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Getting Involved at Illinois!
By Laurel Reed Rosch, Associate Director, Illini Union


WHAT DOES "GET INVOLVED" MEAN? You might have heard it said that it is important for students to get involved while in college. But many people are unsure of exactly what this means - or what steps they need to take to become involved.

While academic study should be one's primary reason to be at the University of Illinois, there is still much to be learned by taking advantage of the many opportunities outside of the classroom. Through participation in activities such as membership in a student organization, internships, recreational sports, on-campus employment, residential life and faculty research, students gain valuable skills that will compliment their academic education and make them a well-rounded individual.

WHY GET INVOLVED? Involvement is the best way for students to associate themselves with their university and to realize that they are a valuable part of the University of Illinois community. Those who are involved tend to develop relationships with other students as well as with UIUC faculty and administrators, resulting in connections that will be important to their college success.

A recent national survey of over 260,000 freshmen and seniors at 523 four-year colleges and universities, found that students who participate in collaborative learning and educational activities outside the classroom are more satisfied with their education and are more likely to remain in college (National Survey of Student Engagement, 2006).

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students who are members of one of our largest student organizations, the Illini Union Board, have further shared that as a result of their being involved on campus, they have also learned and/or been exposed to the following:

  • Appreciation of Diversity
  • Learning how to manage budgets; work within a bureaucracy; and utilize conflict mediation skills
  • An increased awareness of self
  • Opportunities to build upon networking and connecting skills
  • Learning how to work within a team (including being accountable to that team, encouraging creativity within the team, and learning how to be professional in teamwork)
  • Opportunity to complement their professional pursuits- being involved with a group that works with a student's career interest, may expose them to what it is like to work in that field
  • Being more aware of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus community and feeling more connected to the campus (College Union Board Volunteer Benefits Inventory, 2003-2006)

INVOLVEMENT TIPS


In addition to the Illini Union Board, the University of Illinois has over 1,000 student organizations on campus and hundreds more involvement opportunities for your student to join. UIUC understands that the vastness of these numbers may be overwhelming and may keep some students from committing themselves to something outside of class. But the Student Programming and Activities Office within the Illini Union is here to help!

Our office staff recommends that when a student is interested in narrowing down their involvement interests and/or finding a new group to join that they keep in mind the following guidelines:

Choose opportunities that interest you. From time to time, students may be tempted to join a group or apply for a position because it seems that everyone else is doing it. While participating with friends is fun, students should get involved with activities that appeal to them. This way, not only will students get the most benefit from their involvement - but they are more likely to remain active in the group.

Don't be afraid to try something new. If a student has never tried underwater hockey - but been interested in it - now is his/her time! Part of the fun of involvement is trying new things.

Find a balance. Research shows that more involvement leads to more benefits, however, don't over do it. Students are encouraged to engage in various out-of-classroom activities, but they shouldn't allow it to affect their academics or wellness.

Don't take on new activities all at once. When deciding which activities to get involved with, students should make sure to start slow and add activities as they get comfortable with their schedule. Taking on too much at one time can lead to burn out.

Visit the Student Programs and Activities Registered Student Organization Office. If a student has questions about getting involved with a group, or wants help finding the right opportunity for them, they can visit a complete listing of the registered student organizations at the Student Programs and Activities Office's website (http://www.union.uiuc.edu/involvement/rso.htm) or students are always welcome our office on the 2nd floor of the Illini Union, room 284, weekdays between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

Students should not limit themselves to one type of involvement. While students typically think of involvement in college as their affiliation with student organizations, they should also remember that there are some other great opportunities outside of the classroom. To learn more about them, students are welcome to contact the following offices:

. Office of Volunteer Programs
. The Dean of Students Office and Multicultural Centers
. The Illinois Leadership Center
. Campus Recreation
. University Housing