The Rise and Fall Of Student Organizations at Rutgers Camden 

Student organizations are essential to the college experience, offering students opportunities for personal and professional development beyond the classroom. Engaging in these groups allows students to cultivate leadership skills, form lasting friendships, and contribute positively to their campus and community. Whether it’s academic clubs, cultural organizations, or special interest groups, a diverse array of options are available for students to pursue their passions and enrich their overall college experience. Rutgers Camden has a vast list of student organizations for all students to join, such as the RUC Criminal Justice Org, LASO, the WCCR Campus Community Radio, and so many more. 

The benefits of joining a club are endless. Networking with students of similar interests and learning new skills without worrying about making mistakes are among the many. School clubs teach students about teamwork and allow them to develop their leadership style. However, the university’s social climate has seen a decline in general student interest, and clubs are struggling to gain the attention of the overall student body. 

A major factor that often prevents students from joining clubs is competing priorities. In such a hectic lifestyle, students have to juggle attending classes, completing school work, and working jobs, consequently leading them to cut out clubs. Thus, sacrificing an important medium where students develop different skills and connect with students of similar interests. Students are dividing their attention between multiple classes and course loads; adding a club that does not fit into their schedules seamlessly explains why there is not as much involvement in student organizations as there should be. However, making it easier for students to find the time for these clubs is not as complex as it might seem. Of course, planning is involved for each club meeting. However, only having one club meeting a month is enough for a student to lose interest in showing up, especially if there is low attendance in the organization already. 

It was the start of a new semester, and students were buzzing around campus. Some with smiles stretched across their faces as they walked hurriedly to their classes with a friend. Others dreadfully put one foot in front of the other, hoods covering their faces, making it hard to see their sunken, tired eyes. However, something all students had in common was the determination to start the semester, even if some resigned. I had made an oath to join a club because I knew it was about time to start polishing my resume. 

So, during the first few weeks of the new semester, I spent a few minutes every day on Navigate, searching for an event that was interesting enough to attend. When I came across an event hosted by LASO, I was ecstatic.

Finally, I found a club on campus composed of students with a similar background. What a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get involved on campus. The event banner mentioned free snacks, too, so who am I to say no to a free snack? On the event day, I unintentionally arrived first at the meeting room. One by one, the three LASO board members came in. They got up to the front and set up their presentation. I watched as they waited for more people to come in the door. Their faces went from excitement, waiting to withdraw, to disappointment when they realized only two other students and I attended. Those two other students did not stay for long, and I was the last to leave. Ultimately, the presentation was never given, and I left the meeting wanting to forget my oath. That was my first time attending a club meeting, and I was left underwhelmed. I decided to give the club another chance a few weeks later. However, that second club meeting was not much better. Sure, at least at that time, the board got to present, but it was short and did not appear as much effort had gone into the PowerPoint. 

However, this fall semester has proven that with more effort put into a club by board members and students, a club can do a complete 180. On September 26th, LASO hosted an event called Ritmos Y Raices, and it was a significant success. Unlike the two other club events I attended from LASO, this event successfully gathered several students from different backgrounds to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. There is noticeably more effort being put into LASO this semester, and the gap between events is shortened, allowing students not to feel pressured into making each event if they have to focus on school work. 

And that is not the only club making a comeback this fall semester. There’s a new writing club on the block named The Scarlet Scribes. Our university’s failed English club is returning with a new name and new opportunities. If you are a student interested in writing books or simply looking for a community of book lovers, joining this new club is a fantastic opportunity. Meetings for this club will be held bi-weekly, and students are encouraged to share their latest works in progress and book recommendations at these meetings. 

Student organizations are a cornerstone of the college experience, offering students a sense of community, valuable networking opportunities, and a platform to enhance their resumes. However, these groups also face significant challenges. The sustainability of school organizations requires effort and support from the entire college community. By supporting the growth of student organizations, we can ensure that these groups continue to thrive and positively impact the college community. 

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