Student Involvement Fair at IMU today

Student Involvement Fair
When 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  today
Where Indiana Memorial Union parking lot


More than 275 organizations will be at this year’s Student Involvement Fair.

The Indiana Memorial Union Board and Office of Student Organizations and Leadership Development is having the fair today. The fair will be outside along the Indiana Memorial Union parking lot’s last two rows, and near the east end of Woodburn Hall and Ballantine Hall.

If rain interrupts the event, the event will be continued Thursday.

The fair that usually rakes in 1,300 to 1,500 students each year is expected to bring in more than 1,500 due to the reach out to residence halls. The event will include surprises and giveaways.

The organizations range from student organizations to local non-profit agencies to IU offices, said Sarah Wilcox, student organizations coordinator.

“There is going to be an organization that will interest everyone,” she said.

The diverse selection of organizations is an attempt to help students step outside of their comfort zone, Union Board Destination Director Brandon Johnson said.

Some of the organizations that will be at the fair include the African Student Association, Student Alumni Association and Local Growers Guild.

“These organizations appeal to a large realm of students,” Johnson said. “But students are sometimes close-minded, and only go toward what they know, so the hope is that students step outside of this comfort zone, and learn about the vast organizations.”

Attempts to step out of a student’s comfort zone not only refers to campus organizations, but also to off-campus organizations.

“Many students have a hard time trying to get involved in the community. This way, they are given the ability to meet local non-profit agencies, and other Bloomington organizations,” Wilcox said.

Students can learn what organizations do and what they stand for, Johnson said.

“As the only student-run radio on campus, we were excited to DJ and broadcast live from the event, it’s a promotional outlet, letting students know what WIUX is about,” said junior Ryan Patena, WIUX general manager.

Students are looking forward to the fair as it gives them the ability not only to build their resume, but to network, junior Jasmin Foster said.

“I am already a part of a good amount of organizations, but this is a good time for me to network with organizations that I might not have had prior knowledge about,” Foster said.

The event should benefit all students, whether new or returning. It is a way to use their resources, learn about leadership opportunities, meet other student leaders and build their resume, Wilcox said.

“Honestly, there isn’t a valid reason for students not to come,” Foster said. “Well, unless it’s during class, of course.”