By Thompson Perry
A college is more than a school; it is a community. Like any other community, the college campus is only as successful as the people within make it.
In this regard, the University of Louisville, by virtue of being a school with many commuter students, is at a disadvantage.
Being actively involved on campus, however, is not difficult to do if a student only knows where to look.
Students looking to find their place within the university can find the task to be overwhelming.
However, the office of Recognized Student Organizations has helped many students explore their individual passions in a constructive and effective way.
Through this office, students can join groups for a wide array of causes and beliefs, from supporting charitable functions to sharing enthusiasm for a popular video game.
The hundreds of these student organizations on campus all but ensure that any given student will be able to find a group that piques an interest.
However, for the students who can’t seem to find the group they envisioned, creating a new student organization is a simple and painless process.
Currently, over 240 such organizations exist on campus, according to RSO records, and new groups are constantly being added to the family of RSOs.
“There’s so much to do at the University of Louisville that it’s hard not to get involved on campus,” said sophomore philosophy major Chris Prentice.
“There are all kinds of groups, clubs, leadership opportunities; there’s something for everyone if you’re willing to look.”
Even if creating and joining campus factions doesn’t seem right for everyone, there are many other ways in which students can be active participants in improving the campus community around them.
The Student Government Association encourages all students to get involved and help the elected officials of the university work for positive change.
The SGA is a very inclusive and welcoming governing body, as its members look to ensure that every student voice is heard.
Through the development of task forces, committees and leadership enrichment programs, the SGA has embraced the spirit of democracy in eagerly listening to the concerns of each and every student.
Another avenue through which students can pursue participation in campus life is the Department of Intramural and Recreational Sports.
Last year, the department offered students the opportunity to compete on organized teams in basketball, flag football, floor hockey and soccer leagues, among others.
The spirit of teamwork and proliferation of camaraderie from being a member of such leagues and groups is incalculable.
“I enjoyed every minute of intramural basketball last season,” said Jack George, a junior business major.
“It really helped improve the chemistry between my fraternity brothers and me. It was overall just a great experience.”
George alludes to another way in which students can become involved on campus, Greek life.
According to its Web site, the Office of Greek Life oversees 22 chapters of national and international fraternities and sororities.
“Fraternities and sororities can really add a whole other dimension to the college experience,” said Sigma Chi enthusiast James Wilbanks.
“You meet so many people, and it’s really hard to believe how much you can bond with strangers in a short period of time. The relationships I made within Sigma Chi made my time in college so much more enjoyable.”
Whether students are looking to change the world or just make some new friends, there really is something for everyone at U of L.
If a student has the willingness to infuse himself into campus culture, there will always be a plethora of opportunities to do so.
