Making College Happen Outside the Classroom

Published: January 13, 2015 | Author: Jessica Young | Read Time: 2 minutes

To get your degree you must go to class, but to thoroughly enjoy your college experience, you have to get out of the classroom. Much of college learning happens outside the classroom and majority of memories happen outside a textbook, to that end, Southern Utah University offers endless opportunities for you to get involved.

With opportunities with the 150 plus clubs or the sponsored SUU Student Association events, all T-Birds are given a chance to get out of the classroom and to graduate with more than a degree.

Kaleigh Waymont, vice president of SUUSA activities, argued that students who “participate in events or clubs allows them to connect with other’s they wouldn’t typically and gives them a break from their studies.”

But with deadlines and test dates looming, why should you get involved outside the classroom? Here are four reasons why you should begin diversifying your weekly schedules:

1. It allows you to become connected to your school: This college campus is full of resources, but it’s on you seek them out. The more you involve yourself with different clubs, groups, engagement centers the more you are aware of the opportunities you can take part in. Such as, did you know that the Outdoor Center offers free excursions to nearby canyons, mountains and trails? It’s these types of resources that can change your college experience.
2. It helps you build a community: Now that you’re in college you have most likely left behind friends and family, getting involved on campus allows you to create a new one. Participating in the Hip Hop Club or the soccer club will connect you with other students with similar interests.
3. It allows you to discover your passions and strengths: Going to class increases the knowledge you have on a subject, but getting involved allows you to explore your passions or discover new strengths. Studying music but have an interest in politics? Connecting with the Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and could become one of the most rewarding experiences in college.
4. It’s a résumé builder: Every college graduate has a degree, but what you did outside the classroom is what will truly set you a part when competing for internships and careers. Did you organize a campus fair? Lead a community food drive? It’s involvement like this that creates marketable talents all graduates need.

Photo: The semi-annual Casino Night hosted by SUUSA.

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