Thousands of new and returning students will make their way through Schine Student Center today, deciding whether greek life, fencing or involvement in the Audit Department is for them.

Relocated from the Quad to Schine due to forecasts of heavy rain, the annual Student Involvement Fair will showcase more than 100 student organizations looking for new members from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Schine will also host the Club Sport Activity Fair from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

‘The fair is designed to be a drop-by event, where folks can stop at tables that they are interested in or visit with representatives from each group,’ said Laurel Reed Rosch, associate director for leadership programs. ‘The atmosphere tends to be festive and very energetic – many organizations report finding most of their new members at this event.’

Over 2,000 students of all majors, years and interests have investigated past fairs, Rosch said, signing up for new clubs or activities and collecting free gifts from the student organizations.

‘It really is a great gathering of all types of students – there truly seems to be something at the fair for everyone,’ Rosch said.

All recognized student organizations and campus departments were invited to the event, which has included arts groups, community service organizations, cultural groups, Reserve Officer Training Corps and representatives from the greek councils.

‘All clubs are open to all students,’ said Joe Lore, the director of club sports. ‘Anybody who’s interested in becoming part of a club sports team.’

While the interior of Schine will be more limiting than the Quad, Rosch was confident that the turnout will remain high among club and activity organizers.

Goldstein Auditorium, the Schine Underground and Rooms 304 A, B and C have been reserved for the event.

The Club Sports Activity Fair will be held later Tuesday night in Goldstein Auditorium, putting students in touch with the team and club officers or representatives.

‘There’s an opportunity for each student to find out about a club team, ask questions, find out about practices and games, and spend some time discussing it with the club officers,’ Lore said. ‘It’s a great opportunity for students to become involved in one of many club activities.’

Lore said that between 600 and 800 students have come to past fairs, which offer a chance to find everything from paintball and curling to dance troupes and fencing.

‘We definitely have diversification within the sports program, to say the least,’ Lore said.

Published on September 7, 2004 at 12:00 pm