The Student Organizational Fair echoed the Welcome Week superhero theme by allowing students the opportunity to choose a team.
Carrie Anderson, coordinator of programs and marketing for campus recreation and student programming, said the purpose of the fair “is to give our regular student organizations a chance to showcase what they have going on, what their group has to offer students.”
Although the fair is being held during Welcome Week, students should be aware that this is not just for incoming freshmen. All students can participate and join groups they are interested in.
A new group on campus this semester, Youngstown State U. Humans vs. Zombies, is trying to let students know what they are all about.
Nick Uroseva, founder and president of the group, explained that the goal of Humans vs. Zombies is a game of tag. One player is a zombie and the other players, humans, must hit the zombie with “weapons” such as rolled socks, Nerf guns or foam swords. This in turn “stuns” the zombie for 15 minutes and the zombie cannot “tag” the humans while stunned.
Uroseva learned of the game through a friend attending Bowling Green State University and he felt it would work well at YSU. The only issue that the group has faced is where to play.
“Ideally, this game is played over seven days on campus in between classes,” Uroseva said. “YSU Police will not allow the game to be played on campus.”
For now, the group must play at local parks.
Another group on campus is hoping to raise awareness of its presence. The Student Nonprofit Leadership Organization focuses on preparing students for careers in nonprofit leadership.
“I am focusing on three things; raise, recruit, retain,” said Classy Brown, president of SNLO. “Raise funds, recruit new people and retain people and community ties.”
SNLO works with many community nonprofit organizations such as Hands On Volunteer Network, Humility of Mary, Animal Charity, Angels for Animals and Big Reach.
“I am not necessarily looking for business school students,” Brown said. “I am looking for liberal arts majors, [and] science majors [as well].”
Brown explained that all students would need to be involved in volunteer service at some point in their school careers and that this is a good way to become involved. Brown described involvement in SNLO as a “good resume builder.”
Both organizations stress that you do not need to specialize in anything specific, just to share a common interest in the organization and its purpose.
Anderson said feedback from this event, in previous years, has been tremendous.
“There are 60 groups currently signed up with some on a waiting list,” Anderson said.
The Organizational Fair was held Tuesday in front of Kilcawley Center but there will be a smaller version of the fair tonight during the Penguin Pre-Party for those still interested in researching a group that fits their interest.