From the moment I stepped on campus, the pressure to get involved was overwhelming. I distinctly remember sitting in a mandatory faculty lecture put on by W.P. Carey tackling what "getting involved" means for my future. However, no one informed me that many of these opportunities would cost even more money than my education already does.
For those who struggle to pay for college, paying club fees and dues can be impossible. Clubs, student organizations and ultimately the University, need to provide a way for all students to have the opportunity to get involved.
I joined four organizations: American Marketing Association, Arizona Outdoors Club, Young Life and The State Press. My involvement has helped me to to develop my goals, learn what I’m good at and find the things I’m passionate about. AMA even helped me find a job that is preparing me for my career. I don't know where I'd be had I not joined these groups.
Student organizations provide leadership skills, networking opportunities and even hands-on experience in specific industries. Denying students these opportunities based on the fact that they’re unable to pay dues is ridiculous.
A student who is struggling to pay rent should not be expected to shell out $50 to $100 per semester to participate in extracurricular activities. Every student deserves this opportunity no matter their race, sex or class. College should provide opportunities for students to escape the financial struggle that constantly looms over them.
Getting involved in college is hard like I love my clubs but it's so pricey literally $75 to join 2 clubs y'all
— auroraAs the number of organizations grows on campus, less funding is distributed to each club. If we’re constantly being told to get involved, ASU needs to be responsible for making this possible for everybody.
“We want to be able to open our club opportunities to everyone. However, the amount of clubs on campus increases every year, and ASU’s funding hasn’t kept up with the growth.” Matt Venness, senior marketing student and President of the American Marketing Association at ASU, said.
While some may argue that official membership is not always necessary to take part in club events, unofficial affiliation means little on your resume.
If you’re not an actual member of the student organization, you can’t run for an executive board position. In the competitive job market, students are expected to come out of college with some sort of leadership experience. Being on E-board is one of the best ways to demonstrate leadership and develop essential skills for the workplace, no matter the industry.
College is supposed to be a place of exploration and growth both personally and professionally. It is supposed to expose opportunities to any student willing to seek them. Financial obligation should not prevent students from seeking their interests.
Clubs and student organizations should not be elitist or financially exclusive. They’re not the Skull and Bones. They’re professional clubs targeted for career and skill development. College needs to be a place where opportunities are open to everyone who is willing to work for them.
If we really want to call ourselves innovative, we need to provide equal opportunity to every student. College is idealized as a place where opportunity is at every corner, where your goals are discovered and obtained.
Reach the columnist at sljorda4@asu.edu or follow @skyjordan15 on Twitter.
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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