Engaging

I was extremely active in extracurricular activities and organizations

Involvement outside the classroom matters. Students who were highly active in extracurriculars were 1.4 times more likely to thrive in their post-college lives.

Faculty can play a key role in encouraging and connecting students to these opportunities. The strategies here highlight ways to support students’ personal development, leadership, and engagement beyond coursework.

Strategy & approaches

Overview of Strategy/Approach Details Resources
Connecting students with campus engagement resources 
  • Student organization repository: searchable database of student organizations. Campus events calendar: centralized listing of campus events
  • Student club repository: listings with descriptions and contact info 

 

Overview of Strategy/Approach Details Resources
  • Builds roots and helps students establish a home base
  • Cultivates skills, interests, and hobbies to build a well-rounded individual 
  • Foster networks outside of the professional sphere
  • Resources may not be endorsed by a college or university  
  • University-based repositories
  • Tourism Board Websites
  • Local Newspapers
  • Example – Discover Gainesville: Stay for Adventure
    • Visitors guide providing suggested activities and a listing of events taking place in and around Gainesville
  • Example – Orlando Weekly
    • Provides general information and recommendations relating to food/dining, arts/culture, and free events that anyone can attend

General Resources (may not be endorsed by the institution)

  • Meetup
    • Activities, events, and interest groups organized by geographical location
    • Connects individuals based on similar interests and hobbies
  • Tripadvisor
    • Provides recommendations and travel reviews for local attractions for both visitors and locals looking to explore an area

 

Overview of Strategy/Approach Details Resources
  • Allows students to engage in experiential learning activities that relate to their interests, in a way that also connects them to and benefits their university communities
  • Dialogue with students about their interests, encouraging them to let those passions guide their volunteer choices
  • Campus service/experiential learning offices
  • Types of organizations: Local and national offices for non-profits, religious organizations, hospitals and medical clinics, government offices, museums, libraries, campus student groups
  • Example – Volunteer Opportunities (By Category)
  • Example – Become Involved
  • Example – VolunteerMatch