The number of students organizations has dropped by a third this year leaving some students bored and unhappy.
“There aren’t a lot of personal interactions,” student Nassir Wilson said. “And when we actually get to have events it’s just not the same.”
The Office of Student Engagement says that it sanctioned 45 student organizations last fall and fewer then 30 this year.
“These organizations are gone, because they did not meet the requirements of the university, “ said Malic Emerson, coordinator for the Interorganizational Council. “Student organizations are important, because they help students find a sense of identity and purpose, but the organization itself has to hold up its end.”
Emerson said that every organization sanctioned by the university must commit to regular community service. In addition, every student in the organization must have a 2.5 grade point average.
Some students say that campus life has suffered with the decrease in student organizations. “So many students complain about being homesick and lonely. These events give people a chance to at least make friends and socialize,” student Marquan McCright said.
Wilson said that students need an opportunity to socialize outside the classroom. “You really don’t socialize in class, and if you do, it’s short,” he said.
Emerson said that the university is willing to approve new organizations as long as they are not redundant. “Student engagement is very important to retention, because it gives you the college experience you need,” Emerson said.