Clubs at Olympic College are popular for students this year, and many students are showing their creativity by starting several new ones as the school year kicks into full swing.
The Associated Students of OC helps students get clubs started, and the success of last years campaign is carrying over into this year.
Last year there were several clubs at OC, and Toni Hartsfield, the director of Student Programs and Leadership Development, expects to see the same number this year.
“Last year we had over 30 clubs with several different objectives, and this year I’m optimistic we’ll have the same amount,” said Hartsfield. “There are lots of returning students from last year’s clubs.”
With returning students from last year, various clubs have already applied to be chartered again, including the International Student Club, Math and Engineering, Sideout volleyball and the Rotaract, which helps support the local food bank.
Many others are in the process of becoming chartered for the first time as well. New clubs gaining popularity include a strategy club, focusing on mind challenging games like chess, and disc golf, a game with Frisbee-like discs that people shoot at and try to make in metal chained nets over an 18 -hole course.
“Students are coming up with great, new ideas which hopefully will gain a lot of participation from our students soon,” said Hartsfield.
Starting a club may seem like a tough obstacle to tackle, but the most difficult task simply lies in deciding what activity may spark student interest.
“It’s very easy to get a club going,” said Hartsfield. “All a student needs to do is get a club charter request form, fill it out, talk to an ASOC adviser and get a faculty member to be their club adviser.”
Funding for approved clubs is available through the ASOC.
“Approximately $14,000 is distributed to our clubs on a first-come, first-served basis,” said Hartsfield. “Each club gets $50 per quarter, and student activity fees help fund all our programs.”
Himesh Bhargo, the ASOC vice president of judicial affairs, also helps coordinate the club efforts and direct funding, making it much easier for clubs to function and stay successful.
The first club fair of the year is scheduled for Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. in the Bremer Student Center.
If anyone is interested in starting a club or applying for a charter, contact the ASOC, Toni Hartsfield or go onto the OC Web site.
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