Being involved as a college student can offer you numerous opportunities to make connections, try new things, meet new people and build a support system with people who care.
NMU currently has 298 active student organizations, ranging from minority representation and support to accomplished sports teams who make competitive appearances on a national level.
My transition to Northern as a sophomore was cushioned greatly by the Men’s Lacrosse Club, whose members were immediately accepting and supportive of my personal and academic life. Then, in my junior year, I was inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, which gave me the chance to connect with other humanities-centered students who value human expression. Now, in my senior year, my only regret is that I did not join more groups.
Two hundred ninety-eight clubs can be overwhelming—as any incoming freshman who has been to Fall Fest can attest—and despite the multitude of clubs, there is still the possibility for one to feel left out. To counteract this, the Center for Student Enrichment offers all students the opportunity to form their own student organization should their area of interest lack representation.
Per the Student Organization Resources, “you will need one eager student and one enthusiastic NMU faculty or staff member to serve as the adviser. Then you will register your new group with the Center for Student Enrichment on The Hub NMU to become an active group” (CSE website).
Here are the steps required to register:
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Log in to The Hub with your student information.
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Locate the Groups icon.
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Select All Groups.
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Click the Register a New Student Organization button.
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Fill out the registration form and click Submit.
After submitting, the Center for Student Enrichment will review the information provided and will either accept or deny the application. If approved, the prospective club will become an active organization on campus. All student organizations are required to re-register at the beginning of each academic year to maintain accurate records.
Once they form a new organization, the university provides students the privilege of receiving funding, participating in campus activities such as Homecoming or Winter Fest, access to advertisement resources and various fundraising opportunities to grow and promote the club.
As with all privileges, the university reserves the right to remove any organization that does not comply with Northern’s code of conduct or Title IX.
No matter how niche your interests may be, NMU encourages students to share their passions with those around them. Four years is a short time; why not take advantage of it? If you or someone you know is interested in forming a new student organization, visit the Center for Student Enrichment or follow the steps provided above.
