On a campus the size of a small city, often times it doesn’t take much to feel left out. However, the hundreds of clubs and student organizations out there make it simple for every student to be . . .

More than just another number

To get involved or to not get involved? That is the question. With more than 400 student organizations available, an incoming freshman is faced with a plethora of options to become involved in the community.

"Looking back, this was a very important part of my own undergraduate experience. I urge all students to become involved in at least one extracurricular activity. It is one of the most useful things a student can do to truly connect with the University and other students."

A good way to find out about the various clubs the University offers is to attend the Student Involvement Fair, which takes place every September and January, said Amy Burrows, co-director of Penn State Habitat For Humanity Spring Break.

"The main thing is to go to the Student Involvement Fair. You go to it every year and you pick up so many brochures," she said. "You can pick what is right for you."

Although the fair is traditionally held in the HUB Ballroom and the HUB Fishbowl, the fair will be held in the HUB Reading Room because of construction on the building.

Burrows said the fair was an excellent way for her to find out about the numerous organizations that the University offers. It was at the fair that she said she first discovered Habitat for Humanity.

University clubs offer students a unique opportunity to gain some "real world" experience on a smaller level, said Undergraduate Student Government President Caroline Casagrande.

For example, Casagrande said the USG Department of Legal Affairs provides training experience for students who plan to practice law.

By joining an organization, Casagrande said a new student is able to meet people who have similar interests. Usually, joining a student organization helps a student meet other people within his or her field of study and other faculty members.

She said joining a club allows a student to make friends and ease the transition from high school to college.

"I think that as an incoming freshman, you can get overwhelmed. Getting involved gives you a tight clique of friends," said WKPS-FM (90.7) President Laurie Roth. "It makes adjusting to college so much easier."

Robert Myers, student trustee for the University Board of Trustees, said getting involved benefits students as it enriches the collegiate experience.

- Robert Myers, student trustee

Getting involved is a way to give back to the Penn State and State College communities, he said.

"These college years are the best times of our lives, and the least that we can do to repay that is become involved and return the favor," Myers added.

Also, Roth said she is glad she joined WKPS because the radio station has provided her with practical experience for the future.

Penn State offers a broad spectrum of clubs and organizations, said James Thomson, Penn State Paintball Association president, who added that the University offers an outlet for any interest that students may have.

"Anything that students want can be accomplished," said Thomson.

Interfraternity Council President Brad Nestico said joining an organization such as a fraternity offers opportunities for a student to develop his or her social, intellectual or leadership skills.

Also, by joining a fraternity or sorority, students have an opportunity to perform service to their community, said Nestico.

By joining a fraternity, he said he has received a more enriching education.

"Without my fraternity, I wouldn't have gotten involved as quickly as I did," Nestico said. "I think without involvement you don't truly get an education. At a university, especially Penn State, that's what we are here to do. You can go to college and get a degree or you can get involved and get an education."

Fraternities and sororities offer students a chance to interact with others, which helps prepare them for professional fields, said Panhellenic Council President Meghan Walsh.

"There's so many positions within fraternities," Nestico said. "There's always an event to take under your wing, which someone wouldn't normally take that position on their own."

Many of the experiences that fraternities and sororities offer help prepare students for the business world, Nestico said.

"When you become a brother, you are interacting with different sororities or when you are putting on philanthropies, you are marketing events," he said. "That's what social development is all about."

Although many new students have concerns about some of the negative aspects of Greek life such as hazing or underage drinking, Nestico said students individually have to decide if they want to take on the responsibility of joining the Greek system.

Walsh added that if a sorority is found guilty of hazing, the sorority is disestablished.

- Brad Nestico, Interfraternity Council president

"They have more to offer than anyone knows."

Many Greek organizations do provide an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community, but many other student organizations such as Penn State Habitat for Humanity offer volunteering opportunities.

"Volunteering has been an important part of my life here. It has added fulfillment to my Penn State experience," Burrows said. "Just to get involved in the community, it makes your time here more worthwhile."

Volunteering helps makes the large Penn State environment seem like a small community, she said.

Also, former executive director of Collegians Helping Aid Rescue Missions (CHARM) Ani Quinby said it is important for incoming students to get involved in service organizations because giving back to the community helps them have a greater appreciation of their new home and surrounding environment.

President of the Association of Residence Hall Students Adam Korsak said students can get involved and make a difference in their on-campus living environment, which is something he said he has benefited from.

"I think that it is very important. Had I not gotten involved, I would have sat around not knowing how to spend my first year here at Penn State," he said. "My credo is -- get involved, find something that you want to latch on to."

In addition to performing service for the community or the dorms, joining a political organization also allows a student to contribute to the surrounding area in a positive manner.

College Democrats tries to help students vote by assisting in the registration process, said former College Democrats President Matt Guzy.

"Having a connection with State College politically, we would like to think that we have the potential to make some kind of change," he said.

Also, joining political student organizations is an excellent way to inform oneself about the spectrum of viewpoints, said Jill Dworzanski, co-director of Womyn's Concerns.

"I think that it is vital that you get involved as soon as you get to college. That's what college is all about," she said.

"Getting involved is a good way to become aware of the range of ideas that exist. It helps you, especially in a university as large as this, find your place."

However, Dworzanski said a student should not try to become too involved too quickly. Often students need time to adjust to college life socially and academically.

She said a student should only join extracurricular activities that he or she has time for.

Joining extra curricular activities is an excellent way for a new Penn State student to adjust to the unfamiliar college environment, said Jenn Cree, regional communications director for Collegiate 4-H.

"I think that it is very important because it helps to make Penn State your home. You feel like you are a part of the school," said Cree.

"You take an active part besides just going to class. Getting involved incorporates the people aspect."

College life can be enriched by participation in the community, said Eric Langborgh, recruitment director for Penn State Young Americans for Freedom.

By participating in extracurricular activities, he said he has matured.

"As a freshman I was very ignorant. I continue to learn," Langborgh (senior-biology) said. "I think that especially as a freshman you shouldn't find one organization but look for a whole bunch."