The Racquette

Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: College Life

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SUNY Potsdam has more than 30 student clubs and organizations, representing a variety of interests and providing a venue through which students can meet new people, gain skills in a desired field and learn more about their own career interests.

Ruth Policella, director of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, expressed that the importance of student groups is increased through the learning experiences involved. "So much of the student's time is spent outside of the classroom. I believe that a lot of students' learning is based on what they choose to do outside of the classroom, whether that is joining clubs and organizations or attending events," said Policella. "Every student group offers leadership opportunities. In anything you do, not only is it your chance to have a good time, it's also a chance to develop skills you may not be able to acquire in any other way."

While the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership organizes its own events to provide entertainment for students, the office also organizes events that provide outlets for students to make connections with student organizations and clubs, such as the Welcome Weekend Carnival and First Saturday held at the start and end of the first week of the semester.

At the carnival, student groups staffed activities and gave out raffle tickets for entry to win a number of prizes, including money for spring semester books and a Nintendo Wii. At First Saturday, local businesses provided specials for students and stamped "passports," the raffle tickets needed for entry to win gift certificates from the Village of Potsdam Chamber of Commerce. Student groups staffed oversized games along the stretch of Main Street from The Bagelry to Little Italy, allowing groups to reach out to students and explain their group's goals and activities more in depth than a flier could express.

"What's important really is for students to make connections with student groups and to think about what kind of clubs and organizations are here that they could participate in," said Policella. "For new students particularly, every club wants members. It can be intimidating for people to go to a club meeting, but every group wants you to be there. That will help shape your total experience at Potsdam. That's where you'll make your friends. That's where you'll learn the skills that will help you for the rest of your life."

At WAIH, the campus radio station, its members learn to operate a sound board and develop on-air communication skills. The executive board positions further develop skills of a specific interest and function. As business manager, Rebecca Preston is developing good business skills, and Rebecca Sachs, the tracking music director, said she is further developing her communication skills and is learning to network.

Madstop Records is a small-scale version of the recording and music business world, as described by Madstop Marketing Director Jordan Summers. Its members receive preparation for entry into their desired career fields, learn about different types of music and learn how to manage their own selves and others, while spreading music around the community.

As a member of Philosophy Forum, Bill Harz and the forum's other members expand their philosophical ideas as they meet each Thursday to discuss movies, readings and ideas. The club also offers its members the opportunity to attend conferences. Harz appreciates the club's lax environment and discussion based format, differing from standard organization requirements.

All clubs offer leadership opportunities but also a sense of community among members who hold similar interests or goals. Preston said she met all of her best friends at the radio station. "We're like a family at WAIH," added Sachs.

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