Involvement Fair readies students for active semester

The Student Involvement Fair traditionally gives Roosevelt students an opportunity to have fun while socializing with peers and seeking ways to get involved in the campus community.

Complete with music, popcorn, arcade games, chances to win RU swag and even play life-sized Connect Four, this semester's fair gave that very chance to those who may have missed it in the fall.

Delta Gamma Pi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Chicago CRU, the Center for Career Development and the Anime Club were just a few of roughly 40 fraternities, sororities, academic and social clubs participating in the event and stressing the importance of getting involved.

"I think it's really important for students to get involved, especially here at Roosevelt," said junior James Moore. "Because we're a smaller school, it's really hard to get to know people if you're not active on campus – if you're not open to engagement with other students."

Despite a relatively low turnout, several organizations were still ambitious about increasing membership.

"Our membership is a little on the low side," said Billeka Palmer, who is in her first semester as president of the National Association of Black Accountants. "We want to increase our current number by at least 10 percent by the end of the semester."

NABA was one of several organizations aiming to "bridge the gap" between students and business professionals.

"We have students network with professionals so they'll learn how to interact in those circles, build contacts and ultimately land a job after college," said Palmer.

Members of the Student Government Association were on hand, giving out applications for open Senate seats. The recently founded Community Council was there hoping to increase awareness about their goal of providing unique opportunities for campus residents and commuters. They are also trying to promote student unity with programs such as Stress Fest – an end of semester event providing students with an escape from frantic finals weeks.

The soon-to-be chartered co-ed service fraternity, Alphi Phi Omega, was seeking new pledges by describing some of their recent community endeavors.

The Lakerettes, Roosevelt's cheerleading squad, were front and center, spreading the word about auditions being held this Friday and promoting student fan buses for the Lakers men's and women's basketball teams.

Students who missed the fair, but are interested in joining or getting more information about a campus organization can stop by the Center for Student Involvement in room 344 of the Auditorium Building, or visit roosevelt.edu/csi for a full list of student organizations and contact information for each.