COMMENTARY: Students need to take the plunge to ‘Get Involved’ on campus

Many students who attend the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) live locally, so it is easy for them to commute back and forth between home and campus or work and campus. In fact, in 1971, UHCL was created for NASA employees at Johnson Space Center to be able to do just that. For more than 40 years, UHCL existed as an upper-level institution.

In 2014, UHCL became a four-year university. In 2019, the first residence hall opened on campus. UHCL will continue to serve the needs of returning students already established in careers. However, UHCL is also home now to students who will benefit from a more traditional college experience, which includes getting involved on campus.

UHCL strives for diversity, which means students will have different backgrounds and different demands. Most students have jobs outside of school, some have children and almost all have some kind of other commitments. UHCL students who get involved on campus are more likely to find someone to connect with than those who do not engage in extracurricular activities.

Students cannot get the full college experience without taking the initiative to step out of their comfort zones. Getting involved in college is one of the most rewarding things a college student can do.

Academics are important and a study performed by the U.S. Department of Education states that, “students who participate in extracurricular activities are three times more likely to have a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher.”

Getting involved on campus enhances community engagement and collaboration, communication, leadership, diversity, professional development, personal growth and integrity.

Students should get involved on campus because it allows them to stay connected to their peers, faculty, staff and administrators.

Students should also get involved around campus because it is a way to create a consistent routine, stay disciplined and stay active. It is a way for students to find their passions and to create friendships that will last a lifetime.

UHCL hosts weekly traditions such as Blue and Green Wednesdays and also annual traditions such as the annual Chili Cook-Off, Spirit Week, I Heart UHCL Day and the Lighting of the Letters as well as many other events throughout the year.

Joining student organizations is another good way for students to build connections. Students can join organizations that coincide with their personal interests or align with their fields of study.

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (OSIL) lists 115 student organizations on campus. If students do not find any existing organizations enticing, they are able to create their own.

There are also student employment opportunities on campus. There are many on-campus jobs that students can apply for using Jobs4Hawks. Working on campus is a great way for students to generate references as well as learn valuable job skills.

There are also leadership opportunities on campus, such as joining The Student Government Association (SGA), Campus Activities Board (CAB), or becoming an orientation leader or student ambassador. It is important to note that potential employers look for leadership and team building experiences.

There is also on-campus housing. Options include the University Forest Apartments and Hunter Hall – the new residence hall located between SSCB and the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. Housing on-campus is a way for students to stay connected to campus life. Living on campus provides students with the resources needed to enhance their overall college experience.

Also, if students want to focus on their health, fitness and overall well-being, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is a place students should check out. The Rec Center is also a good place to socialize on campus.

Extracurricular activities can equip students with the skills needed for careers. These skills include: leadership, teamwork, time management, communication, interviewing and office environment flexibility.

Student engagement not only leads to academic success, but it also leads to post-college success. A 2010 Boston University survey and 2008 NACE survey found that extracurricular activities listed on resumes resulted in a 31% higher salary, 53% job offer by graduation and 75% preferred in hiring.