On Aug. 21, the Office of Student Activities held Get on Board Day as part of the University of South Alabama’s Week of Welcome and Beyond. Hosted in the Student Center Ballroom, Get on Board Day is an annual event that shines a spotlight on the many different student organizations active on campus. The event gives them a chance to reach out to new and returning students. Various clubs turn out in an effort to grow their membership and increase recognition.

“We have over 260 student organizations available at South. That’s above pre-COVID numbers,” said Coleman Wolf, the school’s associate director of student organizations & leadership. “I think the Pokémon Go Club was our 250th organization, actually.”

“The Vanguard” spoke to a number of club representatives who were more than happy to spread the word of their organization’s goals.

“This is a great opportunity to get involved at South,” said Trinity Walker, representing Oracle Fine Arts Review. “It’s important to find something you’re passionate about.”

Gavin Robinson, another representative of Oracle, echoed her sentiments. “We’re trying to get people’s creative ideas out there,” said Robinson. “I know some people are more reserved, so my job is to let them know that there are opportunities here for people like them.”

“It’s exciting just seeing a ton of familiar and new faces. It makes you feel at home,” said Mazen Moez, treasurer of the Muslim Student Association. “I want to exceed expectations by having more organized events and implementing more activity in the MSA.”

Building social outreach was another common goal among organizations. “Right now, our club is really tiny,” said Emmitt Milling, president of the USA Animation Association. “We want more people to get to know the club, whether you’re pursuing an animation degree or if you just like animation.”

“I think this speaks to the kind of community we have at South,” said Wolf. “Look at Move-In Day. What other college has students volunteering in the hot sun to help their classmates move in? The records show that getting involved in a student organization increases your chances of graduating in four years.”

There are plenty of opportunities and events like Get on Board Day that encourage students to get involved. Over the next few weeks, clubs across campus will be conducting interest meetings and general meetings for students. For a complete list of registered student organizations, visit InvolveSouth.