Clubs aim to boost engagement during Fall Involvement Fair

Hundreds of student organizations packed the Petersen Events Center on Sunday afternoon for the annual Fall Involvement Fair. Hosted from 1-4 p.m., the event offered clubs a chance to showcase their activities, engage with students from all majors and recruit new members for the fall semester.

The fair, according to the Student Organizations Resources Center, aims to “connect students with like-minded individuals, broaden horizons, enhance resumes and help students discover their passion.”

James Benke, a senior chemical engineering major and vice president of the Chemical Engineering Club, said he uses the Involvement Fair to reach students he doesn’t normally get to speak to otherwise. 

“As a chemical engineering club, we usually only get outreach within our own major,” Benke said. “At the Involvement Fair, we’re able to connect with students from a variety of disciplines that we wouldn’t normally interact with.”

The fair is a “crucial” event for campus organizations since it serves as a platform for clubs to reach a broader audience, according to Josephine Bevacqua, a junior anthropology major and representative of Lambda Alpha, the anthropology honors society. To her, it’s an opportunity to introduce her organization to first-year students and others who are still exploring their interests.

“We’ve had a steady stream of students stopping by to learn about anthropology as a major, which is one of our main goals,” Bevacqua said. “We want to bring more people into the anthropology major and eventually into our honors society.”

Some students attending the fair expressed their appreciation for the variety of options available. Zachariah Jonassaint, a sophomore majoring in information sciences, said that the fair’s structure made it easier for him to explore the different clubs.

“It’s really convenient that everything is categorized so I can easily find what suits me,” Jonassaint said. “I honestly wish it was longer so I could explore every club in depth.”

First-year psychology major Cosmo Reynolds said that the fair provided an opportunity to discover lots of new ways to get involved on campus.

“I found three LGBTQ+ student unions, a fantasy club, the Autistic Student Union and so many more,” Reynolds said. “It’s amazing how many options there are, and I haven’t even seen everything yet.”

But the fair isn’t just about recruiting new students for some club representatives. Benke said he enjoys introducing people to the Chemical Engineering Club and sharing his passion.  

“I’ve been with the club for almost three years now, so I really know how it operates,” Benke said. “I feel like I’ve learned what prospective members are looking for.”

Hanna Winter, a senior anthropology major and representative of Lambda Alpha, echoed the statement, noting that her organization is still rebuilding after a lull during the pandemic.

“Our organization lost momentum due to COVID, so we don’t have a huge presence outside of the anthropology major,” Winter said. “We want to get people excited about it and explain what anthropology is all about.”

As clubs continue to rebuild after the pandemic, they are finding more ways to recruit new members. Preparation, according to club representatives, is key to attracting students at the fair. 

“You have to be clear, have your QR code ready, your first meeting time set and something eye-catching to draw people in,” Benke said.

Winter said Lambda Alpha prioritized the visual appeal of their table to attract more students.

“We wanted something flashy that attracts attention, so we brought candy, glitter and even some rings that people can take home,” Winter said. “Some students are shy about stopping to talk, so we’ve also got flyers and QR codes that provide more detailed information.”

When searching for clubs, some students like Jonassaint are drawn to those that foster a sense of community.

“I’m definitely looking for a club where everyone gets along and it feels welcoming,” Jonassaint said.

Reynolds added that, when looking for a club, their criteria varies depending on the type. 

“For creative clubs, I’m looking for something I know I’ll be actively engaged in and truly interested in,” Reynolds said. “For activism-focused clubs, I’m looking for ones that align with my values and offer plenty of opportunities to get involved.”

Bevacqua added that the fair is about creating a welcoming atmosphere for students new to the campus.

“Since there are so many [first-years] and sophomores here, our main goal is to show them how much Pitt has to offer,” Bevacqua said. “We just want to get them acclimated and give them a sense of what they can get involved in this semester.”