13 Ways to Get Involved at McKendree

College is one of the best times to try new things. When you participate in activities on campus, you’ll have the opportunity to make friends, gain leadership skills, build your resume, explore your interests, and much more! We’ve included 13 tips on how you can use your gifts and interests to get involved on campus.

Join or Start a Club

If you're looking to join a group of like-minded people, a great way to do that is to join a club. Whether it's a departmental organization or a special interest group, there is something for nearly everyone; however, you may also create a new club. If you're interested in doing so, please take a look at this link.

Join a Sorority or Fraternity

If you're someone who likes the idea of spending time with other students who dedicate themselves and work toward a shared goal, Greek life may be right for you. Joining a sorority or fraternity can allow you to gain new skills or sharpen ones you already had through leadership opportunities, as well as through other members outside your major. As a Greek life member, you'll devote your time and energy to philanthropy and volunteering. You will also create life-long connections with not only fellow members but also alumni who may be willing to give advice or help you toward your career goals. More information regarding McKendree's Greek life can be found here.

Participate in Student Government Association

If you're looking to provide input on McKendree's internal policies, you should join Student Government Association (SGA). As an SGA member, you can make the McKendree campus a better place that promotes academic excellence and life-long learning.

Join Residence Life

If you're a student living on campus, you may want to consider joining the Residence Hall Association (RHA), an organization where student representatives work together to improve campus life and create a sense of community on campus. RHA provides many leadership opportunities for its members and allows them to give input on the various events they put on.

Become a Tutor

If you're an upperclassman who has excelled in classes and would like to help others do the same, you may want to consider being a tutor. McKendree's Tutoring Services, housed within the Student Success and Advising Center in Clark Hall's lower level, hires tutors each semester.

Join McKendree's Media

If you're interested in content writing, podcasting, or editing, you should consider joining any of McKendree's media: The McKendree Review, McK Radio, or Catalyst Literary and Art Magazine. On the McKendree Review, you can write and edit exciting content for the school's newspaper. Through McK Radio, you can make your voice heard by participating in McKendree's podcasts. As an editor of Catalyst, you can edit creative pieces submitted by undergraduate students as well as edit its website.

Join the Speech & Debate Team

If you're a student looking for an academic club that's both challenging and competitive in nature, McKendree's nationally-ranked Speech & Debate Team is something to look into. Whether you're seeking to learn new things such as the art of persuasion, communication skills, critical thinking, and research techniques or looking to hone previous ones, McKendree's Speech & Debate team is definitely worth considering.

Join a Religious and Faith-Based Organization

If you're wanting to surround yourself with people who have similar beliefs or deepen your faith, joining a religious and faith-based organization can connect you to a community that will welcome you with open arms no matter your religious status.

Participate in Research

If you hope to become better prepared for graduate school, conducting research can help you achieve some great experience. Having research under your belt can also allow you to contribute valuable knowledge to the world. You can even do this by publishing in Scholars: The McKendree University Journal of Undergraduate Research.

Get an Internship on Campus

If you’re interested in an internship on campus, McKendree University’s internship program provides students with the opportunity to participate in a program that complements traditional school work with professional experience. Done through Career Services, more information about internships can be found here.

Participate in Intramural Sports

If you're someone interested in playing sports at the non-intercollegiate level, students at McKendree are welcome to form their own teams and participate in intramural sports such as sand volleyball, court volleyball, flag football, or basketball. For more information regarding McKendree's intramural sports, visit this link.

Support the McKendree Bearcats

If you wish to go to home athletic events at McKendree to support your fellow Bearcats, you are encouraged to attend home games for free with your school ID. Another way to support the Bearcat Athletics is to become a member of Team Bogey, the official McKendree Bearcats Fan Club, where you can work with other students to hype up crowds and promote school spirit.

Attend Events at the Hett

If you're interested in seeing captivating performances and inspiring lectures, look no further than the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University. Here, you'll find a plethora of exciting events anyone can enjoy.

College is what you make of it, Bearcats. Choosing to get involved on campus will enrich your college experience and will provide you with many benefits. To find out more information about how to get involved at McKendree, please follow this link.