The start of the new academic year means the start of Kirkwood Community College club meetings.
Clubs offer a wide range of benefits to meet both personal and academic goals. Membership allows students to participate in activities they already enjoy or new activities they want to try.
Student Life coordinator Emily Grace said students looking for a club should check out the college’s website for clubs at kirkwood.edu/clubs. She said it is the quickest way to see the general interest and academic clubs available. There is also a club fair on Sept. 25 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Iowa Hall where students are invited to learn more about clubs and meet members.
Grace said if students review the list of active clubs and have an idea for a new club, they can talk with her about their idea. She added that she wants to be able to help and break down any barriers that might be in the way.
Giving the “how to” on the requirements of starting a club, Grace said all it takes is one student to speak up and from there she can provide the required next steps. A new club needs at least five students to start. Once started, the key to clubs is consistency.
“It takes a lot of caffeine and a passion for what you love,” said Jacob Imhoff, digital arts, about staying consistent with Kirkwood Student Productions, one of the many campus clubs.
The Student Life Annual Report shows there are 1,482 students who were involved in either a club, organization or team. And at least 47% of the student body attended at least one event.
Club membership also benefits students’ GPA, according to data from the Student Life Report. “We always joked saying students who participate in clubs do better in school but now we actually have the data to prove it,” said Grace.
Kirkwood students have an average GPA of 2.72. However, students who are involved in a club have an average GPA of 3.14.
Categories: Club Corner, Feature
