As we begin a new school year the University of North Dakota once again welcomes a record setting incoming Freshman class for the 2025-2026 academic school year. This is indicative of a positive trend for the university as enrollment and retention rates have continued to go up over recent years.
With this in turn there is more cash flowing into the university and more funding for different clubs and organizations on campus. There are over 200 different clubs and student led professional organizations on campus that students could become a part of. These organizations offer unique opportunities for first year students to meet new, like-minded people and develop their social skills outside of a classroom or dorm room setting.
Alongside with meeting new people, getting involved on campus through differing student organizations offers students the ability to gain valuable volunteering and leadership experience, depending on the club or organization that they choose to become a part of. Leading towards another key aspect of being a part of a student organization, it is only as beneficial to individuals’ college experiences as they make them out to be. If students take full advantage of these opportunities, although it may not be apparent to them as they just begin their time at UND, it can prove to be an invaluable asset on resumes as they seek to market themselves to future employers.
Whether it is a potential busy schedule, or time commitment that is holding you back from getting involved, strongly consider the future benefits getting involved on campus will have on your professional career. The easiest way to find the differing student organizations that UND offers on campus would be to visit the university webpage and find the student involvement tab.
Alongside with visiting the student involvement website many of these organizations regularly table and market themselves on campus, so be sure to stay up to date with the UND student events calendar so that you go ahead and see for yourself in person whether joining a student organization is for you.
I had the opportunity to speak with second year university student Matthew Steffl who is the sitting president of the UND Money Management club and asked him about his experience being part of a student led club at UND. Steffl stated that “part of why I am a huge advocate for student organizations and their presence on campus is because of the real-world impact that they have on the greater Grand Forks community” in which he goes into further detail highlighting that his club’s annual charity events prove to be some of the most rewarding and exciting parts of the year.
This is just one of countless examples of the positive impact that student-led organizations have at UND and I strongly suggest seeing whether or not becoming part of one makes sense for you.
Daniel Silva is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
