After already completing your first semester at Ohio State, some of you may feel it is too late to get involved on campus.
While some students get involved right away, many students choose to focus on their classwork when they first come to school, and choose not to have outside distractions. With all of the changes and adjustments, your first semester is often more overwhelming than many would assume.
While some dive in with full force, many choose to test the water first!
After the rush of Welcome Week, and the fall and spring involvement fairs, you may fear it is pointless or too late to join an organization partway through the year. However, it is not too late take that jump!
As a matter of fact, many organizations are still seeking or recruiting members! We’ve talked to a few organization leaders from across campus who can provide a bit more information about some of these available and awesome opportunities.
I. American Association of University Women
Name: Cassidy Horency
Status: Currently seeking new members
We are a new organization on campus and this is only our second semester, so we are looking for more people! It’s part of a national organization and members can apply for scholarships and grants through it. We usually have pizza. It’s better late than never to join an organization.
II. Buck-I-Serv
Name: Allie Loughry
Status: Currently seeking new members
First-year students should apply for a summer Buck I Serv trip because it’s a great way to give back to the community, spread the Buckeye spirit and meet new people!
III. DanceSport
Name: Jessica Gregory
Status: Currently seeking new members
It’s a great way to meet new people and meet people with similar interests. Members can benefit from this organization because you learn how to dance tons of different ballroom dances and can take your new skills to places around Columbus like La Fogata, which has salsa dancing nights. We are constantly growing and looking for new members.
IV. Delta Sigma Phi fraternity
Name: Alec Wuorinen
Status: Currently seeking new members
Great way to meet new people (lots!) and learn great things about yourself. With more friendships comes greater diverse connections!
V. Institute of Industrial Engineers
Name: Gunnar Smyth
Status: Currently seeking new members
All Industrial Engineering students should join because we go to both the regional and national conference to meet other IEs, learn about the major, and connect you to job opportunities. Leadership positions are available.
VI. John Glenn Civic Leadership Council
Name: Andy Krupin
Status: Currently seeking new members
We host a wide range of meeting activities! There’s something for everyone. Between current events jeopardy and different service projects, the CLC is a great way to learn about your community and make a difference in it, too. The more people we have, the bigger potential impact we can make.
VII. Muslim Students Association
Name: Yousef Yacoub
Status: Currently seeking new members
If you’re a Muslim or interested in Islam, I definitely recommend coming to our weekly general body meetings on Fridays at 6 p.m. in the Interfaith Room on the 3rd floor of the Union, where we host world-renowned Islamic scholars to learn more about the Islamic faith.
VIII. Ohio Staters, Inc.
Name: Joanie Garcia
Status: Currently seeking and recruiting new members
Ohio Staters, Inc. is the oldest student service organization on campus that promotes the welfare and traditions of the university. This org. helps connect students with the deep roots of the university and network with faculty while creating a close community of thinkers, believers, and doers.
IX. Phi Alpha Delta
Name: Leila Khamees
Status: Currently seeking new members
It’s specifically for people interested in law (it’s a pre-law fraternity). We learn if law school is for us, how to apply, what to expect on the LSAT and in law school. Also, we all become super close and have tons in common!
X. Phi Delta Epsilon: Pre-med fraternity
Name: Jenna Murray
Status: Currently recruiting new members (in the fall)
Phi Delta Epsilon is always looking for new members who want community and support through the pre-med process. Meet people who have taken similar classes, form study groups, and be friends!
XI. Psychology Student Ambassadors
Name: Myra Saeed
Status: Currently recruiting new members (for fall)
They should apply to Psych Ambassadors early this semester if they’re psych majors because we do a lot of working with incoming freshmen and program a lot of social and educational events. Also, we’re super tight with the department and that’s awesome!
XII. UNICEF-OSU (United Nations Children’s Fund)
Name: Caroline Tritt
Status: Currently seeking new members
This is a fantastic organization if you’re interested in children’s rights. We educate, advocate, and fundraise on behalf of the U.S. fund for UNICEF to help children in over 190 countries receive an education, get clean drinking water and nutritious foods, immunizations, help with HIV/AIDS, and provide relief in emergency situations. UNICEF is the most efficient humanitarian organization in the world and all the money we raise is doubled through an outside fund! We also talk about current issues affecting children!
Just remember:
“It’s not too late to find your niche on campus. It’s sometimes less intimidating to join an organization in the winter because fewer events are going on than in the fall! You’ll be able to hit the ground running after summer break!” ~Stephanie Demos