Student Involvement on Campus

Student involvement matters. Students’ involvement on college campuses affects many aspects of students’ lives with benefits including personal growth and academic achievement. Students often report that cocurricular activities greatly enhance their college experience and help them hone their professional skills.

Many studies have been conducted to investigate the correlation between students’ involvement and positive student outcomes. According to Ohio State University, student involvement is connected to improved academic performance, cognitive development, well-being, leadership and multicultural awareness. In addition to these outcomes, employers reported increased hireability and career readiness in candidates with extensive involvement.

At Shawnee State University, students have a great number of opportunities to get involved on campus.

For students looking for a low time commitment, the Student Programming Board (SPB) hosts events several times per month. Follow their Instagram @ssu_spb for updates on upcoming events.

There are also opportunities for students to join various organizations. There are many active clubs that attend Student Government Association (SGA) meetings to receive funding. However, organizations such as sports teams, honor societies and other myriad organizations are available to students but do not receive funding from the SGA.

The following is a list of clubs who are active and receive funding from the SGA: Delta Phi Epsilon, Dungeon Crawlers, Math Club, Model Arab League, Master of Occupational Therapy Assistant (MOTA) Club, Math Club, Political Science Club, Rotaract Club, Tri Beta, Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) Club, Sociology Club, Theta Phi Alpha, Circle K, Delight Ministries, Shawnee GG, College Republicans, Illuminate Campus Ministry, Society of Plastic Engineers, Pre-Med Club, Skaggs House, FGC @ Shawnee, Irish American Club, Phi Mu Delta, Student Veterans of America, Pokémon Go, Psychology Club, Chemistry Club, SSU Musicals and Theater Club, Bears Mean Business, True Crime Club, and Shawnee Entrepreneurship Club.

Being involved on campus benefits not only students themselves, but also the atmosphere of the university. Lexee Trainer, President of the SGA was asked the following question: “From a student leader’s perspective, why is it important for students to get involved on campus?”

She replied with the following statement: “I have witnessed the positive effects that students have had on our university by being involved on campus. You never know the impact you can have on your university until you apply yourself.”

Students can attend SGA meetings to learn more about active organizations, how to start a club or simply to network with peers. Follow the SGA’s Instagram @ssu_studentgovernment and Facebook @StudentGovernmentAssociationatShawneeStateUniversity to view meeting minutes and get updates about the clubs on campus.