The Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement encourages student involvement in co-curricular activities and provides support to help students find avenues of involvement that align with their goals and interests. Research shows that students who are involved in student organizations and engage in campus life are more satisfied with their college experience, are more likely to graduate, and have opportunities to develop the interpersonal and leadership skills needed for future employment. To help students get connected with the variety of opportunities at Tech, we invite all students to attend the annual Involvement Week (“iWeek”), Aug. 26-30. There are more than 450 student organizations at Georgia Tech, and iWeek is an excellent opportunity for students to explore the wide range of organizations available to them.

Here is this year’s schedule:

• Monday, Aug. 26 (Tech Walkway, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) – Recreation, Leisure, Sports Clubs, Performance, Production
• Tuesday, Aug. 27 – President Peterson’s Institute Address and Open House for the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement (Student Center Commons, Room 2211)
• Wednesday, Aug. 28 (Tech Walkway, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) – Honor Societies, Departmental, Professional, Educational, Political, Governing Boards, Student Media, Fraternities and Sororities
• Thursday, Aug. 29 (Tech Walkway, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) – Volunteer Fair with Service-based Student Organizations and Atlanta-based Community Agencies
• Friday, Aug. 30 (Tech Walkway, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) – Religious, Spiritual, Cultural, and Diversity Organizations

To navigate this week most effectively, students should prepare by reflecting on the following questions:

• What are your interests? (i.e., activities, causes, or organizations)
• What skills or abilities do you want to improve or to learn?
• How much time can you commit or are you willing to commit?
• Who do you want to meet through your involvement experiences?

By asking these questions of themselves and then of organizations they may be interested in, students will begin to determine which activities are an appropriate fit. Many organizations will have new member meetings where anyone is invited to attend. We encourage students to attend these meetings, which often will provide more information about the organization and its expectations. Most organizations will not ask for a financial commitment (membership dues) until the second week of membership, so students have time to make their decisions. Students are also encouraged to do some research ahead of time. All student organizations, along with contact information, are listed at www.jacketpages.gatech.edu. Staff and student leaders in the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement are also available to inform and advise students about options that match their goals and interests.

We hope you will encourage your student to attend Involvement Week, try out a new organization, and get involved in at least one activity. These are the experiences they will reflect upon for years to come, and the skills they develop from their involvement will benefit them throughout their life.

For more information about Involvement Week, please contact Kelly Cross, Student Organizations and Leadership Coordinator in the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement, at kelly.cross@vpss.gatech.edu and visit leadandengage.gatech.edu.