Sports, functions, meetings, service projects, Spring Sing and great friendships are what can be expected from social clubs.
For those of you who may have missed the club interest session or possibly for those who were there and too distracted by Words with Friends to really pay attention, here is the club process, simplified.
First things first, open Safari, get on Pipeline and apply to be accepted into the process. Your deadline is Sept. 14, which is a week from today, so don’t put it off. Go to the social club link on Pipeline and click “Apply to Social Club Process.” Once you’ve applied, you’re all set for the first round.
You’ve already attended the all-club open houses, so it’s time for open-invitation mixers. Mixers vary from club to club, but mostly likely, some sort of theme will be involved. Don’t panic. Goodwill, the dollar store or that kid down the hall probably has something sufficient for almost any theme. Whether it be wrapping yourself up like a Christmas present, brandishing a solid handlebar mustache or donning an authentic pair of mom jeans, the possibilities are endless. And don’t forget – guestbooks are important. Sign your name on some kind of list or book every chance you get to make sure they know you are interested in their club.
Go to as many mixers as you can. It’s important to check out as many clubs as possible, because they all have something to offer. There are great people in every club and if you plan on spending four years with this group of people, you will want to really know what they are made of.
Junior Justin Sims, president of TNT, offered some advice at the information session to those considering pledging.
“As you’re approaching this process, think about who you want to be after this,” Sims said. “After four years it’s not really going to matter the jersey that you wore on Fridays … hat’s going to matter is the type of person you’ve become.”
Dean Kara Abston, assistant director of student life, led the social club interest session and encouraged students to consider social clubs as an opportunity to get involved on campus.
“We just want you to be connected and plugged in, and we’ll do anything we can to help,” Abston said.
Abston said that there are more than 2,250 people involved in social clubs, but regardless, there is room for you.
With 16 women’s clubs and 13 men’s clubs to choose from, the Office of Student Life said they hope you are able to find a club that instills in you Harding’s mission and goals, always focusing on the integration of faith, learning and living.
Listen for chapel announcements, look on the Pipeline Whiteboard, watch for fliers, check your mailbox and read your emails to keep updated on all club events and activites. Good luck.
