If you walked past the University Center Monday morning, it would’ve been tough to miss the commotion of music and voices, the labyrinth of tables and displays, and the multitude of people—and don’t forget the wafting smell of pizza and other vittles.

The first day of this semester’s classes kicked off with a hullabaloo as Fall Fest sprawled across the University Center lawn from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 28. Many of the more than 100 student organizations, over 75 local businesses and 20 volunteer organizations set up their displays and handed out their freebie items and fliers to students and community members passing through, all to attract attention and get interested folks to join their cause.

“Fall Fest is great because from day one of classes it gives students a chance to join organizations they might be interested in, as well as find job opportunities and to just meet people,” explained Samantha Black, a senior nursing major and volunteer center coordinator at the NMU Center for Student Enrichment. “I’m not from around here, so when I was a freshman, it gave me a chance to make friends and meet people.”

Many students, both new and those who’ve been a few times around the bend, get excited about joining groups and the experiences and advantages they offer.

There are also a number of new student organizations, including the American Sign Language Club, for those who want to learn more outside ASL classes, and also the Meditation Club for those who like to lay back, relax and wax cerebral.

“Our goal is to get people to slow down and get them to think critically and break the polarity that’s going on in the country now and see each other as people again,” club founder Quentin Bullock, senior psychology major, said. “Our aspirations are to explore alternative ways of thinking that aren’t drug-induced but are more organic and sustainable.”

At the table next door, the Student Cyber Security Association, started last year and still getting on its feet, was looking for students from any major to join.

“We’re working to add to the cyber security program and provide supplemental information on topics that aren’t covered in class, help with career preparation and internships, as well as to volunteer to raise awareness about cyber literacy,” club president Kayleigh Hartland, senior information assurance cyber defense major, explained.

Meanwhile, other students at Fall Fest were more skeptical, taking their time before they choose to get too involved.

“Free food and stuff, nice people, this is pretty dope,” Simeon Higgins, freshman undeclared, remarked. “I like that there’s all these opportunities, but none of them persuaded me instantly—except Biolife, I signed up for that.”