Here’s some food for thought. I would wager that Waynesburg University offers so many campus activities, student organizations and clubs that a student could attend for eight years and not explore the opportunities to their fullest potential.
to stay up-to-date on campus activity offerings in real time!
I speak from experience here. My freshman year, I was a member of the student senate, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), The Yellow Jacket newspaper, WCTV, the Honors program, the Student Activities Board, a work study program and several other clubs. Did I overbook? Probably. Was it worth seeing the different opportunities my new home offered? Absolutely.
The University is home to dozens of clubs and student activities, all of which are just waiting for students to participate. From book club and bingo to the symphonic band and sporting event trips, there are many opportunities, all of which are either free or inexpensive.
“We endeavor to provide a wide variety of fun activities for students to participate in,” Associate Dean of Students and Student Activities Board Advisor Pat Bristor said. “All of our programs are designed to be either free of charge or relatively cheap, and that includes our bingo nights, where students can win prizes, SWARMs (which stands for Stop Working And Relax More) where students can take a break and grab a snack, and even our trips to Penguins games.”
These campus clubs and activities provide channels for students to socialize and connect with each other on campus, especially the activities that take place during orientation. I remember attending the s’mores night and Sting’s Carnival during my first week on campus like it was yesterday. It was there where I made my first college friends, many of whom I’m still incredibly close with. To any incoming students, I greatly suggest that you make the most out of these events. Even if you are not an extroverted person, by putting yourself out there and meeting people, you will set yourself up for a successful college experience.
Other excellent opportunities to connect are the campus Organizational Fairs, hosted at the beginning of each semester. Student clubs and professional organizations will set up tables and share information with interested students who attend. It is at these events where students can sign up for clubs’ email lists to get more information. By taking a leap of faith and signing up for a club outside your comfort zone, you may be opening the door to a host of new experiences that may even help you decide what career path you wish to pursue.
On the note of careers, some of the most valuable student organizations on campus are the pre-professional ones.
“Waynesburg University has a whole variety of pre-professional organizations and clubs that are both major specific and content specific that will help students prepare for their future careers,” Assistant Registrar for Data Integrity and Reporting Support Samantha Pete said. “Just to name a few, we have a business club on campus, a computer science club and PRSSA.”
Speaking from experience, as a public relations major, I have been an active member of PRSSA for the past three years. In that time, I went from a general member to the director of our student run public relations firm, Red Brick Communications, to now, when I was elected this spring as PRSSA’s international vice president of brand engagement. While PRSSA has a chapter at Waynesburg, like many other pre-professional organizations, it is international, with chapters across both North and South America. The opportunities presented by these clubs and organizations are available to every Waynesburg student, no matter the major or year.
“All of those organizations can really help students build the kind of skills that they need to be successful in their careers right out of college or in internships,” Pete said. “We really always encourage students to take advantage of their time here both academically and with our career preparation resources.”
For more information about student activities and organizations, contact Pat Bristor at pbristor@waynesburg.edu.
Explore Campus Life
Leave your fingerprint on our campus on the hill, a place inspired by growth and connection.
About the Pathways Center
Located in Eberly Library, the Pathways Center is an initiative to provide comprehensive student support services including Tutoring, Mentoring, Disability Services, Student Success Services, Career Development, Vocational Exploration, Student Referrals (MUM), Student Work Study, Library Services, the Writing Center, the Act 101 Educational Enrichment Program, and more.
