Student organizations come out to gain members

Students gathered on Gilmer Street and in Hurt Park to attend the annual Organizational Fair sponsored by the Office of Student Activities. The event began at 11:30 and ended at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 31.

120 organizations had tables set up with information for those interested in joining. Included in the 120 were the Catholic Students Association, the Georgia State Crew team, the Wakeboarding club, Intervarsity Organization and many more. There was also free cotton candy, which was a main draw for senior Andrew Martin.

"I am looking for intramurals, something with not a heavy commitment," Martin said. "The Rec Center has a ton of things here."

Martin did get his cotton candy and some information about activities he can participate in before he graduates. For junior finance major Elizabeth Greene, the fair had only recreational activities and philanthropy, not really want she were looking for.

"I noticed that what I wanted wasn't really present," Greene said. "I would have liked to see more academic clubs. I only see things like wakeboarding and philanthropy."

Both Martin and Greene said the fair seemed beneficial for underclassmen or transfer students looking to get involved. According to Greene, she had to hear about the event by word of mouth. According to sophomore Eric Reynolds of the Office of Student Activities, each organization or club at Georgia State is e-mailed and if they are able to participate, they respond.

According to Ebony Rose, the Student Organizations Advisor, this year's fair was a huge increase from last fall's, when only 92 organizations were able to participate. She attributes this growth to the new location because the school was able to use Hurt Park as well as Gilmer Street, so more organizations were able to participate.

The Office of Student Activities sponsors and organizational fair every fall and are planning to host one in the spring. For more information about clubs at Georgia State, visit the Rec Center website http://www.gsu.edu/recreation/, or visit the Office of Student Organizations in the Student Center.