by Virginia Orman, Class of 2016.
Beginning with my first week at the University of Bridgeport, I’ve been “involved” with campus life. I became friends with an upperclassman within the second week of school, she was the President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and invited me to an event that I found extremely fascinating! I asked her what other events were happening and expressed a few of my ideas for programs that I thought would benefit the campus. She then encouraged me to run for President of my Class and told me that it was a great way to get involved. Two weeks later I ran for Class of 2016 President and to my surprise, I won! After a few weeks of starting school, I was suddenly responsible for representing my class at Student Government meetings and acting as a liaison between students, clubs and organizations, faculty, and the administration. Everything was happening so quickly, but it was exhilarating and fun to start to get to know my campus a little bit better. Because I joined SGA, I was always in the know about events that clubs were hosting, programs happening on campus and noticed helpful opportunities that were often overlooked by college students (Career Fairs, the on-campus chiropractic and acupuncture service, counseling programs, etc.).
I began holding events for my class hoping to understand what the desires and needs of the UB community were. I loved it so much because I always had something to do and I quickly build an extensive network of friends. I wasn’t wandering around campus wondering what to do with my time like I was my first week. After my freshman year, I applied to be the Executive Secretary and then ran for SGA President during my Junior year and stayed in that office for one year. My time in the Student Government was extremely fulfilling and I saw how beneficial it was for me to be “involved” and to understand the pulse of the campus. I found out so many things I would have never noticed or thought about if I just went straight to class and back home. I also became a Student Ambassador where I started working in the Admission department giving tours of UB, helping at Open House or Accepted Student’s Day events. I may have even given you a tour! Because of this position I always know about the new renovations and future changes that will happen at UB. I know a bit about all of our programs, majors, clubs, and the best places to chill on campus. I’m grateful for this position because I like to show off the school that I love!
The reason I put “involved” in quotes is because there are many different ways to participate in campus culture and to figure out your interests. Below I’ve listed 10 ways to get involved that will hopefully bring you out of your residents hall, off your phone, and into the real life...
1. Go to all orientation events! This may seem like an obvious one, but I know many new students that skip orientation events, or even orientation altogether after registering for classes. The reason there is an orientation is so that you can get oriented to campus. Through the activities done in groups and with your orientation leader you’re able to make new friends, and maybe even find a roommate! Initially it can be difficult to adjust to campus life but if you go to events, get a tour of campus, and meet some of your future professors it can ease any anxiety that you might have when you first come to UB.
2. Attend the Fall Activities fair: It’s a great way to learn about clubs and organizations on campus that you may be interested in. We have over 50+clubs on campus at any given time ranging from Black Student Alliance (BSA), to Purple Light Charity Club, to Student Programming Board, to United We Step, to Civil Rights Activist Club, and to Model United Nations to name a few. You might find a club that you never knew existed and that fits your interests. If you don’t find a club that you are interested in being a part of you could always start one, which is bringing me to my next point...
3. Start a club: If you attend the fall activities fair and you don’t find a club that you want to join or there’s something new you want to bring to campus you can always start one. All you need is 10 people, a constitution, and an on-campus advisor. Then you need to register with SGA and boom, you're eligible for funding and can start hosting events around campus. Someone once told me on a tour that they wanted to start a gourmet cheese club, and it sounded delicious to me! I’m starting a Rotary International Club in the fall, so if you’re interested come find me!
4. Attend Campus Events: (Besides orientation) So many times I’ve heard that there’s nothing to do on campus, but every week there are so many events happening that I don’t have time for all of them. Whether it’s a health fair, a dance party, a trip to six flags, a poetry session, or educational events, there is always, always something to do. Just grab a friend and head over! You can check the purple knight weekly, an email that is sent to you by Campus Activities once a week, to see what’s happening in the next few days. Please don’t just delete it thinking it’s spam.
5. Attend Sporting Events: This may sound too similar to attend overall campus events, but sporting events are a whole other category. Whether you’re doing the “UB” “UKNOW” chant at a basketball game, or cheering your head off being at a gymnastics meet, it feels great to tap into UB school spirit. Did you know our gymnastics has won seven, yes seven, national titles. Not too bad, eh?
6. Join Greek Life: There are a number of sororities and fraternities on campus and attending a Greek informational session may spark your interest to pledge to an organization. Greek Life is a community in which you will have a group of friends, or should I say sisters/brothers for life!
7. Take advantage of services: We have a huge health services department at UB with Dental hygiene, Chiropractic, and naturopathic to name a few. Walk over to the clinic and make an appointment to get your back adjusted, your teeth cleaned or visit our natural pharmacy. The services are way cheaper than going to a chiropractor on your own.
8. Apply and run to be Class President and Vice President: Getting involved in student government was one of the best choices that I have made. If you care about making an impact and understanding how to better support your peers on campus, Student Government may be the place for you.
9. Apply to become a Student Ambassador: Every fall we look for new student ambassadors to help run admissions events. I love giving tours to families and making a connection with each new person I meet. Knowing about the different programs UB has to offer has made my time in college far more interesting.
10. Follow @UBridgeport: This is the easiest way to stay involved and in the know about what’s happening on our campus. Whether there’s announcements, fun facts, or tidbits about our UB community.
Check out http://bridgeport.edu/life/campus-activities/clubs-organizations/ for more information and look for posters on campus advertising open positions, fairs, and events happening in the fall!
If there’s one thing I don’t want to hear the new class say is “there’s nothing to do on campus”! If you look hard enough, there are always things to do, people to meet, and places to explore. You just need to put a little effort into it and, believe me it is worth at least one try.
Virginia Orman
Senior Student Ambassador
Former Student Government Association President
B.A. International Political Economy and Diplomacy and Religion and Politics
Class of 2016
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