Clubs on campus help students find their niche

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Hailey McLaughlin

Copy Editor

There are no limits to the types of clubs that students can form at Hudson Valley. From e-sports to cheerleading, if a student can get other students interested they can make their club official.

Students at HVCC make an average of two to three new clubs a year, according to Madisen Hetman, Program Assistant at the Student Activities Office.

“[Creating clubs] gives students an option to be involved on campus and find friends they have things in common with. It creates a little community,” she said.  

About 45 official clubs are on campus. Despite the variety to choose from, many students say they have to work or focus on studies instead of going to clubs.

Kostandino Markocaj, a business major, said: “I have work and don’t have time to go after school.”  

Alex Brown, a health and wellness major said that he wants to focus more on his education.

Tajera Morris, an individual studies major, said she isn’t part of any clubs because she isn’t interested, but would like to start a “feminist club”. She has put off making it due to the amount of time and effort needed to create a club.   

Is it a smart idea for students to be able to create any club they want? Sandra Moody, a biotechnology major and member of the Chemistry club, believed within reason it is okay. She said, “some people have great ideas, but there are some people with negative thought processes that would create something not supportive of the community.”  

All clubs can be created, except for, “something that is inappropriate or anti-something”, Hetman said.   

Students join clubs to do something they enjoy doing and to meet people with the same interests.

Kristen Cain, a liberal arts major, is part of the Pride Alliance club. Cain said it’s good for students to be able to create clubs because it “builds a community.”

According to Hetman,  in order for students to create a club, they must find 10 other students who are interested in joining and a staff member to advise the club. After that, they must get approved by the Student Senate. After the club is approved then they can begin having meetings.

Hetman said if club members and the advisor can make it to meetings, it can be held on any day at any time.

Many students have ideas of what clubs they would form or even be a part of. Cain said she has thought of creating a general foreign language club. “A lot of my friends are into languages and communicating with native speakers, which there are a lot of on campus,” she said.

“Anyone can start a club, anyone can join a club. We encourage students to get as involved as possible and it’s a great way for students to get a holistic college experience.” Hetman said.

What club would you want to be a part of?