As students, getting involved on campus and creating connections with fellow peers is increasingly important for student success not only during college, but after graduation as well. With this in mind, the Center for Student Engagement hosts a Student Engagement Fair every fall to encourage students to join the extensive number of campus clubs and organizations registered with the CSE.
“We know that it’s incredibly important for students to find a connection point and sense of belonging to thrive while in college,” CSE Director Ashleigh Moyer said. “That is either through connecting with a student organization and finding a home away from home or engaging in campus events and activities through the various involvement opportunities hosted through the CSE and Student Life.”
The Engagement Fair, located on Pedestrian Walkway, is an annual event where students can connect with some of the organizations and clubs available on campus. Booths are decorated and hosted by organization leaders to showcase the vast variety of opportunities open to students. Ranging from Greek life to hiking clubs to religious organizations, there is something for every student represented at this event.
The fair annually brings about 2,000 attendees who are able to connect with approximately 250 campus organizations. It is also a great place for student groups to network with other organizations.
“The Student Engagement Fair shows the endless possibilities of involvement on campus,” CSE Coordinator Nneka Walson said.
Not only is this event a good way for students to discover a multitude of clubs and organizations that fit their interests, it is a great place to discover opportunities for leadership within these organizations as well.
Sophomore industrial engineering major Bailey Tate joined two organizations after last year’s engagement fair and has since grown in her involvement with them. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and CHAARG, a women’s fitness and health group.
This year, Tate’s involvement in SWE has allowed her to obtain a leadership position in the group’s mentorship program where she will work as “SWEeties Pairs Chair.” Because of her membership in SWE specifically, Tate says she feels more at home at UT.
“Being a part of SWE has been one of the best experiences I’ve had during college. I’ve made so many friends through all of the events and feel like I’ve found my place on campus,” Tate said.
Brooke Jansen, a senior human resource management major, is another student involved in leadership within student organizations. An active member of CHAARG — Changing Health Attitudes + Actions to Recreate Girls — as well, Jansen is this year’s ambassador and worked as secretary last year.
Not only is she a member of this group, she has been a part of Women of Haslam for two years and has obtained a position as director of fundraising this year.
With these leadership positions in organizations that she is passionate about, Jansen says she has found a community on campus, as well as grown in her confidence. She encourages other students to get involved on campus too, as her participation has had such a positive impact on her college life.
“My biggest piece of advice is to try to attend as many meetings as possible — the more time you put into an organization and the more involved you are, the more you will get out of it overall,” Jansen said.
The Engagement Fair is one of many ways that the CSE encourages student involvement and success at UT. They host over 100 events annually and additionally offer leadership opportunities for student organization leaders on campus.
This year, the Student Engagement Fair will be held Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. on Pedestrian Walkway.
