When it comes to change, Ottawa University students will notice quite a few from the end of the spring 2014 semester to the start of the fall 2014 semester.
At the beginning of every school year the activities fair originally a single day event, changed into a two day event, this year on Sept. 3 and 4. This is one small change with the potential for a big impact for student organizations.
The event designed to bring in new faces to campus organizations will now have an activities fair in the fall and spring semester each year.
Sydnee Kruger, Student Activities Coordinator said, “I thought that by extending it into two days, we may be able to catch more students as their schedules differ from day to day.”
The change from a one day event to a two day event gave current and new students more chances to see what the school has to offer in forms of extracurricular activities during the fair held in the administration building.
With many organizations present during the two day event there were plenty of clubs to join. Many of the organizations were willing to answer any questions students had, but also had takeaway information if you didn’t have time to stop.
Organizations present included:
-Hunger for Change: a club to raise awareness and advocate the eradication of hunger on a local level. It is community service based and allows you to focus on things outside yourself.
-PRSSA: or Public Relations Student Society of America is an organization that allows you to market yourself and network with professionals in the field.
-Ottawa Forensics: as both a team and a club, the members compete in platform speeches, interpretation speeches or debates.
-SWAAN: or Student Welcoming and Affirming Network is Ottawa’s own GLBTSA organization dedicated to providing a safe space for all students.
-Number Ninjas: a math club on campus where students can network and enjoy the company of fellow math lovers.
-Fellowship of Christian Athletes: or FCA is a club designed to spread God’s word in a different way. Contrary to the name it isn’t just exclusively for athletes.
-Archery Club: offers students interested in learning or practicing archery a place on campus to meet with other students interested in archery.
-Drama Club: for students interesting in seeing stage productions of shows.
-DECA: or Distributive Education Clubs of America is a nationally recognized business club. DECA offers insight into the world of business, and host an annual 5K to raise money.
-Kappa Delta PI: the academic honor society on campus. They work with the Elementary schools to provide community service.
-Whole Earth Club: an organization dedicated to appreciating other cultures. They take trips to experience other cultures and ethnic foods.
-CAB: or Campus Activities Board, are students who help plan the activities offered throughout the year.
-OACP: or Ottawa Associate Collegiate Press is another nationally recognized organization that houses the radio, newspaper, and other student media.
-Optimist Club: is another community service based organization that helps with the local elementary schools.
-Biology Club: a science based club dedicated to increasing interest in the study of biology.
-Christian Ministries: a faith based club dedicated to spreading the word of God. They encompass SURGE and host the Braving Discipleship event every November.
There are many more clubs and activities on campus. According to Kruger, the complete list of clubs is being compiled and will be emailed out when completed.