The Student Involvement Center encourages student involvement and helps students find avenues of involvement that align to their goals and interests. Research shows that students who are involved in student organizations are more satisfied with their college experience, are more likely to graduate, and obtain the interpersonal and leaderships skills needed for future employment. In support of this, we invite all students to attend the annual Involvement Week, from August 29 through September 2. There are more than 400 student organizations at Georgia Tech and Student Involvement Week offers students an opportunity to digest the variety of organizations available to them. The schedule this year is:

August 29 - Recreation, Leisure, Sports Clubs, Performance, Production

August 30 - President Peterson’s Institute Address and Opening of the Clough Commons

August 31 - Honor Societies, Departmental, Professional, Educational, Political, Governing Boards, Student Media, Fraternities and Sororities

September 1 - Volunteer Fair, Service Organizations and Community Agencies

September 2 - Religious, Spiritual, Cultural, and Diversity Organizations

In order to best navigate this week, students should prepare by asking themselves the following questions:

What activities, causes, or organizations is he/she already interested in?

What skills or abilities does he/she want to improve or learn?

How much time is he/she willing to commit?

Who does he/she want to meet?

Then they should ask those questions of the organizations to determine if they are the right fit. Many organizations will have new member meetings where anyone is invited to attend. We encourage students to attend these new member meetings and see if the organization is something of interest. Often, those meetings will give them more information in order to make good decisions. Most organizations don’t ask for a financial commitment by paying dues until the second week of membership, so they have time to make their decisions. They should also do some research ahead of time. All organizations and contact information are listed at www.jacketpages.gatech.edu. Staff members and student leaders in the Student Involvement Center are also available to advise and inform students of all the options that match their goals and interests.

We hope that you will encourage your student to attend Involvement Week, try out a new organization, and make sure they get involved in at least one organization or Georgia Tech activity. These experiences will be the ones they reflect on for years to come and the skills they develop will benefit them throughout their life.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Involvement website, at www.involvement.gatech.edu.