Student clubs and organizations are a fundamental part of campus life. Nothing makes a student’s college experience more valuable than joining other fellow peers in similar missions and interests.

At the beginning of every academic year, tables representing diverse student-led clubs and organizations decorate the Quad during orientation. Incoming freshmen are able to walk through the sidewalk, talking to student leaders and members and signing up for opportunities they find most attractive.

Then, cue in the countless follow-up emails with informational sessions and events encouraging prospective members to keep that excitement to join the club. However, and as expected, the enthusiasm dies down as the semester gets increasingly busy and other social activities take up any available time left.

Student clubs and organizations, while fun and meaningful opportunities for students, are also time-consuming and wearying while students attempt to juggle several classes, part-time or full-time jobs and social activities.

Evidently, the pandemic has also left students much less encouraged and engaged at school. An Edweek Research Center report shows that 50% of students surveyed feel less motivated during the 2020-2021 school year. Teachers’ view of student motivation is much more pessimistic, with 87% perceiving less student motivation.

Some, if not most, sophomores in college started their university life through a black screen. College freshmen did not have the opportunity to experience their high school prom and senior trips.  After a year of scarce opportunities to engage in student events or activities, it is not surprising that most students feel burnt out from school responsibilities and commitments.

Regardless, student organizations still go the extra mile to provide memorable opportunities to enjoy college life. Whether it is joining the university’s yearbook or student government, the unique experience of leadership and purpose is worth the time, discipline and sacrifice. Although it is easier to distance oneself from adding more responsibilities to one’s already full plate, I can vouch for the benefits of joining student clubs on campus.

In my very first semester, I decided to join the student newspaper as a staff writer. While trying to navigate college life in a different country and culture from my warm, cordial Honduras, I ventured into the challenge of news writing and reporting. Three and a half years later, I am privileged to lead the newspaper after many mistakes and sacrifices. I would not have had it any other way though.

Students have a key role in keeping clubs and organizations operating because, well, they are meant to be led by students. Furthermore, student organizations are meant to address the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the student body. No one can understand these needs better than students themselves.

Beyond the moral obligation to serve our campus through clubs and organizations, joining and leading university clubs directly help to increase their budget. Every academic year, Student Development and JBU’s Student Government Association decide how much funding to give to each club and organization on campus. If more students are involved and committed to continue the work of such clubs, there will be more funding destined to spend on events and activities. Clubs need to be active to receive more funding, and this can only happen if students are motivated to join.

But keeping student clubs and organizations up and running does not solely depend on students. The institution’s administration must be committed to supporting student clubs both financially and motivationally. When student leaders and members feel supported by the administration, when their efforts feel valued and seen, then they feel encouraged to continue putting in their time and energy into enjoyable activities and helpful initiatives that benefit the whole campus.

This support from administration can be felt through small actions such as advertising a campus event on the school’s official social media. Support can come as words of affirmation to student leaders. Support can also look like offering incentives such as letters of recommendation or fun retreats. Bottom line: Student clubs need the administration’s support to fully thrive.

There are dozens of clubs and organizations on campus you can join based on your major, hobbies and interests. Joining one of them during your time in college not only benefits you but the student body overall. Let’s support student clubs and organizations by actively engaging, promoting and participating in the fun experiences they offer our community.