Shambhu Sharan
Issue date: 9/23/08
Student Programs and Resources held the annual Club Fair on Sept. 16, giving students an opportunity for involvement with existing campus clubs and organizations while providing food and entertainment.
The fair is one of the many events where SPAR helps students become more successful.
“Those students who are active in campus life, attend co-curricular programs and become actively involved in student organizations or Student Government are more successful in college and enjoy their college experience more than those who do not,” program specialist Judy Schwartz said.
The Club Fair allows students to learn about existing clubs and also informs them about how to start their own club if what they want isn’t offered, and gives them time to do so.
“We try to hold the Club Fair in the middle of September to allow student leaders time to get adjusted in their classes and school routines before they have to begin organizing their clubs,” Schwartz said. “We have a deadline of Oct. 1 for clubs to complete their Petition for Recognition status and receive SPAR funding. Clubs can form after that date, however, they do not receive full funding.”
Members from around 35 clubs and organizations were on hand answering questions in the Lower Courtyard and displaying information tables with handouts and gifts.
Around 50 students joined the Biology Club. Fundraiser coordinator and biology major Sara Linehan gave information about different activities such as field trips, the beach clean up, scholarships, seminars, internships, science-related jobs and club meetings.
“It was a good opportunity to inform [students] about our different club activities,” she said.
Sophomore business major and member of the Council of Latin American Students Daniela Balderas recruited students for her club. She gave out candies and club literature.
“The Club Fair was very successful,” Balderas said. “A lot of students came to our tables and became members of our club”.
To ensure students have opportunities to be involved, SPAR has planned various events throughout this semester.
“SPAR oversees student clubs and organizations,” Schwartz said. “It’s just one part of what we do, in addition to planning campus-wide social events, lectures, workshops, cultural events, supervising Student Government, Programming Board and Leadership Training.”
Students can pick up an event schedule at the SPAR office C-141, check it out online at http://www.efc.dcccd.edu/SSI/SPAR/events.html, or call 972-860-7185 for more information about upcoming events.
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