Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been quite a challenge for students to become more involved with SSU, but that doesn’t stop them from being able to join clubs and organizations virtually. Student Involvement is a great option for SSU students looking to participate and be active with organizations involved with the Seawolf community. This is also a unique way for students to build friendships, network with their peers, and become more active with their college.

While students have the benefit of virtual clubs and organizations, this is something students can add to their resumes to show affiliations with SSU, outside of working on campus or taking classes. This community can provide opportunities to connect with peers that share the same interest as you, and if you have a hobby that you are passionate about, our organizations and clubs can foster this passion. They can also provide opportunities to build important leadership skills, such as being presidents of clubs or Greek organizations through the school. Any of these options could help to create knowledge and skills to help students along the way.

Mo Phillips, Director of Student Involvement says, “This is an opportunity to make your college experience exciting and challenge yourself by getting together with student clubs and organizations on campus.”

With over 120 organizations established, there is definitely an outlet to build upon your passions for leadership and personal interest Leo Serrato, Fraternity and Sorority Activities Officer, explains the benefits one can find taking part in SI, “When moving to college, students enter into a new world, one in which they probably don’t know many people (if any), and no one knows them. Sure, they make friends in class and during orientation but getting involved on campus is also a great way to help remedy that. At Sonoma State, we offer a wide range of organizations from students to get involved in from social clubs, sports, performance, multicultural, academic, faith base, fraternities and sororities, and even volunteer opportunities.

Benefits from getting involved on campus go far beyond making friends, though it is excellent for that as well. It is also a great way to expand your interests and learn about new things, and hone skills that future employers could value from learning leadership skills. It also serves as a great way to create network opportunities, and it has been proven that involvement improves student success during their time at college. Of all these benefits, the most important one is that it is a way for students to connect to their new environment and create that feeling of being a part of the campus community.”

.Former Panhellenic Recruitment Counselor and SSU student Molly Armstrong recalls her positive experiences with clubs on campus, stating that, “ Being involved at Sonoma State has given me opportunities that I never would have expected, and it has helped me grow as a student, leader, and an individual. I have had many opportunities in clubs and organizations such as Panhellenic and women’s club volleyball that have brought me new friends and constant activities to participate in.”

Amidst this pandemic and the lack of in-person interaction, Student Involvement encourages all students to use Engage through their MySSU account. Engage is a platform where you can connect with students at Sonoma State, sign up for clubs and organizations, and much more! This online site can register you for any club or organization to confirm your spot in that certain atmosphere. If you can’t find a club that suits your interest, you can always start your own club. In order to form a club/organization, you must have five registered members, and adhere to the CSU System student office requirements to register successfully. Students interested in getting involved can reach out to student assistants hosting virtual office hours can be found at http://getinvolved.sonoma.edu/engagessu.