Each semester, over 60 clubs gather to form one of the largest gatherings in the pedestrian walkway: Club Rush. During Club Rush, students can explore any club they may be interested in joining.
Club Rush plays a crucial role in student engagement.
Shawn Burnette, coordinator of student activities, said, “This is a great event for freshmen and first-year students to get to know these clubs. It’s a great feeling seeing all of these clubs come together in one spot and actually show up for the good of ABAC, enjoy life, and have fun with it!”
The event is mandatory for all Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) so that all of the diverse clubs can showcase themselves to students. There are a variety of organizations, including honor societies, Greek life, and recreational clubs.
At Club Rush, students can talk to the clubs that set up informational tables, discuss goals with club representatives, and see if they would fit the club, according to their major and interests.
Kate Waldron, a first-year nursing student, said, “Well, my major is nursing, so I’m interested in the ATOM club for medicine. I’m interested in BCM. I’ve already joined GANS club, so I think those will be clubs that will benefit me. I like that [Club Rush is] welcoming, and there are all these tables of such diverse people, so you can get to know people and see all that ABAC has to offer.”
Club Rush is offered every semester and because every club must be at the event, it acts as an RSO meeting. The bi-weekly RSO meetings are hosted by the Student Government Association, which has representatives for each club category. RSO meetings allow clubs to share achievements, upcoming events, fundraisers, and more.
Not only did the event enable students to find clubs that align with their interests, but it also allowed them to discover new clubs. Several clubs have meetings open to the student body, so the free-for-all meetings lets prospective members find new interests while embarking on the college experience.
Gloria Canup, a first-year student, said, “I’m going to join the education club. Club Rush gives you a lot of information. I got to see a lot of different clubs I didn’t even know existed.”
In addition to Club Rush, the Office of Student Activities is hosting other events to get students involved on campus and with different clubs. One of these events is Club Day, which allows students to get to know clubs and their presidents on a more personal level. Each club hosts a 30-minute interest meeting, in which prospective students can ask questions or even join the club.
If there is not a club that aligns with students’ interests, students can form their own club. The only requirement is eight members, a president, an RSO representative, and a club constitution.
If interested in learning more about how to get involved with a club or starting a club, contact Dean of Students Dr. Alan Kramer at deanofstudents@abac.edu or Burnette at douglas.burnette@abac.edu.