By Rachel Osterhues

The University of Louisville offers so many recognized student organizations that students may not be aware of them all. The RSO Summit recently brought the different organizations together to learn from each other.

“The RSO Summit accomplished the goal of most people attending: networking,” said Emily McGlawn, a sophomore marketing major. “We all got useful information from each other, as well as contact information for other RSOs. Many RSOs we didn’t realize existed attended. I think there were a total of 20 RSOs that came. There were some really neat workshops as well, such as recruitment, leadership skills and funding.”

McGlawn is president of Alpha Kappa Psi, the co-ed business fraternity on campus; RSO liaison for the College of Business Student Council; and a member of the Student Marketing Association. She said that she may get involved with more RSOs at U of L.

“I may join more soon, as Alpha Kappa Psi works with other RSOs,” said McGlawn. “We’re currently in the process of talking to 12 organizations about hosting events together.”

At the summit, hopes to increase membership among the student body were also discussed.

“[Cardinals for the] Appreciation of Musical Theatre, Alpha Kappa Psi, Global Cards and the Sociology [Student Association] were all there hoping to increase members and retention of members,” said McGlawn. “The Film Committee hopes that more people will attend the movies shown at Floyd Theater.”

Students involved in RSOs on campus emphasize the advantages to joining these groups. Trisha Patel is a freshman biology major and is involved in many clubs on campus.

“One good thing that comes out of RSOs are long friendships, involvement on campus and enhancement of knowledge,” said Patel. “Medical Association of Pre-Med Students is a great example.”

Brandon Minson, a senior industrial engineering major, is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers.

“You can make friends and meet fellow students, as well as professionals, in your field,” said Minson.

For students interested in getting involved, the Student Activities Board office, on the third floor of the Student Activities Center, has a list of RSOs on campus.