SGA hosts Club Fairs to get students involved with various organizations around campus

With the start of a new semester, and the beginning of a new year, many students are looking for ways to get more active, start a new hobby or read a few books in 2020. Liberty’s Club Fair, Jan 20-22, allowed students to connect with clubs that would fit almost any interest. 

Liberty University houses over 100 clubs led by students for students. The Club Fair last week allowed both new and returning students to explore clubs on campus. 

Alexa Whaley, the director of clubs for the Student Government Association, spoke about why she loves working with the Clubs Department at Liberty.

“Being a part of Clubs (department) comes with working with so many different types of people,” Whaley said. “I love how everyone involved is super passionate, and I enjoy connecting with them and giving them the resources they need.”

For three days, the Montview Student Union overflowed with various booths showcasing a variety of clubs. Groups like the Powerlifting Club, the Strategic Intelligence Society and the Field Hockey Club campaigned for hobbies and interests they are passionate about.

Autism Speaks U (ASU) is one of dozens of clubs available to students at Liberty. Its mission is to raise awareness about Autism, serve people that are impacted by it and support those people through acts of Christ.

Corrine Hilton is the vice president of membership and marketing for Autism Speaks U: Liberty. She runs all social media and collaborates with other universities to ensure that Autism Speaks is heard.

“One of our main phrases is ‘Autism speaks, Liberty listens,’” Hilton said. “We love to integrate both parties, in leadership and as members, that are on the spectrum and not. We work together for a common goal to get more accommodations and more compassion on campus.”

Autism Speaks takes steps to spark change in the community at Liberty. Last semester, ASU met with the Office of Disability Accommodation Support and the Office of Equity & Inclusion, and hosted a seminar for Liberty faculty to educate and raise sensitivity to this concern. 

In a study done by the University of Albany, statistics showed that involvement in student organizations increases psychosocial development, especially in clarifying purpose, career planning and life management. 

Whaley said being a part of a club is much more than a resume builder. It is an opportunity to build bridges, grow in community, and explore passions, hobbies and interests.

“Clubs have so much to do with getting a new idea or feeling a passion for a certain cause and acting on that,” Whaley said. “It gives the opportunity to practice hands-on experience and is a huge part of university life. It allows students to be equipped and relate their skills to the real world.” 

A show by the Improv Team and events by the Students for Life Liberty club are some events Whaley shared that Liberty can look forward to. 

“There’s a club for everyone here at Liberty,” Whaley said. “So many people are involved and lifelong friends can be made there.” 

Edmonds is a news reporter. Follow her on Twitter.

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