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 will 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”), August 26 - September 1. 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:

Sunday, August 26 (Student Center, 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.) – iNight – an interactive event featuring many of Tech’s student organizations through live performances, service projects, and exhibitions

Monday, August 27 (Tech Walkway, 11:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m.) – Recreation, Leisure, Sports Clubs, Performance, Production

Tuesday, August 28 (Student Center Commons, Room 2211) -  Open House for the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement

Wednesday, August 29 (Tech Walkway, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) – Honor Societies, Departmental, Professional, Educational, Political, Governing Boards, Student Media, Fraternities and Sororities

Thursday, August 30 (Tech Walkway, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) – Volunteer Fair with Service-based Student Organizations and Atlanta Based Community Agencies

Friday, September 1 (Tech Walkway, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) – Religious, Spiritual, Cultural, and Diversity Organizations

In order to navigate this week most effectively, we encourage students to 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 asking them of the different organizations, students will begin to determine which organizations and involvement activities are an appropriate fit for them.  Many organizations will have new member meetings where anyone is invited to attend. We encourage students to attend these new member meetings to further explore if the organization is of interest. Often, these meetings will provide more information about the organization and its expectations, which will inform the students’ understanding of membership in that group. Most organizations will not ask for a financial commitment by paying 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 and contact information are listed at www.jacketpages.gatech.edu. Staff members and student leaders in the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement are also available to inform and advise students about the options that match their goals and interests.

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