Uncovering the Hidden Life on Campus

by Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

 

Ivy covered walls and lush green lawns, weekend football games, and all-night study groups—this is the stereotypical college image that excites students across the country.  Yet, as some students choose to attend two-year rather than four-year colleges, they are disappointed when they face what they think is an incomplete picture. 

Two-year colleges aren’t known for their campus social life, and they’re often labeled as “commuter colleges.”  Why aren’t community colleges offering the social element that their students want?  They are; it’s the students who aren’t making the most of it.   

            Students, not the college, create the image of commuter campuses.  However, steps can be taken towards becoming proactive in the college community.

           

1.  Find out what’s offered.

            Somewhere in John’s English class he was given a flyer for a poetry reading, and he heard his science professor talking about an environmental club, but other than that his community college seems to be all work and no play.  Sound familiar? 

 

            While John’s impression of his college is that of a misinformed student, he’s not alone.  In a teacher survey of a select group of students at Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, PA, students were asked to list organizations on campus.  Of the twenty-four student organizations present, students could list no more than three. 

The first step towards becoming a socially active student is to do some exploring.  Many students aren’t aware of what is offered on campuses.  In the long run this can lead to the degeneration of certain clubs and lead to a campus that truly is devoid of social activities.  Surf the web site, read the posters, and ask a professor or advisor what is offered on campus. 

 

2.  Stay and Play. 

Class is over and Tanya and her classmates head to their cars.  As she walks to the parking lot it occurs to Tanya that she only knows the names of a handful of them.  “Is this really what I expected from college?” she asks herself.

 

A problem with community colleges is that when classes are over, students go home.  Be proactive and break this habit by spending time on campus outside of class.  Eating in the cafeteria or relaxing in the student lounge is a great way to get to know classmates.  Social students feel that they’re a part of the college community, bolstering esteem and success levels.  

According to the Massachusetts Bay College, “Research has shown that involved students report feeling more connected to the campus.... By being a part of their college... students feel much more proud of their time in college.”

 

3.  Branch out. 

            Tyrae is searching for a campus club that interests him.  Many of his friends are involved in the college chapter of the Lions Club, but Tyrae never heard of it before college.  His neighbor tells him that the group does charitable work, but Tyrae doesn’t want to spend his weekends collecting soup cans.  Still, what would lure so many students to the club?  

 

College is a time to open the mind to new things, and social activities are just that.  Just because he never took part in the Lions Club in high school doesn’t mean it won’t interest Tyrae now.  It may not be all food collections and fund raisers.  The best way to find out exactly what’s involved in the club is to attend a meeting. 

Tyrae should attend a meeting or two with the premise that he’s “testing” the new club.  By letting the club members know that he wants to attend a meeting and see what’s involved in the club before he makes a commitment to it, all will respect his decision whether or not to join.

 

4.  Be a Contributor.

It didn’t take long to see that the college cheerleading squad wasn’t as competitive as the one Janelle had been on in high school.  There are no competitions and the routines show few gymnastic stunts.  “Is it even worth the time spent at practice?” she wonders. 

 

Instead of packing her gym bag and heading for the car, Janelle needs to find a way to help raise the team a level.  Are team funds tight?  She could help to organize a car wash to raise money for some gymnastics mats. 

Likewise, if the student government isn’t much more than titles and meetings, be the student who makes the suggestions for a more active government and takes an active role in implementing them.

 

5.  Don’t Overdo It

            The new student seems to have found the perfect balance.  Is there still one more piece of advice towards getting the most out of the campus?  Yes.  Don’t over-extend.   

The new and the seasoned collegiate needs to know his limits and budget his time wisely.  Remember, the purpose of college is academic growth not social endeavors.  It is difficult to balance studies, home life, and a position on a collegiate sports team.  Likewise, don’t plan to spend every evening in the student union if an unfinished psychology paper sits at home. 

Miguel Acevedo, a student and member of the basketball team at Lehigh Carbon Community College, explains, “If you’re not playing a game you have practice, when you don’t have practice you have work, and if you don’t have work then you have school work.” 

Acevedo found balance between his school, work, and basketball schedules.  “The way I was able to stay away from the craziness was to do my school work as soon as it was assigned.  I never procrastinated on anything during the season.”

Like his studies, the new student must make a calendar of his obligations and be sure not to overextend himself.  Balance is everything.