Behold - a simple equation for all Tigers - a new semester plus the University of Memphis equals a new start with new people.
This year's Student Involvement Fair filled the front yard of the University Center with different groups and organizations. Students walked through aisle after aisle of tables hosted by RSO leaders eager to explain their group and welcome new members.
With over 100 campus RSOs, there are plenty of groups to choose from, but Tigers at the RSO Fair were on hand to help students on the fence about getting involved on campus.
"Joining a student group is the best way to meet people," said Zack Liley, president of the Catholic Student Organization.
Liley's goal within his group is to make students feel comfortable at the U of M.
The house for CSO is always open, and students are always welcome to go hang out there and join them for mass on Sundays, even those who do not consider themselves Catholic.
"We just want to show students that this is home for them," Liley said.
Another table encouraged students to join the Memphis River Warriors, a Mississippi River cleanup crew, which meets once a month for two hours to pick up trash along the river. They recycle what they can.
Beside the Memphis River Warriors stood the Highland Hundred group, whose goal is to get more support for the Tiger football team and keep that support even after graduation. Aside from meeting new students, group members can gain career experience that can assist them in their future aspirations.
"You get experience outside of the classroom which helps build confidence both inside the classroom and with your future," Betsy Loe, assistant director for the University's honors program, said.
Loe hopes students who join campus RSOs will gain confidence from extracurricular work, which will help them be more involved in their classes.
Students who missed the RSO Fair can get information about groups on campus by visiting the student leadership section of the U of M website. There they can find contact information for all the RSOs on campus.
If students can't find a group that fits their interests, they can create one of their own. All they need is 10 verified current student members, a constitution and a faculty or staff advisor.
For more information, visit memphis.edu/student_leadership/organizations.htm.
