By Shannon O’Brien/reporter

New chapters in life can seem difficult, but student activities staff said they want to make the transition a little easier.

Aside from being some of the first faces to see at TCC, student activities handles new student orientations, club fests, the student government associations and organizations that students can get involved in based on the things they like.

“We help with student development through getting them engaged with campus activities and student organizations,” South student development associate Amanda Sims said. “Our center really engages with the specific degrees that are offered on our campus so we partner with the gaming and animation department a lot.”

Each campus’ student activities office has a variety of different clubs to choose from or students are always welcome to start their own as long as they meet the necessary qualifications. A faculty sponsor, five people who want to join and a constitution are needed to establish a club before it can be reviewed and approved.

“We have about 30 student organizations that students can get involved in,” said Kelsey Bratcher, TR student activities coordinator. “Anything from honors societies to foodies, gamers and our newest student organization called ARTSpace where they learn about art and art appreciation.”

The student government association works as a liaison between the student population and the administration. Elections for these positions are held at the end of every spring, and any student can apply to run for any position.

“Half of the events held on campuses are hosted by student activities,” SE student development coordinator Carla Hernandez said. “A lot of departments have their own events, but we do support all the events that are held. Sometimes, we just may not organize them.”

Student activities gives students the chance to network, get involved in the community and meet fellow students with similar interests by hosting events around campus. Club fests, holiday events and back-to-school events are organized under student activities, and staff said they work hard at keeping the students unified at school.

“For fall, we have club fests coming up, Northwest Fest on the 29th of August,” NW student development coordinator Hannah Searsy said. “We also have navigators where we have a bunch of different people around the campus who give students directions. We give out snacks, drinks and maps for the first few days to make sure everyone can find their way around.”

For more information on events, clubs, student government association and new student orientation, visit any campus student activities office.