking for a job to get connected on campus, it’s a good idea to attend the Career Center’s part time job fair on Thursday, September 27.
For more information on how to get involved on campus, visit the ASI website at www.asi.csupomona.edu. You can also follow ASI on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
