As the Director of Student Life, I witness firsthand the remarkable learning that unfolds across campus, without ever setting foot in an academic class.

Getting involved on campus isn’t just “extra.” It is a core element of the RMC student experience and co-curricular life. Through clubs, organizations, and the events they put on, you can be in community with people who share your passions and interests. They are avenues to find belonging, nurture your interests, develop as a leader, forge positive change, and practice your soft skills (much more on that topic in another blog to come). And of course, they are a whole lot of fun!

Below are some tips to find out what is going on at Randolph-Macon, and to make the most of the opportunities to be part of it.

1. Plug In to Clubs and Organizations

At the start of the school year, there are always several opportunities to plug in and get engaged on campus. The Activities Carnival is our premier annual event for involvement, with dozens of tables around Fountain Plaza that can help you learn more about the numerous clubs and organizations on campus and the student leaders who run them.

In fact, prior to the Activities Carnival specifically, I recommend students look up organizations on the BUZZ. With nearly 100 organizations, it can be overwhelming to go to the event with no prior knowledge or ideas. Identify the ones you really want to connect with and seek them out to take full advantage of the event.

At all times of year, the BUZZ is the digital center of student engagement at RMC. You can find a full list of student organizations and a robust calendar that goes with it. The BUZZ companion app—called Corq—helps student orgs and campus offices communicate the plethora of opportunities available on a mobile-friendly platform. You can download the app in the Apple or Google Play App Store.

2. Start Something New

If you don’t see a club or organization that aligns with your interests or passions, start one that does! New student clubs and organizations are constantly being established. The recognition process for new student organizations is outlined online. Also, please reach out to staff in the Student Engagement Center if you have any questions, and we will help you get started.

3. Be Intentional

As you are thinking about how and where to get involved on campus, I encourage you to embrace depth over breadth. While we absolutely encourage involvement, don’t join every organization. The most meaningful and formative experiences are when you can lean into a few clubs, organizations, and passions that matter most to you and do them with purpose and intent. If you were to join everything on a minimal level, you wouldn’t have as rich opportunities to immerse yourself in leadership experiences and experiential learning.

Time is the most valuable resource we have, so be deliberate about how you spend it! Consider some questions:

• Does this activity/organization bring me joy?
• Does this activity/organization align with my interests/passions/goals?
• Do I feel like I am growing and learning by being involved?
• Are there opportunities for me to develop as a leader?

Also remember, leadership is a practice, not a position. You don’t need a title or position in an organization to be engaged. Being a member is important too and you can still be a student leader without a title.

4. See What’s On the Calendar

One of the first steps in getting involved is simply showing up. There are easily accessible calendars online where you can find events:

• College Website – The public calendar on the College’s website integrates all events open to the campus community, including artistic productions, athletic contests, lectures, and student events. Filters on the website allow you to refine your perusing to see specific types of activities and functions as well.
• The BUZZ – A student organization-focused calendar is on the BUZZ/Corq for you to zero in and see events that might be private to the campus or club members only.

In addition to calendar resources, be sure you make note of the numerous (free!) activities and programs available on a regular basis:

• Campus Programs and Events – Student programming boards like the Commons Activities Board and the Multicultural Programming Board provide student-centered events throughout each semester that should always be on your radar for something fun to do.
• Weekend Activities – Nearly every weekend during the semester, there are both “Fridays After Five” special events on Friday evenings and “Late Night Brock” programs on Saturday nights from 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. in Brock Commons with food and fun.
• Outdoor Leadership – Additionally, on weekends during each semester there are outdoor adventures across Virginia. Students can sign up on the BUZZ for various adventures, including rock climbing, hiking, apple picking, horseback riding, rafting, and more!
• Intramurals – Our student-led Intramurals program is open to all students on campus and provides valuable leadership opportunities as well. Check out the Intramurals website to see the 19 sports offered throughout the year and how to sign up.
• Service and Community Engagement – Students at RMC actively participate in service events, volunteering, and service-learning to build connections and drive positive change, reflecting our community’s commitment to social progress. The SERVE Committee offers several events and opportunities, including our biannual campus days of service with The Big Event each fall and Macon a Difference Day each spring.

5. Visit the Student Engagement Center

The Student Engagement Center (or SEC), located on the second floor of Brock Commons, is your one-stop shop for all things co-curricular life. The SEC is a broad office encompassing areas, services, and programs that encourage student growth and development, student governance, cultural competency, and innovative student engagement opportunities. You’ll find staff there who oversee Student Life, Residence Life, Inclusive Engagement, Community Service, Outdoor Leadership, Esports, as well as our awesome Chaplain.

Students are always welcome to stop by and enjoy the space. There are comfortable places to hang out in the SEC, as well as a myriad of supplies and resources for clubs and organizations to work on initiatives or upcoming events.

Our staff is also here to support your engagement. The easiest way to meet with a staff member is typically to schedule a meeting online. You may email the staff in the Student Engagement Center as well at any time.

Involvement at Randolph-Macon College is more than just participating in activities; it is a fundamental component of your college experience and engagement that contributes to your personal growth and development. The opportunities available on campus allow you to connect with others, explore passions, practice leadership, and learn skills that will serve you well at RMC and beyond. Whether you’re joining a club, attending an event, or starting a new organization, the key is to engage with intention and purpose. By leaning into the opportunities that resonate most with you, you’ll create a more fulfilling and enjoyable college experience. So, plug in, explore the opportunities for engagement around you, and make the most of everything RMC has to offer!