Kent State University officially registered 402 student organizations on campus this spring semester, a record-breaking number for the university, according to the Center for Student Involvement.
“Reaching this high number of student organizations on campus reflects the kind of students that are enrolling at Kent State: an engaged student who is ready for new opportunities,” said Katie Goldring, assistant director of the Center for Student Involvement at Kent State.
Research conducted by the Center for Student Involvement indicates that many students participate in more than one student organization, and the total number of students involved is around 21,000 students. Kent State student organizations sponsor more than 250 events on campus each year.
Opportunities for Leadership
Goldring said Kent State offers leadership development for students through conferences, workshops and other on campus resources.
“Student organizations are a great opportunity for students to become better leaders,” she said. “Every organization is required to have at least five officers. Becoming an officer is a great opportunity to set goals, plan events and lead an organization.”
More Organizations Established
Goldring said more organizations have been established on campus this year because of the streamlined registration process.
“We have moved to an online system in the past four years to make registering a student organization more accessible for students,” Goldring said. “Groups are approved within 48 hours of applying as long as they have at least five officers, a faculty or staff advisor, and a constitution with guidelines on how your organization will operate.”
New organizations that have started on campus this year are Best Buddies, Dress Up for Downs, a debate club and several political groups.
“We are excited to establish a debate club on campus this year,” Goldring said. “Students have been asking for one for a couple years now. This club teaches students how to debate in a professional manner.”
Groups Related to Academic Majors
Goldring said the most popular organizations are those within academic majors.
“We are seeing a growth in academic-related organizations because it gives students a way to network with their peers and professionals in their career field,” she said. “Joining these groups is something great to put on your résumé and speak of later when you’re interviewing for a job.”
Goldring said she wants incoming students to see there is a group for everyone on campus.